Are you preparing for 70-464 Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases exam? Certifications are substantial to affirm your proficiency in any particular field. It serves as a springboard for your career pursuit. But remember that getting certified can sometimes be very hectic, especially when you are an entry-level professional. Therefore, to ease your preparation, we’ve got everything covered for you. We will provide you with an elaborate step by step study guide. This guide will enhance your skills and provide you with a learning curve with expert resources. But wait, before you are ready to commence with your preparation. Let’s first warm-up with insight into the Microsoft (70-464) exam details.
About Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases (70-464)
The Exam 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases exam confirms your skills as a database expert in creating and putting databases to work in different organizations, making sure that data is always ready when needed. This certification is designed to boost your understanding of the newest features in SQL Server 2014 and the crucial aspects of the SQL Server data system.
Key Responsibilities
Some of the responsibilities of 70-464 certified professionals include –
- Firstly, Creating database files, data types, and tables
- Secondly, Planning, creating, and optimizing indexes
- Then, Ensuring data integrity; implementing views, stored procedures, and functions
- Also, Managing transactions and locks
Preparation Guide for Exam 70-464 Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases
Now that you have become familiar with exam details of Microsoft 70-464 SQL Server Databases exam, it’s time to strategize your preparation. There is a wide variety of resource available to assist your preparations. But to get the certification in your very first attempt, you need to be careful and choose the right resource. While preparing for the exam, it is essential for you to stay focused and motivated, so that you can give your utmost and excel in the exam. Let’s embark on your preparation journey with this study guide.
Step 1- Always start with the 70-464 exam outline
The course domains and modules act as a blueprint for the exam. You should have complete clarity about the syllabus of Microsoft 70-464 exam. Therefore you must refer the Official Guide for Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases before commencing its preparations. You must devote enough time to each and every domain of this exam. The domains covered are:
- Firstly, Domain 1- Implement database objects (30–35%): This domain covers topics including – Create and alter tables, Design, implement, and troubleshoot security, Design the locking granularity level. Together with implementing indexes, implementing data types and creating and modify constraints
- Then, Domain 2- Implement programming objects (15-20%): The second domain covers topics including – Design and implements stored procedures, Design T-SQL table-valued and scalar functions. Also, it involves the process to Create, use, and alter user-defined functions (UDF) and Create and alter views.
- Further, Domain 3- Design database objects (25–30%): The third domain covers topics including – Designing tables, Designing for concurrency, Designing indexes and Designing data integrity.
- Lastly, Domain 4- Optimize and troubleshoot queries (25–30%) : The last and the final domain covers topics including – Optimizing and tune queries, Troubleshooting and resolve performance problems, Optimizing indexes, Capture and analyze execution plans as well as collecting performance and system information.
Step 2- Go for Instructor-led Training
Course 20464-D: Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Databases
Microsoft provides this 5-day instructor-led course for the candidates appearing in Exam 70-464. This course introduces SQL Server 2014, along with describing logical table designs, indexing, and all the query plans. Also, this course will train you in creating database objects inclusive of views, stored procedures, parameters, and functions. The course also encompasses the common aspects of procedure coding, like indexes, concurrency, error handling, and triggers. This course is particularly designed for Microsoft customers interested in learning SQL Server 2012 or SQL Server 2014. It aims to enhance your expertise in all the latest features in SQL Server 2014, along with the important capabilities across the SQL Server data platform.
The training is primarily for IT Professionals aspiring to get skilled in the SQL Server 2014 product features and technologies in the implementation of a database. Before taking this training, candidates are required to have prior knowledge in writing T-SQL queries, along with basic relational database concepts.
This Microsoft training covers total 15 modules –
- Firstly, Introduction to Database Development
- Secondly, Designing and Implementing Tables
- Thirdly, Ensuring Data Integrity through Constraints
- Then, Introduction to Indexing
- Also, Designing Optimized Index Strategies
- Moreover, Columnstore Indexes
- Subsequently, Designing and Implementing Views
- Further, Designing and Implementing Stored Procedures
- Furthermore, Designing and Implementing User-Defined Functions
- Additionally, Responding to Data Manipulation via Triggers
- Not to mention, Using In-Memory Tables
- Likewise, Implementing Managed Code in SQL Server 2014
- In addition to, Storing and Querying XML Data in SQL Server
- And, Working with SQL Server 2014 Spatial Data
- Finally, Incorporating Data Files into Databases
Step 3- Books are your Best Friends
Microsoft offers reference books that can be valuable during your exam preparation. These books include a variety of helpful materials for your study needs. Explore Microsoft Press books to discover relevant resources that can provide a deeper understanding of the exam goals, ultimately helping you pass the test and obtain your certification.
- Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases: Clustering and AlwaysOn
- Creating Your First Table in Microsoft SQL Server
Step 4- Remember to Join an Online Forum
Engaging in constructive discussions is advantageous regardless of the context. When more people participate, the chances of finding solutions to problems significantly rise. Additionally, diverse perspectives enhance the richness of the content and contribute to a more dynamic exchange of ideas. Such discussions contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of subjects. They also provide introverted individuals with an opportunity to voice their thoughts, even if they usually shy away from discussions. Online forums, in particular, excel in fostering a community that is vital for gaining insights into the viewpoints of others.
Step 5- Practice and Practice!
Last but certainly not least, it’s important to remember that practice is the key to mastery. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve. You can find numerous practice tests, mock exams, and online series for free on the internet. Solving these not only familiarizes you with the exam environment and boosts your confidence but also helps you pinpoint areas where you need to focus more attention. Additionally, taking practice tests diversifies your study approach and ensures optimal preparation for the real exam. Analyzing your answers allows you to identify specific areas that require special attention and assesses your alignment with the exam objectives. Lets Start Practising Now!
