The for Microsoft (MS 70-762) developing SQL Databases exam is designed for database professionals who build and implement databases across organizations and ensure a high level of data availability. The MS 70-762 exam is challenging and detailed preparation is required to pass the exam. This blog consists of all the details about the exam as well as a detailed list of preparation resources. If you want to crack the MS 70-762 exam, this preparatory guide will show you the way and help you prepare in the best possible way.
This certification will help you to increase your chances of getting your dream job or will help you climb higher in the corporate ladder. With the help of right resources and this perfect study guide you will definitely ace the exam and will get an advantage over your other mates. So, let’s get started.
What is MS 70-762 exam?
This test checks if you can do technical things like creating and using database objects, handling multiple users in a database, and improving database resources and SQL setup. While the exam might ask about these things, it can also ask about other resources. So, you need to have a strong understanding of the concepts to do really well on the test.
Course Outline
These are the major testing basis as prescribed by the Microsoft. Let’s go through them, one by one-
First Domain – Design and implement database objects (25–30%)
This module will test you on the following basis-
First, create a relational database plan:
- Make tables and layouts that match what the business needs.
- Make the tables better by organizing them correctly.
- Write the instructions to create these tables.
- Choose the best data types to use.
Next, make indexes:
- Create new ways to quickly find data in tables.
- Understand the difference between indexed and included columns.
- Set up clustered index columns in the right way.
- Suggest new ways to find data based on how you search for it.
After that, create views:
- Set up a way to choose specific data as needed by users or the business.
- Figure out how to make a view that you can change.
- Create views that are divided into parts, and ones that are set up to be found quickly.
Finally, set up columnstore indexes:
- Decide when it’s good to use columnstore indexes.
- Know how to use clustered and non-clustered columnstore indexes.
- Make regular non-clustered indexes work well with clustered columnstore indexes.
- Keep columnstore indexes in good shape.
Second Domain – Implement programmability objects (20–25%)
This module will assess your skills on the following –
First, make sure data is correct with rules:
- Set rules for tables and connections to follow business rules.
- Write Transact-SQL instructions to add rules to tables.
- Understand what happens when you use Data Manipulation Language (DML) with tables and rules.
- Know how to use PRIMARY KEY rules properly.
Next, make stored procedures:
- Create parts and structure for stored procedures based on what the business needs.
- Add input and output parts.
- Include table-based parts.
- Add return messages.
- Make existing stored procedures work better.
- Add ways to handle errors and control actions in stored procedures.
Also, create triggers and user-made functions:
- Make triggers follow business rules.
- Decide when to use Data Manipulation Language (DML) triggers, Data Definition Language (DDL) triggers, or logon triggers.
- Understand what happens when you use AFTER or INSTEAD OF triggers.
- Design user-made functions as needed by the business.
- Know the difference between functions that are based on facts and those that are not.
Third Domain – Manage database concurrency (25–30%)
This module will try-on you on the basis of-
First, handle transactions:
- Figure out what happens after you use a data-changing instruction in a transaction.
- Understand the difference between explicit and implicit transactions.
- Use save points inside transactions.
- Know how transactions work in databases that have lots of things happening at once.
Next, control how data is seen by others:
- Understand the differences between Read Uncommitted, Read Committed, Repeatable Read, Serializable, and Snapshot ways of seeing data.
- Predict what happens when multiple queries are happening at the same time, depending on how data is seen.
- Know how these different ways of seeing data affect the computer and how fast it works.
Then, make sure lots of people can use the database at the same time without problems:
- Fix issues where things are locked and can’t be used.
- Understand how locks get bigger as more things happen.
- Look at graphs that show when things get stuck and figure out how to fix them.
Finally, use memory-optimized tables and special stored procedures:
- Decide when it’s best to use tables that keep information in memory, compared to tables that use the hard drive.
- Make tables that use memory work better by changing how they save data.
- Know when it’s good to use stored procedures that are specially made for certain situations.
- Turn on the feature that records how often these special stored procedures are used.
Fourth Domain – Optimize database objects and SQL infrastructure (20–25%)
This module will evaluate you on-
First, make statistics and indexes work better:
- Check if the information used to make decisions in the database is correct and how it affects the plans for queries and how fast they run.
- Plan ways to keep this information accurate.
- Use special tools to see how the indexes are used and find any that are not needed.
Next, study and fix the plans for queries:
- Save the plans that show how queries work using special tools.
- Find parts of the plans that slow things down.
- Make plans that work better using a tool called Query Store.
- Compare what was expected to happen with what actually happened and look at the details.
- Set up a tool in Azure SQL Database that helps you see how things are going.
After that, make sure database systems run well:
- Keep an eye on how the database is being used in SQL Server.
- Set up a way to adjust how much work the database can handle in Azure SQL Database.
- Pick the right type of service and version for what you need.
- Set up the database files and the temporary storage so they work well.
- Make sure the computer has enough memory and set it up right.
- Use special tools to see how tasks are being scheduled and how long you have to wait.
- Find and solve problems with how storage, input/output, and cache are used.
- Watch how the plans for queries are working in Azure SQL Database.
Finally, keep track of how well the system is doing:
- Watch how the computer and SQL Server are doing.
