Why Upgrade to SQL 2016 Certification?

Microsoft has recently revamped its certification track by introducing three new MCSA SQL 2016 certifications for different database experts by passing respective exams as follows:

MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development

• 70-761 — Querying Data with Transact-SQL
• 70-762 — Developing SQL Databases

MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration

• 70-764 — Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
• 70-765 — Provisioning SQL Databases

MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development

• 70-767 — Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse
• 70-768 — Developing SQL Data Models

The SQL Server 2016 certifications stem from the Microsoft’s June release of SQL Server 2016. Each system release (with the subsequent certification) makes the earlier SQL Server certifications look more obsolete. This has refined the path for database professionals to advance their technical knowledge in the most recent systems/certifications — but is it really necessary for the database experts with MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification to upgrade to MCSA: SQL 2016 certification?

Although being certified in MCSA: SQL 2016 won’t necessarily make you an exceptional DBA, it definitely has some benefits, including:

Mastering new features/technologies

You’ll be able to utilize the new features of SQL Server 2016 in order to maximize enterprise productivity and advance your DBA skillset. Some new features in SQL 2016 include:

• Up to 30 times faster transactions with in-memory OLYP
• Always encrypted database at rest and in motion
• End-to-end mobile business intelligence
• In-database advanced analytics
• Highest performing data warehouse, which is half the cost of Oracle exadata

Standing out among other DBAs

Since SQL 2016 is new, there will be few SQL 2016-certified DBA experts within its first year of release. If you are among them, you could enjoy less competition for an internal promotion, or stand out among other candidates when considered for a new position. The ability to understand, master and apply new technology makes a successful DBA.

Company rewards and recognition

After you obtain the new SQL 2016 certification, you may end up spearheading the migration of your company’s database infrastructure to SQL Server 2016 and adopting the new features/technologies to maximize the benefits such as faster transactions and more advanced security. You never know: It may also result in a company promotion or bonus.

Training opportunities

Assuming you already have Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification, when you obtain SQL 2016 Certification, some opportunities may arise in the training arena for the SQL 2016 certifications at the Microsoft Training Partners Institutions. Because SQL 2016 is still new, with more advanced features than in its previous versions, more beginner DBA professionals will need to need to be trained therein.

Overall, the SQL 2016 certification is a great opportunity for DBA experts. As more companies are expected to migrate to SQL Server 2016 to take advantage of its superior advanced features, those DBAs with the SQL 2016 certification will have a leg up in spearheading such projects.