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Azure SQL Learning Opportunities
Want to learn more about Azure SQL? Starting on Wednesday, August 5th, Microsoft’s product learning team will be introducing 60 new sessions across multiple platforms to help everyone learn Azure SQL. These platforms will be YouTube, GitHub, Channel 9, and Microsoft Learn. Along with launching new content in August, they're also hosting a LIVE bootcamp over the course of four days (August 17 – 20) where you can learn Azure SQL from Anna Hoffman and Bob Ward and get your questions answered. Each day, there will be a two-hour live session for you to join. Each session will be run live from 9AM-11AM PDT / 12PM-2PM EST. After or during the session, there will also be hands-on labs to complete. By the end of the week, you should be comfortable with the Azure SQL fundamentals (or the "meat and potatoes" of Azure SQL). I personally will be attending. You can register for the bootcamp on Channel 9 here. Finally, you can take an in-depth look at Azure SQL Database by downloading this free eBook: Professional Azure SQL Database Administration. Don’t forget to follow along with the learning community @AzureSQL on Twitter or the #AzureSQL hashtag.SQL Server Certifications
Recently, I have spoken at several user groups and/or SQL Saturday events on SQL Server Certifications. I have posted my powerpoint presentation below. But I thought I would give a quick overview. First you will need to start by earning one of the four eight MCSA cerfitications. You have the classic MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification which has been available for several years. Or, you could obtain one of the newer SQL Server 2016 MCSA certifications in either Database Development, Database Administration, or BI Development. (Four new SQL Certification introduced in Spring 2017 are listed at the bottom of this post.) I really like the new streamlined 2016 certifications because you can focus on your area of expertise and you only need two exams. With the SQL Server 2012, you needed a broader knowledge base to earn the MCSA certification. I for one had difficulty with the 70-463 exam as I do not work with Data Warehousing on a regular basis, but I had to learn that material for the exam. If you still want to demonstrate your breadth of knowledge, there is nothing to stop you from earning more than one MCSA. Once you have earned your MCSA, it is now even easier to earn you MCSE. You only need to take ONE of the exams from the electives listed in the next picture to obtain an MCSE. What is even better is that your MCSE no longer expires. However, you can re-earn the MCSE by taking an additional elective exam in subsequent years. I really like this option, because in years past I would need to study older material to renew my MCSE. Now, I can learn new skills for new exams each year while I re-earn my MCSE. UPDATE: (March 22, 2017) You can now retake an exam that you have already passed to re-earn your MCSE certification, however you must wait at least 365 days from when you passed the exam before being allowed to take the exam again. You can still earn the two older MCSE certifications (Database Developer or BI Developer) until March 31, 2017. After that only the MCSE: Data Management & Analytics will be available. Don't forget that once you pass an exam or obtain a certification, head over to the Acclaim website to pick up your shiny, new badge that you can use on social media to show your freinds, family, and co-workers. UPDATE: (April 12, 2017) Four new MCSA certifications were announced today. (Update May 23, 2017) Names of new MCSA certifications have changed.Free SQL Training - Indianapolis
That's right, I said FREE! You're invited to a free, one day technical conference for SQL Server professionals. The user community for SQL Server is extremely passionate and have developed a contagious set of one day events around the world with the support of the national level user group association, PASS. The local user group of IndyPASS is bringing this event to Indianapolis! Join us for a full day of technical classes performed by world class speakers! They volunteer their time to bring their infectious enthusiasm for SQL Server and the SQL Server community here to share with you! We will have many technical and professional development tracks and sessions to choose from all day long so you can get the most out of the day. There are also many opportunities to network with fellow IT professionals in the area and become involved in the community. Saturday August 12, 2017 Ivy Tech Noblesville 300 N 17th St Indianapolis, IN 46060 You can register online at https://www.sqlsaturday.com/629/registernow.aspx. We will have a catered lunch on site for those interested for a $12 charge. You can pay this fee at registration. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch or step out to grab your own. We look forward to hopefully seeing you at SQLSaturday #629. Feel free to share news of this event with anyone you feel would like to attend. If you have any questions feel free to contact the Event Admins at sqlsaturday629@sqlsaturday.com. This event is provided through sponsorships. If you or anyone you know might be interested in sponsoring this event please share this with them. You can find more information at http://www.sqlsaturday.com/629/Sponsors/SponsorPlan.aspx. Thank You, Team SQLSaturday Follow this event on Twitter with hashtag #sqlsatindy, and get news on this event and network with attendees!
