Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/14 (70-461)

Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 certification is the key certification exam to increase candidates technical skills. Microsoft 70-461 exam measures the candidate’s ability to finish the technical tasks. Above all, this exam will create a pathway to earn MCSE and MCSA level certification. 

Most importantly, individuals with Microsoft certifications have more value than any non-certified individuals. In other words, Microsoft has a good reputation in the industry as well as amongst individuals. 

Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 exam has proven to be an asset for many individuals. This will enhance your skills and abilities to perform the technical task. Moreover, the people related to this exam are all IT professionals. Above all, Microsoft 70-461 exam will examine your knowledge related to Database, troubleshooting and optimizing queries. 

Targeted Audience

This exam is intended for SQL Server database administrators, system engineers, and developers with two or more years of experience, who are seeking to validate their skills and knowledge in writing queries.

Basic Details

Take it from us, getting hold of these basic details will become life saviours on the examination. Here, we are referring to the part, you don’t have any shock before you even attempt your exam. With that being said, let’s look at the few details, you can’t miss. 

The Microsoft 70-461 exam comprises 40-60 questions that must be completed within 120 minutes. Speaking of the exam pattern, here is a list of few types of questions you may encounter-

• Scenario-based single answer question
• Multiple-choice questions
• Arrange in the correct sequence type questions
• Drag & drop questions
• One case study with 5 questions

However, the exam is only available in the English language. As far as the registration fee is concerned it’s USD 165 without taxes. And, in case of passing score, one requires 700 or more.

Also, check out the box below.

Exam Outline: Microsoft 70-461 

As we know, in every exam there are some important topics you need to study. Most importantly, you need to download the topics and understand them before starting to study. Moreover, for this exam, Microsoft has provided important topics which are,

DOMAIN 1: Creating database objects

• Creating and altering tables using T-SQL syntax. (Microsoft Documentation: CREATE TABLE (Transact-SQL))
• Creating and altering design views. (Microsoft Documentation: CREATE VIEW (Transact-SQL))
• Creating and modifying constraints. (Microsoft Documentation: Create or modify tables or indexes by using a data-definition query)
• Creating and altering DML triggers. (Microsoft Documentation: DML Triggers)

DOMAIN 2: Working with data

• Querying data by using SELECT statements. (Microsoft Documentation: SELECT (Transact-SQL))
• Implementing sub-queries. (Microsoft Documentation: Subqueries (SQL Server))
• Implement data type and aggregate queries. (Microsoft Documentation: CREATE AGGREGATE (Transact-SQL))
• Querying and managing XML data. (Microsoft Documentation: query() Method (xml Data Type))

DOMAIN 3: Modifying data

• Creating and altering stored procedures. (Microsoft Documentation: Modify a Stored Procedure)
• Modifying data by applying INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements. (Microsoft Documentation: An Overview of Inserting, Updating, and Deleting Data (C#))
• Combining datasets and working with functions. (Microsoft Documentation: DataSet.Merge Method)

DOMAIN 4: Troubleshooting and Optimizing

• Optimizing queries and managing transactions. (Microsoft Documentation: Monitoring performance by using the Query Store)
• Evaluating the use of row-based operations vs. set-based operations.
• Implementing error handling. (Microsoft Documentation: Error handling in Windows Communication Foundation (WCF))

Exam Policies

If you have any doubt or want information about the certification exam, You can visit Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 exam page where they have provided exam related information. Moreover, there are many websites which resolve your queries and even provide detailed information about the exam collected from users only.

Exam Scheduling

Microsoft scheduling process is not that hectic. To know this please check the below steps,

• Visit Microsoft portal and register yourself.
• Schedule your exam by clicking on the “schedule exam” link.
• On the next page, you will be asked to fill all your details.
• Then there you can select the exam delivery option on the page of Pearson VUE.
• Lastly, your need to pay the exam fees and your registration will be completed.

In the next step, you will learn about the exam retake policy.

Exam Retake

If you want to take the exam again then yes it is possible. However, Microsoft has some rules and policy for giving the exam again.

Above all, you need to note that,

• If anyhow you are not able to achieve a passing score in the Microsoft 70-461 exam, then you have to wait for at least 24 hours before rescheduling.
• Moreover, if you cancel or reschedule your exam within 5 business days of your registered exam then it is subject to a fee. Otherwise, you can also lose your entire fee.
• Above all, you are only allowed to take the exam for more than five times per year.
• Most importantly, if you pass the exam then you cannot give the exam again.

For more information, visit the Microsoft 70-461 FAQ page here!

Step by Step Preparation Guide: Microsoft 70-461 

It would take more than a single article to go over every aspect of studying for a certification exam. This subject could fill a small book and not a very exciting one at that. There are some key truisms and must-do’s, however, which every candidate should be aware of when it comes to certification exam preparation.

