Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Certification Paths
Few months after the release of SQL Server 2012, Microsoft provided the pathway to gain label of an expert in SQL Server 2012. This is again a three-level certification-based career path, where you can give the exams to demonstrate your skills in designing, building, and maintaining the next wave of cloud-ready database and information solutions via SQL Server 2012.
A pictorial view of the entire pathway is given below:
Figure 1. SQL Server 2012 Certification Pathways (click on image for clearer view)
As a foundation, the Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA) certification can be achieved by passing the following three exams:
- 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
On the next level, there are two options for obtaining Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE) certification: Data Platform Solution Expert, and Business Intelligence Solution Expert.
The 'Data Platform' exams are:
- 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
- 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server 2012
The 'Business Intelligence' exams are:
- 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
The top level examinations for Microsoft Certified Solution Master (MCSM) has two exams:
Also, to upgrade from a Professional-level SQL Server 2008 certification to a Professional-level SQL Server 2012 certification, you must successfully pass three exams, rather than five. The details about the upgrade exams are also available at the respective exam links.
Additional Resources: