Are there any SQL certifications geared towards analyst level work, not development?

N2IT

I took the SQL developer certification and it was a little to much for me to handle. I could ramp up but I am thinking why be someone you aren't or don't need. I am looking for an SQL certification that is entry level, but indepth enough to show I can use SQL to create all sorts of queries and know the fundlementals of relational databases.

All I can think of now is Access and that doesn't really talk to much about SQL, infact is uses ANSI 86 not 92 like most SQL database management systems.

Thoughts? Maybe I am SOL

ptilsen

MCSA: SQL Server 2012, especially the first exam, 70-461, are what you're really looking for from what I can tell.

N2IT

I found the 70-433 way to much for me to handle. I studied for only 3 weeks, but had some SQL 2008 developer knowledge and still bombed at 500+.

Nevermind just looked it up. That looks very promising.

Thanks PT serious rep for that!

aaronchristenson

Once the SQL 2012 exams are released you should take this one.

Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012

This would be a good entry level exam, not a developer exam but would help there also.

petedude

I wonder if maybe getting certified in reporting tools would help in this instance, e.g. Crystal Reports certification.

N2IT

Aaron thanks a lot! That is freaking perfect! About time they come out with one like this.

I mean honestly I don't markup my SQL with XML and 433 was all about XML.

I just saw XML in the description, hopefully it's a small percentage of the actual exam unlike 433.

@ Petedude

Do you know if you can get free trials of this application off hand? And if so is this something you can self lab? We have it in the environment but I would feel weird asking for access to learn how to report in Business Objects/Crystal Reports.

ptilsen

Aaron got the link to the correct test there. I inverted the 4 and 6 -- it's 461.

N2IT

Yeah it looks challenging but doable. The key point for me is it's not making me out to be something I am not or want to be.

Thanks again for the great information. I am actually excited about this exam, it synchs up with what I am trying to convey to my employee or future ones.

petedude

N2IT wrote: »

@ Petedude

Do you know if you can get free trials of this application off hand? And if so is this something you can self lab? We have it in the environment but I would feel weird asking for access to learn how to report in Business Objects/Crystal Reports.

There's academic versions of Crystal out there. I would just see if you can build a SQL server at the office on some old clunky machine, install an academic version of Crystal at your desk and plug away.

I understand the awkwardness bit, believe me. Some environments are politically or culturally that way; in others it's a matter of having licensing and/or security issues that would make it infeasible for them to provide you those capabilities.

N2IT

Pete building a SQL box is doable, I can download the student developer 2008 or 2012. The interesting part would be connecting the application to the data.

N2IT

FYI

Pre ordered the book for queries.

Looking at upgrading from 2008 express to 2012

N2IT

Yeah I went ahead and just ordered 2012 developer. I am hoping this has the reporting feature I am looking for. I can't wait to get SQL 2008 express off of my box.

N2IT

How has the transition been going so far?

crashdump

If you wish to learn a real database, then the 1Z0-047 "Oracle Database SQL Expert" exam is perfect for you. It's for analysts or entry level developers.

N2IT

Thanks for the heads up crash! Appreciate the suggestion.