Certifications & exams > SQL Server certifications
Microsoft SQL Server certifications
Prove your knowledge and skills in designing, building, and maintaining the next wave of cloud-ready database and information solutions.
Have you heard about upcoming SQL Server 2014 updates? Read the SQL Server certification FAQ to find out how we are updating our corresponding certifications.
Choose a certification below:
The skills for your professional career
The globally recognized standard for IT professionals
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
Certification title | Required exam |
|---|
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance | |
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Database Development | 433 |
MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance | |
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
MCITP: Database Administrator 2008
Step | Certification title | Required exam |
|---|
1 | TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Installation and Maintenance | |
2 | PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 | 450 |
MCITP: Database Developer 2008
Step | Certification title | Required exam |
|---|
1 | TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development | |
2 | PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 | 451 |
- Upgrade paths
If you have already earned a certification on SQL Server 2008, you are eligible to take advantage of a shorter upgrade path to achieve an MCSE or MCSA SQL Server 2012 certification.
If you have an MCTS on SQL Server 2008 or MCSA: SQL Server 2008 certification, you can upgrade to the MCSA SQL Server 2012 certification.
Step | Title | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 | | |
2 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 2 | |
If you have an MCITP: Database Administrator or MCITP: Database Developer certification, you can upgrade to the MCSE: Data Platform certification.
Step | Title | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 | | |
2 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 2 | |
3 | Transition Your MCITP on SQL Server 2008 to MCSE: Data Platform | |
If you have an MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer certification, you can upgrade to the MCSE Business Intelligence certification.
Step | Title | Required exam | Certification earned |
|---|
1 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 | | |
2 | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 2 | |
3 | Transition Your MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008 to MCSE: Business Intelligence | |
Frequently asked questions
The following questions specifically address the SQL Server certifications. Visit the certification overview or exam policies and FAQ pages for answers to general questions regarding Microsoft Certification or the exams.
- Q.How will the updates for SQL Server 2014 impact official Microsoft training and certifications?
- A.
SQL Server 2014 certifications will only be offered at the MCSE level. The new product features focus on performance tuning and high availability and are best suited for the MCSE level. As a result, the following updates are planned:
The MCSA: SQL Server 2012 credential and associated exams (461/462/463) will remain in market without any alterations. No MCSA: SQL Server 2014 credential will be offered.
In April 2014, the MCSE: Data Platform (464/465) and MCSE: Business Intelligence (466/467) exams will be appropriately updated with SQL Server 2014 topics. The exam numbers will remain the same.
Details on the original and revised exam objectives are available for review in the Skills measured section of each exam detail webpage.
- Q.I have already started down the path to earn a certification on one of the technologies that will be updated. What should I do?
- A.
Regardless of the SQL certification level you are currently pursuing, we encourage you to continue down the path for your certification.
At the Associate level, the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 credential and associated exams (461/462/463) will remain in market without any alterations. No MCSA: SQL Server 2014 credential will be offered.
At the Expert level, the MCSE: Data Platform (464/465) and MCSE: Business Intelligence (466/467) exams will not be updated with SQL Server 2014 content until April 2014.
If you earn your MCSE credential prior to the exam updates, you will not be tested on features of SQL Server 2014 or future releases until your recertification exam.
If you are on track to earn your MCSE credential after the exam updates, you can streamline your study plan by reviewing the details on the original and revised exam objectives in the Skills measured section of each exam detail webpage.
- Q.I want to start learning more about the updates to the technology. Where can I find training?
- A.
As new technology updates become available, you will see a variety of training also offered through Microsoft Learning Partners. These resources include First Look clinics, hands-on labs, and courses using Microsoft Official Course content. In addition, many training resources are available to you directly through the Microsoft Virtual Academy.
