- MS SQL Server Programming Certification - Matthew Keefe
Designed for experienced programmers, this free certification for MS SQL Server 2008 Programming is a non-Microsoft company offer. Evaluate the rationale for this timed, non-proctored test; including both the positives and negatives that can be attributed to it.
Microsoft Certifications and Job Pay or Salary Scales – 2010
First, evaluate the pay scales.
According to the TechRepublic 2010 IT Skills and Salary Report where mostly American and Canadian IT professionals were surveyed, the following are the mean salaries for those with Microsoft SQL Server and related certifications:
- MCSD/ Microsoft Certified Solution Developer/ 52 Respondents/ $101,256
- MCDBA/ Microsoft Certified Database Administrator/ 111 Respondents/ $96,865
- MCITP - Database Administrator/ 74 Respondents/ $88,510
- MCSE/ Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer/ 830 Respondents/ $86,454
- MCITP - Server Administrator/ 130 Respondents/ $86,232
- MCTS - SQL Server 2005/ 98 Respondents/ $84,141
- MCSA/ Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator/ 527 Respondents/ $76,337
Free MS SQL Server Programming Certification Test
Next, note that this free certification for MS SQL Server Programming is issued by a non-Microsoft company. The certifications listed above are for Microsoft-issued certifications.
Third, this exam is an excellent practice alternative prior to that official Microsoft certification.
Fourth, this test covers the following:
- Architecture
- Data Modification
- Performance and Optimization
- Tools
- Triggers
- Beyond Relational
- Database Design
- SQL Queries
- Transact-SQL
- User-Defined Functions
Proctored Versus Non-Proctored Certification Tests
Fifth, as a timed, non-proctored test, several critics question the validity of this certification. The possibility that examinees will get expert assistance during the test is often raised.
While such concern may be valid, any employer can always ask for a retake since this is an online exam. Employers can easily monitor and proctor the certification process.
Sixth, the test questions are administered at random from a comprehensive bank of questions designed by specialists. Therefore, any exam retake is always different from the previous although a few questions may be repeated as examinees practice frequently with this free certification.
Of course, repeat questions enable better retention of key concepts; thus as a practice exam, this makes good sense.
Seventh, proctored certifications as opposed to non-proctored ones are industry standard. The proctored certifications have greater credibility as these are administered under strict human supervision.
Next, so as not to compromise the integrity of a non-proctored certification holder, this type of certification should always have a clearly distinguishable Non-Proctored Certifications subheading or description in a resumé or curriculum vitae. Additionally, Brainbench, the company that provides this free certification also has other Microsoft certifications that are offered at $49.95 each including practice tests that cost a standard $25 per test.
Ninth, allegedly, Brainbench has: "...over 6 million members" and works "...with Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, EDS, Ford Motor Company, H&R Block, IBM, Interwoven, JPMorgan, Kaiser Permanente, Manpower, Prometric, SAIC, Siemens, TAC Worldwide, U.S. Government Agencies, Verizon, and Wells Fargo..." according to Mike Littman, its vice president for marketing.
Littman's claim is unverified.
Great Job Improvement Opportunity Now
Tenth, this free MS SQL Server Programming Certification exam is a limited-time, promotional offer.
Conclusively, Microsoft certifications lead to higher pay. While this certification is not Microsoft-provided, this is still a good way to practice and prepare for that official Microsoft exam. It has decent coverage of MS SQL Server Programming as well as it is a timed, online test that potential employers can even proctor.
Likewise, questions are administered at random from a comprehensive questions database; thus covering an acceptable breadth and depth. This certification can also be presented alongside proctored certifications with proper categorization. Brainbench appears to be a legitimate company and the only potential drawback of this certification is that it may no longer be available without prior notice.
With careful consideration of these points, decided exam takers should now take the MS SQL Server 2008 Programming free certification test.
Note: As of February 11, 2011, this certification test is no longer free. The website offers new free IT-related tests though.
Melvin Tandoc - Melvin currently works for the project management software company that makes 2-plan Desktop and 2-plan Team.
