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MCSA 70-462 - SQL Server 2012 Administrator

MCSA SQL Server 2012 Certification Path: 70-462 SQL Server 2012 Administrator

I'm halfway through the 70-462 SQL Server 2012 Administrator book, which is part of the MCSA certification path. Thankfully, I've had practical experience with much of what the book covers. Building a web app from scratch and deploying several vendor solutions on SQL Server has given me a solid foundation. Reading the book now feels like second nature, and I think it will enhance my understanding even more.

Study Plan Overview

I aim to finish the book quickly and sit for the second exam, possibly as early as this coming Friday or next week. While this material is more DBA-focused, I believe it’s valuable to learn, even if it’s not my professional goal.

Study Schedule

  • 1/19 - Chapter 1
  • 1/20 - Chapter 2
  • 1/22 - Chapter 3
  • 1/23 - Chapters 4, 5, 6
  • 1/24 - Chapters 7, 8, 9
  • 1/25 - Chapter 10
  • 1/26 - Chapter 11
  • 1/27 - Chapter 12
  • 1/28 - 2/4 - Exam Prep
  • 2/5 - Exam - Failed (678 / 700)
  • 3/5 - Exam - Failed (679 / 700)
  • 4/1 - Exam - PASSED!! (810 / 700)

Progress Updates

1/23 - Saturday

I'm on schedule! I completed Chapters 4 through 6 and saved Chapters 7-9 for Sunday. If I can get more done, that's even better! I'm also planning to do some case studies on the test system.


1/24 - Sunday

I went to McDonald's around noon for a coffee and finished Chapter 7 in about 90 minutes.

Sunday Mini Schedule:

  • 12 - 1:30 pm - Chapter 7
  • 2 - 3:30 pm - Chapter 8
  • 4 - 5:30 pm - Chapter 9
  • 6 - 7:30 pm - Chapter 10 (if I'm up for it...)

I started Chapter 9 at 5 pm—time to keep going!


1/25 - Chapter 10 - Indexes

Chapter 10 covers indexes, which is similar to the previous book. I plan to skim through it and focus on the new topics.


1/26 - Done Reading

I finished Chapters 11 and 12. Chapter 11 was particularly interesting as it discussed backups. While I mainly work with full/incremental backups, the chapter introduced other options and details. Chapter 12 consists of code case studies, which are more practical than theoretical. I answered the questions for the first case study and mostly grasped the concepts.

I've also started the CD exam practice questions. However, based on my experience with the 70-461 exam, I found the CD questions much easier than the actual exam, so I'll supplement my study with online resources and community discussions. I want to ensure I understand both the code and the steps involved in performing various tasks.

Exam Attempt and Reflections

2/5/16

Unfortunately, I failed the exam, scoring 678 when I needed 700. I flagged 19 questions for review that I found challenging, such as distinguishing between "Revoke" and "Deny" for user security. I realize I need to refresh my understanding of these concepts, especially since fatigue may have impacted my performance. I plan to study more thoroughly and will take both the next exam and a retake of this one back-to-back.

3/15/16

I've been studying consistently since then. My game plan is to reread the book, work through the questions, and review my notes based on what I remember from the exam.

Revised Study Plan:

  • 12 chapters - 7 days
  • Exam prep - 3 days


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