SQL server exams - 70-228/Transcender/prep time

Author

70-228/Transcender/prep time

Buzz Lightyear

2002-12-24, 12:36 pm

I am new to SQL Server, but intend on becoming proficient on it. To start, I have completed the reading and labs in the MS Press Training Kit. I am also working with the Transcender for this exam, along with the MS Press Readiness Review.

I am seeing a higher level of difficulty on the Readiness Review questions compared to the Transcender. Also, I am seeing very little TSQL based questions on the Transcender, unlike the Readiness Review.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what test tool is more like the actual exam? I valued Transcenders when earning my MCSE, but they seem almost too easy for this exam?

Any other thoughts about preping for this exam are appreciated. I hope to schedule the exam in mid January.

Bingram

2002-12-27, 7:35 am

I passed 70-228 two weeks ago and am working on 229 now. From what I saw, the 228 exam placed a lot of emphasis on the SQL language (duh!), the syntax in particular. I found the Transcender pack for this exam lacking in that regard.

Prior to my study run on 228, my experience on SQL was limited to installing it on client's servers and being guided, usually by telephone, by software techs through application and DB installation.

I used the MS Press training kit (mainly for the 120 day copy of SQL and the exercises), NetG SkillBuilder CBT (something my company provides), and a lot of hands on practice, as well as the Transcender mention above. Also used O'Reilly's "SQL in a Nutshell" for the real deal on SQL statement syntax.

As of my test time, results were still presented with a hard score. The exam was straight forward with very few suprises.

Buzz Lightyear

2002-12-27, 8:31 am

I appreciate the feedback. I also have access to the NetG for this exam, which helps. Looks like I need to work more with TSQL and the syntax with the MS Press Training Kit which I have. Thanks for confirming what the priorities are that I sensed about this exam as I began preping for it. Strange that Transcender would miss the point on this exam - they were right on with most other exams I used them for.

DivxGuy

2002-12-30, 2:15 am

I don't know how much has changed, but I found the Transcender exams to be invaluable in preparing for 70-228 (which I passed on the first try).

RD

2lazybutsmart

2002-12-30, 8:18 am

If you're new to the stuff, go for exam 229 and that's because it forms the base of SQL server knowledge (i.e. TSQL, DB Design, etc.). On the other hand, 228 puts the emphasis on the administration part of SQL Server. But hey, you can't administer SQL server before knowing the basic knowledge (I don't know if u'll be working with a teem of peers and one of the guys knows the designing and implementing stuff)

anywayz, that's that.

Regarding the preparation exams, I'd say go for Transcenders. Personally speaking, I've used them for all my exams except one, and believe it or not, I passed all of them except that one.

cheers,
2lazybutsmart

Bingram

2002-12-30, 11:27 am

I agree with you about taking 229 first. I am doing it the opposite way and finding out the hard way. I've spent about three weeks (really two if you subtract holidays) on the material for 229. Certainly stuff I needed to know for 228, and unfortunately was not included with the study guides or training kits.

As for Transcenders, my opinion of them has steadily gone downhill. If others prefer them over the other exam-drills out there, then I admit it must be a matter of preference. To me, their lawyers (who really write the stuff anyway) split too many hairs to produce a "legally" simulation of a MS exam that in the end the product is of limited value. Maybe on average the Transcender is about 80% on target. Problem is we are paying for 100%.

As I step back off the soap box, let me say again, MS should seriously look into more practical testing procedures such as labs or sims (like Cisco).

2lazybutsmart

2002-12-31, 2:01 am

quote:
Originally posted by Bingram
MS should seriously look into more practical testing procedures such as labs or sims (like Cisco).

Micro$oft doesn't give a $hit about what we know when we get their certs, they're after our money!.

There's blood in the water, Let's go get their money

luisjo

2002-12-31, 7:11 pm

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS, GOOD LUCK AND ADD MANY CERTS AS YOU CAN DURING 2003

DivxGuy

2002-12-31, 7:18 pm

No more certs for me, at least for a while. I need some reassurance, first, that they have some kind of employment-enhancing benefit in return for the effort and expense.

RD

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