SQL Server 2008 DBA Exam Resources

I'm breaking this post up into three parts. The first is books that I have used to study for the DBA Upgrade exam and that I believe are perfect for preparing for any of the DBA exams for SQL Server 2008. The second section is for training material I have found on the web. The third section is for books that I believe are good to read for a career as a DBA. If you already work with SQL Server these books will help you get to the next level.


Section One – MCITP: DBA 2008 Books
SQL Server 2008 Administration in Action
SQL Server 2005 DBA Street Smarts: A Real World Guide to SQL Server 2005 Certification Skills - While this book is for SQL Server 2005, all of it is applicable to SQL Server 2008. Learn how to do all of the exercises in this book and know them cold and you will be at a very strong junior level.


If you study these two books and know how to do all of the labs in them in the GUI and via T-SQL you will be a very competent SQL Server professional.


Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Fundamentals – This will set you up to have a strong fundamental understanding of T-SQL and how it works.


These three books lay the foundation for becoming a very strong SQL Server IT Pro. But I cannot stress that you cannot just read them for this to be true. You need to make these as hands on and practical as possible. Do every single exercise you can. Retype every single line of code and run it.


Section Two – Online Resources


BoL 2008
SQLServerPedia
SQL Server 2008 Virtual Labs
SQL Server 2008 How To Videos and other Resources


Section Three – Beyond the Certification


DBA Survivor: Become a Rock Star DBA – Advice and information to help you get and keep your first job a s a full-time DBA.
SQL Server 2008 Troubleshooting and Internals
SQL and Relational Theory – Learn the fundamental concepts of Relational Database theory and how to apply it to your T-SQL.
Beginning Database Design: from Novice to Professional
SQL Server MVP Deep Dives – Advice and knowledge from the best professionals in the field.