Microsoft Certification : 70-229 SQL Server Test

[darth vador]

My next MS test will be the 70-229.
(Unless you're required to take the XML web services test first?)

I was going to start by buying this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078...lance&n=283155

But before I do, I'd like to get some opinions from anyone who has taken it as to what book I should get? This isn't a core requirement so I have no material for it the self paced kit I bought.

Also, I really want to take this test next as it would be more beneficial for me personally. I'd learn a lot as I study and I have a more immediate need to master SQL Server than I do XML web services.

[mendhak]

Depends. What's your experience like with administering SQL Server and using SQL in general?

[RobDog888]

When I took 70-029 there were questions on administering and optimizing SQL Server even though it was a Designing and Implementing Databases test.

[darth vador]

I'm not a beginner by any stretch, but I am fairly limited in my experience with SQL server. I've used SQL queries for years, but that was with a mySQL database using PHP. SQL really isn't the issue (thought I'm no expert) The issue is working with the security, etc... ( I think... )

What book(s) material(s) did you acquire to prepare for the test?

[mendhak]

The SQL Server exam was the only one I didn't study for because I considered my knowledge in it to be sufficient. A few people I know went for the study kit for it, and paid attention to the 'advanced' stuff like security, optimization, etc.