SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation: MCAD/MCSD/MCSE Training Guide Exam 70-229 (Training Guides (Que))

The book covers the practical training side of this rather broad topic quite well. Having no business experience in this area, I was looking for a vehicle to get this SQL Server thing down for my own use and as preparation for certification. I found the explanations of the subject areas were well-written, thorough, and helpful. Other sources such as Books Online and some of the more reference oriented texts are quite valuable supplements. Having taken certification exams in the past, it was clear that the task of exam preparation is a separate animal and overpromised here. There is the ExamCram2 series that picks through this material and goes a long way to addressing that objective. Having certified with this pair, maybe there is a new job somewhere. The book could use a reedit, but overall it is quite coherent.

not only it prepared me for the exam, but also gave me quite insight in practical enviornment.

I have just passed the exam with score 738. The exam was relatively difficult. I used the book to prepare along with MeasureUp exams. The book covers most of the areas needed for the exam but didn't go into enough details on security and performance optimization. Also you probably would need more practice with complex SELECT queries. (BTW, MeasureUp exam was almost completely useless).

Despite the fact that I've worked with SQL Server since the days when the manual said "Sybase" (SQL is a spawn from Sybase), I am always amazed and delighted to find the pieces I still don't know. One of the benefits of studying for exams is that these tidbits become more relevant. Programming is a great field, because we can never get bored.This book assumes that you are a relative beginner, and the 70-229 test assumes both programming and administration knowledge. There is therefore a lot of ground to cover. Due to its Que Training Guide format, the information is properly chunked for digestability. The first 9 chapters talk to the programmer, the rest to the administrator.You need two learning styles to pass the exams: one for understanding and one for memorization. I not smart enough to do the second without the first. This Training Guide is an excellent resource for understanding SQL administration concepts.The fact is, the 70-229 is a moving target. I base this on the fact that all 70-229 books carry both programming and administration information, but the Microsoft "Skills Being Measured" focuses almost solely on programming skills. I think that one is well served by reading and truly understanding this book, but then getting the latest certification buzz before taking the exam.

Not bad! Has a good study outline and organisation with all required objectives of the test. Pretty good detailed examples in chapters, Review exercies a little weak, but review questions are good. Using this book, the Books On Line from the product and all the 70-299 example tests i could find on line, I past 70-229 test comfortably....