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Microsoft Announces DBA Certification Program

Microsoft Corp. is adding a new certification program for database administrators to its Microsoft Certified Professional Program, called Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). The certification will testify to a DBA's expertise with SQL Server, particularly the new version 7. MCDBA's will be capable of managing line-of-business applications, data warehousing, electronic commerce and mobile computing applications on SQL Server.

Candidates will have to pass four core exams - Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, Designing and Implementing Databases With Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 and Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 in the Enterprise - and one elective exam, such as Internetworking with Microsoft TCP/IP on Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Internet Information Services, Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses With Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications With Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, or Designing and Implementing Distributed Applications With Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0.

According to a Microsoft survey conducted during the summer, database administrators are highly in demand, with more than 50,000 openings in the United States and Canada projected in the next 12 months. --Michele Rosen, Staff Reporter/New York Correspondent

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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