30 Days to 70-433

Yesterday was Day 1 of my new short-term goal: take and pass the Microsoft 70-433: SQL Server 2008 Database Developer exam by December 1st.

Now, before you worry too much, please know that this is not an attempt at an exam cram or a brain dump style of test taking. My goal is to actually know the material well enough to pass the exam.

I’ve been studying for the exam off and on for nearly 10 months. Many of the concepts are not new to me, in fact I’ve worked with a lot of them for over 9 years – since I first touched SQL Server. But other concepts are new and I’ve struggled with them (and/or not given them as much attention).

I have several tools in my arsenal in preparation for this project:

• Microsoft’s Self-Paced Training Kit for MCTS Exam 70-433 (which includes a book, sample code, and a test simulator)
• A borrowed copy of some videos covering many of the topics in the exam (although I’ve already noted some mis-information in these and may not end up believing much of the portions I don’t already know)
• A study plan I found online from Michael J Swart.
• SQL Server 2008 Books Online
• Flash Cards (I found a great app called StudyDroid where you can create your own flash cards from a CSV file)

Today, I took a practice exam (which came with the book) and failed miserably (42%). I plan to focus on a chapter at a time – which I can customize the practice exams to also focus on and master one of these every 4-5 days.

I’ll update the blog with my progress as I go – things that I learn and things that I struggle with alike.

Wish me luck! When this is over, I’ll only have to write a white paper for work before the end of the year!