Patrick is a reformed developer who discovered SQL Server when Access and Excel became too limiting. He is currently employed as Senior SQL Server DBA at Link Market Services Limited His first exposure to SQL Server was using version 7.0 as a Visual Basic 6 programmer but only became a full-time...

As Jimmy May (@aspiringgeek) alluded to yesterday there is big news in the MCM / MCSM world for SQL Server. In the early days (i.e. when I went through the SQL Ranger program) there was on campus, required training in order to obtain the MCM certification. At some point in the distant past, the...

Testing has started at SQL PASS Summit 2012 #sqlpass (yesterday in fact) and is well attended. Between individuals taking the exam, attendees asking, and social media comments I thought it was time to clear up a few misconceptions about the MCM Qualification Lab Exam (88-971) When I manually proctor...

Please stop by the Certification Testing area, Microsoft Learning area, or the #SQLFamily Birds of a Feather luncheon. See you at the Summit!

We had a delay (too many moving parts, I'm afraid) with the scheduling process for MCM exams to be taken at SQL PASS Summit 2012. The 88-970 (SQL Server 2008 MCM Knowledge Exam) can now be scheduled directly via Prometric websit. Please use test center MC60. This is SQL PASS Summit. The 88-971...

All current SQL 2008 MCMs to receive MCSM: Data Platform certification (Grandfathering) The implementation of this policy will allow MCMs to hold both an MCM and an MCSM – it will be an additional certification and will not replace the current certification on their transcripts or elsewhere...

I have had numerous questions regarding the process so I will try and clarify... If you are taking MCSA or MCSE exams (70-461, 462,463, 464,465, 466,or 467) you will register at Prometric and use a special testing center... As soon as this setup has been complete by Prometric I will notify everyone...

Thanks to everyone who tried contacting us via the GetCert@microsoft.com .There was an initial problem with the alias which should have been corrected. We have had a lot of interest already, and will be closing the pre-registration process at the end of the day (PST) November 1st. If you are planning...

In a colloborative effort between Microsoft Learning IT, SQL Server Marketing, SQL PASS, and Advanced Certifications we will have a testing center, exam cram, and study hall at SQL PASS 2012! The facilities will be open for both pre-con days as well as during the entire conference. I have a limited...