Roadmap to Success: MCSE Data Platform

Roadmap to Success is a series of posts designed to help learners better understand certification pathways, career opportunities associated with those certifications, and next steps beyond certification.

UPDATED: We updated this article on February 21, 2017, to reflect relevant changes to the Microsoft MCSE: Data Platform certification curriculum.

The MCSE Data Platform certification is gaining momentum and popularity rapidly as many businesses and organizations adopt Azure. This certification will qualify learners for roles such as database designers, database developers, database administrators, and various positions related to cloud functionality.

MCSE: Data Platform

CRITICAL UPDATE: Microsoft has restructured its certifications. The MCSE: Data Platform certification will be formally retired on March 31, 2017, and replaced by the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics.

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert Data Platform is designed to enable learners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in building and administrating enterprise-scale data solutions on-premises and in cloud environments. The MCSE: Data Platform certification is made up of five exams, all of which are covered by CBT Nuggets training:

• 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012

• 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases

• 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

*Please note that completing the 70-461, 70-462, and 70-463 exams results in the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) SQL Server 2012 certification.

• 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases (for SQL Server 2014)

• Or, choose to take 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases (for SQL Server 2012)

• 70-465: Designing Solutions for SQL Server (for SQL Server 2012)

• Please note that CBT Nuggets recently released a course addressing SQL Server 2014 Azure updates for the 70-465 exam.

Learners pursuing this certification should typically have two (2) or more years of experience working with SQL Server. Learners also should be familiar with writing T-SQL statements to expect a successful outcome for their MCSE: Data Platform efforts. The MCSE is considered an intermediate-level certification, so learners should have some experience before embarking on this certification pathway.

Exam Details

Pearson, the testing center that most typically provides Microsoft exams, offers a great Exam Profile series that addresses nearly all the MCSE: Data Platform exams.

• 70-461 Exam Profile

• 70-462 Exam Profile

• 70-463 Exam Profile

• 70-464 Exam Profile

However, the following exam details apply to each exam that makes up the MCSE: Data Platform certification.

• Time allotted for the exam: 2 hours (120 minutes) per exam

• Number of questions: 45-55*

• Passing score: 700 (approximate)

• Question types: Multiple choice; multiple choice/multiple answer; scenario

• Exam registration: Microsoft Learning or Pearson Vue

• Exam cost: $165 per exam

• Skills Measured: Each exam registration page on the Microsoft website provides a list of Skills Measured (free resource) to guide your study and preparation. *Microsoft does not publish the exact number of questions associated with its exams.

Microsoft exams have a reputation for being challenging. Many learners must take an exam more than once to achieve success.

Fortunately, Microsoft is aware of the challenges associated with their exams and often provides an "Exam Replay," allowing learners to retake exams at no cost. Please note that the Exam Replay may not always be available. As of this post's publication date, MCSE: Data Platform exams include an Exam Replay, but that may change. Learners should research Exam Replay availability to avoid missing out on the opportunity.

Recertification

MCSE certifications are valid for three (3) years and subject to recertification from the certification date. However, because this certification is scheduled to be retired on March 31, 2017, once earned, this certification will be valid for life. Your Active MCSE certification will eventually be moved to the Legacy section of your Microsoft transcript.

The Next Step

The MCSE: Data Platform certification is an intermediate-level but vendor-specific certification. Therefore, learners can diversify their certification resumes or delve more deeply into additional Microsoft certifications as the next steps.

The MCSE: Data Platform certification can be an excellent building block for additional certifications, including:

• MCSD: Azure Solutions Architect (made up of three exams: 70-532, 70-533, and 70-534)* *Please note that this certification was retired on March 31, 2017.

• Learn more from the Roadmap to Success: MCSD Azure Solutions Architect

• MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (made up of a pool of elective exams, including 70-532, 70-533, 70-534, 70-473, 70-475, 70-744, 70-413, 70-414, 70-246, and 70-247)

• Google Qualified Cloud SQL Developer (made up of one exam: CPE303)

• Oracle Database Administration (made up of one exam: 1Z0-053)

Career Considerations

Payscale.com/ provides information to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with an MCSE certification. Depending on experience, an MCSE certification employee can earn between $47,754 and $144,436.

However, this does not explicitly account for the MCSE: Data Platform certification. Typical roles or titles for MCSE: Data Platform certification include database designer, database developer, database administrator, IT manager, IT director, systems administrator, and senior systems engineer.

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft certifications are laid out as a pyramid, with each level of certification leading learners to higher, more specialized, complex certifications. At the base of the Microsoft pyramid, IT professionals develop the foundation of knowledge with the MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate).

The next levels are the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) and MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer), which include many of Microsoft's most popular certifications among IT professionals, including Server 2012, Office 365, and Azure. Finally, the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solution Expert) represents the highest level of certification offered by Microsoft and allows learners to develop specializations related to MCSA-level content.

Begin exploring other Microsoft training and certification options to open more professional development opportunities.

Concluding Thoughts

The MCSE: Data Platform certification is an excellent step in a seasoned professional's career and will open up additional opportunities at work and in training. Start working toward your MCSE: Data Platform certification today!

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