MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-431): Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Implementation and Maintenance (Pro-Certification)

I bought this book for the sole purpose of passing this test. Well, I passed the test with using the practice tests and spending a lot of time with this book. I didn't buy any type of testing software that a lot of people are getting. I had bought the Sybex version before the Microsoft book, but it had too many mistakes. I also found the other book to cover a lot more than what you need for the certification. I have 9 years of SQL Server experience, but I was pretty worried about taking my first certification test. I think this book is perfect for preparing you for the test. In my opinion, the XML chapter could have been a lot smaller and then they could have expanded on the Mirroring chapter.

I used this book in addition to Tom Carpenter's 70-431 prep book and this is a good book. I feel that the book by Tom Carpenter is a better reference, but there is no question that both books will help prepare your for the exam. If I were you, I would use both books that way you will have the lite and sometimes detached coverage (you might say fact-based) that is in this book and the real-world type coverage that is in the McGraw-Hill book.

I installed the evaluation edition of SQL Server that came with the book. Then I went through the book, read every page, did every sample test and more than half of the practice items (many were redundant).

Then I went to take the test and I was shocked. Many, many questions were not covered by the material in this book! I have a very good memory, and read the book while laid off so it only took me two weeks to get through it, so my memory is not the issue here. Microsoft produced a book and represents it's purpose as prep for the test, but it doesn't cover all the material the test does!

Most of the questions were covered so it is possible to pass from this book, but I couldn't.

One particularly galling question on the exam involved a port number that was not in the book, I checked.

Needless to say, I am disappointed. I hope that if I need another certification the kit is more representative of the exam content.

I'm only up to page 244 - but I got to say it's a very, very good book. Good size font. Easy to read, it just flows. Theory broken up into short lessons, followed by practice tasks.

I used to freak out at SQL Server 2005 software. Using this book has faded those fears away.

I received the book in new condition with all the training CD's in about 4 days (save more than going buying local)