Questions to ask yourself when determining whether or not a SQL Server Administration certification is right for you.

1. SQL Server
Administration: To
Certify or Not to Certify?
SQL Server DBA Professionals

2. That is the question…
The recent move by Microsoft to drop its three top
masters certifications (Microsoft Certified Masters
(MCM), Microsoft Certified Solutions Master
(IMCSM), and Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
has us wondering if a certification program is even
worth it.
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3. Is it worth it?
As a DBA, your opinion can vary wildly based on
factors including your organization and where you
are in your career path.
Some see it as a mark of overall quality and
aspiration – quickly announcing your
training, expertise, and heroic personal exploits in
SQL Server administration.
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4. Entry-level thoughts
For many entry-level or government roles a
degree plus the right certifications are a
prerequisite for even being considered.
In this case, there is a certain value to those who
are untested in the deep waters of a particular
organization.
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5. Veteran thoughts
Some companies require additional certification
for veteran team members – and may pack you off
to class on their time and dime.
In this case, it is best to get the certification, make
your employer happy, and move on with life in the
real world of SQL Server Administration.
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6. Book smarts aren’t enough
Many DBAs truly thrive through a mix of on-thejob trial-by-fire, personal trial and error, and
formal training.
Entering their career through other
doors, disciplines, and accidentally becoming
DBAs.
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7. Book smarts aren’t enough
In this case, certifications often meant less than
the ability to solve problems in their
environment, master relevant SQL Server
tools, and prove they could keep things running
smoothly.
From this perspective, if you can answer questions
that weren’t on the test, you are an asset, period.
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8. Three questions to ask yourself:
1. Is my employer making me?
• Then the answer is “Yes, I would be happy to earn additional
certification!"
2. Is this going to significantly improve skills I
need to enhance performance in my current
position and keep me out of trouble?
3. Is this certification a passkey to an entry level
position or a coveted horizontal or vertical
career move?
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9. What’s your take?
We would love to hear from DBAs (and those
hoping to be DBAs some day) –
What kinds of certifications are you
considering, and why?
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