- Compare how things are normally with how they are when there’s a problem.
- See how tools like perfmon and special database tools work together.
- Keep an eye on how Azure SQL Database is performing.
- Use a tool called Extended Events in the right way and know the different parts of it.
- See how Extended Events are used and compare them to the older tool, SQL Trace.
- Understand the different parts of Extended Events, like Packages, Targets, Actions, and Sessions.
MS 70-62 Exam Details
The exam MS 70-762 is designed for database developer enthusiasts. MS 70-762 will contain 40-60 questions which have to be answered in 120 minutes. You have to achieve a score of 700 out of 1000 in order to clear the exam which can be achieved through thorough preparation and right guidance.
The exam will cost you USD 165 if you are in US. The price of the exam may vary from place to place. This exam is available only in English language and you can take the exam through Pearson VUE platform. This certification is credit towards certifications of MCSA and MCSE.
Exam Updates
| No. of questions asked- | 40-60 |
| Time allowed | 120 minutes |
| Scoring policy | 700 out of 1000 is desired score in order to pass MS 70-762 |
| Pricing policy | USD 165 (In USA) |
| Languages available | English |
| Exam code | 70-762 |
| Schedule exam | Pearson VUE |
| Credit towards certification | MCSA & MCSE |
MS 70-762 Exam Retake Policy
- If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, you have to wait 24 hours before trying again. But if you pass, you can’t retake it.
- If you fail on your second try, you must wait at least 14 days before trying again. This rule applies for the third, fourth, and fifth tries too.
- You can’t take the exam more than 5 times in a year. The year starts counting from your fifth failed attempt. If you want to take it more often, you need to talk to Microsoft.
How to register for the MS 70-762 exam?
Follow the steps written below to register for the exam:
- Visit the Microsoft website and locate your certificate on the list. After that, click on “schedule exam” to sign up.
- If the exam is offered in your country, you can choose it when you register.
- You will also pick the language for the person who welcomes you, the supervisor, and the monitoring software.
Preparatory Guide for Microsoft MS 70-762
Your success will depend on how well did you prepare for the exam. To ace the exam, you have to prepare from every possible resource available to you. Here is the list of some of the resources which may show you the way. But always remember that there is no end to knowledge, you have endless resources beyond this list. Let us look at some important resources:
Must refer the Official Site
Always make sure to visit the official site before taking any exam for essential details. The official site of Microsoft has too many resources prescribed with the course. Microsoft provide instructor led trainings for MS 70-762 exam, online training that are different for different modules as prescribed in syllabus. Microsoft has also prescribed its own book- ‘Exam Ref 70-762 Developing SQL Databases’ for reference.
It has also made available many text resources and other lectures such as- Clustered and Non clustered Indexes, Columnstore Indexes – Design Guidance, Create and update database tables, Tutorial: Writing Transact-SQL Statements and so on for the ease and assistance of the candidates taking the exams. Microsoft has also made available its videos for the assistance of candidates regarding type and no. of questions and other details.
Books and Libraries
Books are another valuable resource for the preparation. You can find many books available online or you can take any book from libraries or bookstores as per your ease. You can choose various books and prepare the topic that is best in the book. Now-a-days libraries are available online too. So, you can access the study material whenever you want just at one click. You can also prepare from the book prescribed by Microsoft- Exam Ref 70-762 Developing SQL Databases. This book covers all the concepts that are required for clearing the exam.
Go through Online Learning Resources
You can find lots of helpful online resources, such as classes and training courses on educational websites. These classes are interactive and can clear up any confusion you have about the topics. They also keep you informed about any changes to the syllabus or other updates. You can even create study groups online with people who have the same interests as you. In these groups, you can quiz each other to see how much you’ve learned and share your study materials.
Build your Own Strategy
Prepare your own strategy for study. Self-study is the key that will help you score more and will lead to perfection. Categories the syllabus into the parts which demands hands-on training and which is theoretical. Break the big parts into smaller one and then try to learn them. This will enable you to grasp things easily. Always make sure to never skip classes and keep your practice regular. Make notes and keep revising time to time.
Offline Resources
You can take classroom lectures if you don’t feel comfortable with online classes. You can also from study groups which will help you boost your self confidence and practice. This also will make you aware of other’s point of view. So, you can obviously improve the parts in which you lag behind.
Most Important Take Online Practice Exams
Several websites offer both free and paid practice tests to assess your readiness. These test series can show you which parts of the material you understand well and where you need more study. Reputable test series provided by many sites can boost your confidence and increase your chances of passing the exam. Remember, passing the test is just one step; you’ll also need to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations to secure your desired job. Take a free practice test now!
Experts Corner
Take a deep breath and do not panic on the exam day. Relax and make sure to revise the main points before sitting for the exam to warm up your mind. Always stay away from the distractions in the study days to ensure your 100% efforts. And most importantly devote time for self-study and follow your schedule strictly.
Passing the MS 70-762 exam requires a lot of efforts but nothing is impossible. You just need to pick the right resources for yourself and you can clear the exam easily. Just make sure to put all your efforts with appropriate preparation guide to sail you through.
Give boost to your career by taking the Microsoft (MS 70-762) developing SQL databases Exam. Start Preparing Now!
