This past September, I attempted (and recently received a passing score for) Microsoft’s new certification exam, 70-768, “Developing SQL Data Models” during its Beta period.  This brand new exam is a requirement toward the new MCSA SQL 2016: Business Intelligence Development certification.  Last weekend, I took and passed 70-466, “Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server” which counts toward MCSE: Data Management and Analytics.  Both of these exams overlap heavily in the topics covered, so if you’re interested in taking them both, its a good idea to study for both and take them back to back.

Brand new exams, as well as higher level specialty exams in general can be a bit of a tricky beast due to the lack of available resources.  For exams which are mainstream (such as Windows Server exams) and have been out for a while, you can count on resources such as MS Press Books targeted toward the specific exam, practice tests from MeasureUp and Transcender, and other useful resources.  Unfortunately, for brand new exams, or many of the high level SQL Server exams, none of this exists.  Having successfully studied for and passed both 70-768 and 70-466.  Below are some tips and resources I used to prepare for each exam.

General Tips for Both Exams

The first tip is just to know the question types that the exams typically cover.  Microsoft list all of their question types here, with examples of each.  It’s typically a good idea to pay special attention to the “Build List” type of question, which emphasizes knowing the steps, and order, that task components should be performed in.  There seems to be a lot of love for this question type.

For both exams, the best starting place is the bulleted section of the “Skills Measured” section of the official exam page.  Modern Microsoft exams follow this section very closely — you can practically guarantee there will be a question that ties back to each sub-item for each category.  I like to go through this section and all of the bulletpoints and break it down into small words or phrases that I can then use as a checklist while studying.  I’ve included an example for each exam below in the exam specific sections.

Resources for 70-768: Developing SQL Data Models — Primary topics covered:  Multidimensional Design, Tabular Design, MDX, DAX, SSAS Installation and Maintenance

70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports — Primary topics covered:  Multidimensional Design, Tabular Design, MDX, DAX, SSAS Maintenance, SSRS

Resources Applicable to Both Exams

For both exams, there is no substitute for experience, so download the AdventureWorks Data Warehouse and SSAS samples and get to building some real models to practice with.  Many questions tend to require familiarity with wizards and dialog screens, so actually seeing and being familiar with what they look like is critical.

Good luck!