Certified Database Specialist (CDS)

About the programme

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional in SQL Server 2005 are the premier and new generation of specialist certifications offered by Microsoft enabling candidates to target the SQL Server 2005 technology and demonstrate their expertise in this area.

Students enrolled on the programme will first study for and gain the CompTIA A+ certification, proving the candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies. The MCDST credential demonstrates that individuals have the skills to successfully support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

By earning the MCTS SQL Server 2005 certification, individuals will be able to demonstrate thorough knowledge of SQL Server 2005, how to implement and maintain databases and know how to explore the tools and interfaces. Students will also be provided with information on Windows Server 2003 with this module in order to gain knowledge on server components.

Earning the MCITP certification demonstrates that candidates are able to manage, maintain and recover an enterprise database solution 24/7 in an organisation. Database administrators will also be able to design and implement security and server automation of the SQL Server 2005 database, used by medium to large organisations.

The MCTS and MCITP SQL Server 2005 certification is ideal for individuals who wish to become:

• Database administrators
• Database developers
• Database analysts
• Business intelligence developers

Programme Delivery

The programme consists of eight study units allowing students to focus on working through specific areas in a logical order. The order of units will start from introductory standards and technologies, allowing the candidate to gain sufficient skills and knowledge before moving on to advanced units.

Each unit prepares students for specific exams by providing clear guidance on exam objectives through course materials, combined with support from qualified CompTIA and Microsoft trainers.

Students will receive course material for each unit with instructions on how to start the unit with recommendations on study tips. Each unit (except IT Fundamentals) has an accompanying classroom based workshop, which consists of hands-on exercises, discussions, exam preparation advice and the opportunity for students to resolve any difficulties they have encountered while studying.

In order to maintain an efficient flow of information and to ensure effective support can be offered, tests and mock exams are sent to students at key stages throughout the programme. Assessments are also provided to students while studying so they can test their understanding of the course content and assess their readiness for the exam.

Programme Materials

Upon starting each unit, each student will be provided with comprehensive study materials for that unit in the form of manuals, guides and CD-ROM. Study manuals following the official exam objectives will be provided with testing software to assess your level of knowledge and readiness for the exam. Study companions will instruct students on how to study for that unit, including timescales.

Programme Objectives

At completion of the study programme students will have acquired the following skills:

• Ability to install, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computer components.
• Install, configure, optimise, troubleshoot and upgrade operating systems.
• A working knowledge of common networking technologies.
• Ability to support users and troubleshoot a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.
• Ability to troubleshoot desktop applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.
• Administer, manage, install and configure SQL Server 2005.
• Implement and maintain databases by using specific instructions and specifications.
• Install, consolidate and configure multiple database instances.
• Design tables, file groups, indexes and develop and implement security.
• Design, implement and configure clustering, log shipping, database mirroring and replication.
• Monitor and troubleshoot database queries and servers.
• Manage security strategies and perform audits. Diagnose faults and recover from database failures and disasters.
• Build, debug and deploy SQL Server Integration Services packages.

Duration

560 hours including 14 days of classroom based workshops.

Certifications*

CompTIA A+
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: (MCTS) SQL Server 2005
Microsoft Certified IT Professional: (MCITP) Database Administrator

*Subject to passing relevant exams

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• Microsoft Office Specialist (MCDST)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
• Certified Database Specialist (CDS)
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