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Preparation Hints

Preparation Hints

Review the Exam Objectives below and make sure that you are familiar with them. The Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 exam is designed for those who have experience in this environment. Always check the Microsoft site for the specific exam you are going to take. In this instance, the site is http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-461

There are many web sites and blogs that can help you to research topics, but be careful to fully research the information you read. It is not advisable to try to find sites that list questions and answers for several reasons. First, you don’t know if you will be asked a specific question and second, the answers given in a blog may be inaccurate and third, you need to understand the information to adequately prepare.

When taking the exam, read each question carefully. Microsoft is notorious for adding a lot of unneeded information in their questions. Make sure that when you click on a choice, that it is really marked. Be careful clicking anywhere on the screen. I found that by inadvertently clicking near the scroll bar on the right of the screen, I actually changed an answer. You get a single piece of paper and a marker for writing. You can use a small amount of time before you even start the exam to make notes once you enter the test area. Sometimes there is even a questionnaire at the beginning of the test that does not count against your test time. You can even use this time to write down notes, facts, tables or other information by taking your time between answers.

Recommended Study Resources

  • Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 by Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner (Apr 7, 2012)
  • Learning Plans and Classroom Training 10774A: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (5 Days)

    • This 5-day instructor led course provides students with the technical skills required to write basic Transact-SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server 2012. This course is the foundation for all SQL Server-related disciplines including Database Administration, Database Development and Business Intelligence. This course will help you prepare for exam 70-461.

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Last Update: November 17, 2020