Now that we have cleared the air, let’s start our preparation for Microsoft 70-461 Exam.

STEP 1: Review all the Microsoft 70-461 Exam Info

Take it from the experts over here, while preparing for certification exams, make sure that you don’t jam your head with too many questions. Too many questions will definitely lead to anxiety and believe us when we say, anxiety is one thing you don’t want. To begin with, clear your head first. Next step is to deeply understand and analyse all the exam information provided above. Make sure that all the info is up to date. Review and keep note if there may have been some changes in the exam objectives or not. This step will make sure that you’re overdoing or forgetting something, that may somehow lead to anxiety on the exam day. So, make sure that you’re on the same page so to avoid any confusion.

STEP 2: Thoroughly go through the Course Outline

Now that you’ve reviewed the exam details regarding the exam. It’s time to make sure that you are up to date with the Microsoft 70-461 Exam Outline. As mentioned earlier, the Course Outline is the most crucial part of the examination. Since this forms the syllabus of the examination. And, obviously, all the questions originate from this particular domain list. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to go to the Official site of Microsoft and check it on your own. Make sure to be an empiricist, and view and experience knowledge on your own. In case, you’re unable to locate the list of domains. Check out the image below and download the Course Outline.

• Create database objects (20-25%)
• Work with data (25-30%)
• Modify data (20-25%)
• Troubleshoot and optimize (25-30%)

STEP 3: Finding all the RIGHT Learning Resources

We cannot stress enough that only finding the right learning resources will allow you to understand each and every domain properly. And, you’re well aware of the fact that the internet is clustered with so many different resources, training programs and exam dumps. We highly recommend not to follow exam dumps. So here we are going to shed some light on where to get all the right learning resources to follow. Not only will this provide you with a stranger base that will help you qualify, but also this will provide you with that confidence among your peers. So, let’s get started.

STEP 3.1: MICROSOFT Training Programs

If this is your first time with a certification exam, let’s get you familiar with Microsoft Training Programs. When it comes to training programs, Microsoft has two ways to prepare. The first is the free online training and the second is the paid Instructor-led Training. It’s totally a subjective approach to choose either one or both of these learning resources. To provide you with a clear view, let’s just view them separately.

STEP 3.2: FREE-Online Learning Paths

Microsoft website provides every update and detail related to the Microsoft 70-461exam. Moreover, gathering information first is a smart choice before starting preparation. Above all, Microsoft provided Microsoft Learn which will help you achieve your goals. Moreover, you will create your own learning schedule with more confidence level.

STEP 3.3: Instructor-led Training

We’re just going to say it out loud, that when it comes to Instructor-led Training, Microsoft has definitely hit the ground running. This is not just a rumour, but a fact that Microsoft Instructor-led Training is a gold standard in the industry. In case, you’re amped up by the high standards, wait till you hear the benefits you’ll enjoy. Further, instructor-led training has a facility to have on-demand classroom training. So, if you’re juggling so many chores and fear you might skip one, then this will allow you to arrange classes according to your convenience.

Both of these training and learning paths can be easily located on the Microsoft Portal. So, make sure to check them out

STEP 3.4:  Microsoft Reference Book

Microsoft provides you book for reference for 70-461 exam, which is available on the Microsoft website. Moreover, this book contains lessons, practice exercises and skills assessment with practice test via CD.

•  Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012

STEP 4: Online Courses

If a candidate wishes to join an Online Course for the same. There are various courses available online. In fact, the internet is cluttered with so many courses. While choosing the right online course for your preparation, make sure to view all the objectives of the course. Is it in your price range or not? Is it feasible for you? And, if possible try to take a trial session before hitting that buy button. All these factors will allow you to choose the right fit according to your needs. These courses provide you with online video study material that can get digested easily. Also, they even provide the candidate with sample papers. So, you can try them out.

STEP 5: Join the Community/ Online Forum

Online forums and study groups are a great way to prepare for the certification exam. Therefore, feel free to get in touch with other candidates through study forums or online groups to ask a question related to the topic you’re having difficulty with.

However, it’s not something you have to join. It’s just something very subjective. Not to mention, these online groups help you stay equated with the other people who are also walking through the same path as yours. Moreover, you can also ask a question related to the topic you’re having difficulty with.

STEP 6: Self-evaluation Time

Finally, we’re on the last step for the preparatory guide. Further, this final step will give the candidate the exact insight of the topics in which they’re lacking. So, make sure you’re going through sample tests after you have gone through the entire syllabus. Most importantly, all the practice tests are designed to encounter the real exam environment around you. However, practice papers can be from various sources. Above all, remember the more you test yourself the better you’re going to become.  SO START PRACTICING NOW! 

Boost your learning to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. Start Practicing for Microsoft Exam 70-461 Now!