The MTA: Database Fundamentals certification provided by Microsoft will be your ticket to high-paying and promising jobs. Although this is just an initial step to becoming an expert, this certificate helps individuals to build a broad and strong knowledge base for further professional development. So, if you are ready to study hard and once achieve a role of a database administrator with annual compensation of $100k (as per PayScale research), read on to know how the whole certification path is organized and how to prepare well for the required exam.

Certification Overview

First things first, MTA: Database Fundamentals targets beginners in the field who have foundational abilities in working with databases. It allows one to verify familiarity with technological concepts and readiness to handle real-world tasks. The only step to accomplish is passing the 98-364 exam, also called Database Fundamentals.

Note that this MTA certificate is going to be retired on June 30, 2022, and the test should be purchased before June 30, 2021. Thus, make your decision quickly to have a chance to earn this Microsoft certificate and get ready for the next accreditation steps.

Target Audience

Being an entry-level certification, MTA: Database Fundamentals has no specific conditions for candidates. It will be an ideal choice for specialists with basic knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server and practical skills for handling data storage and performing various operations with data. However, since this is an introductory certificate, no working experience is required, so every aspiring individual can opt for it.

Important Exam Details

Like many other Microsoft exams, 98-364 has 40 to 60 questions of different formats, and the candidates will be given 45 minutes to answer them. To schedule the test, instructors and students should visit Certiport while other technology amateurs should register on the Pearson VUE platform. In both cases, the fee one has to pay is $127. Note that you can choose different languages to take your test, including not just English but also German, Japanese, French, Chinese, and others.

Skills Measured by MTA: Database Fundamentals

Through its 98-364 exam, the certification checks the applicants’ knowledge of the database basics, their skills in administering databases and creating database objects, manipulating data, and handling data storage. To pass the test on the first attempt, the candidates need to learn more about DDL and DML languages, get familiar with designing views, tables, and stored procedures, and know how to insert, delete, and update data, among other operations. In addition, one should be ready to master the concepts of normalization, indexes, key principles of security, and database backups, among other topics.

Books to Use to Prepare for 98-364 Exam

Even foundational exams require proper preparation. And since there is no vendor-provided training course for 98-364 exam, the next credible way to learn all the needed topics is referring to books. Fortunately, there are several useful study guides on Amazon, and below, you’ll find the most popular options to use to get ready for the test in no time.

• Exam 98-364 MTA Database Administration Fundamentals by Microsoft Official Academic Course

  This book was written specifically for industry beginners, so it is absolutely easy to read. It helps one to strengthen the knowledge in the domains of the exam syllabus and allows one to check the progress through questions at the end of each chapter. With the help of this material, the candidates will learn more about relational databases, what are the security requirements set for them, T-SQL scripts, graphical tools, database objects, database queries, and more. In addition, the readers are provided with real-world examples that demonstrate difficult concepts in a simplified and visual manner.

• Database Fundamentals: Microsoft Technology Associate Exam 98-364 by Robert Van den Berg

  The author of this book is a seasoned IT consultant whose 15-year working experience is focused on databases and SQL Server. In this book, he offers exam candidates to go through the six comprehensive chapters and learn all the ins and outs of databases. Step by step, this guide will help you understand the installation process, troubleshooting techniques, data types and manipulations, normal forms, using multiple tables, performing various functions and procedures, indexes, SQL authentication, common backup strategies, and many more. In addition, you will be able to assess yourself before the real exam by answering sample questions. And finally, the book contains valuable exam-taking tips that will assist you to complete this journey hassle-free.

• Fundamentals of Database Management System: Learn essential concepts of database systems (English Edition) by Dr. Mukesh Negi

  This is one more book that is proved to be useful when it comes to 98-364 exam preparation. Written by an engineer certified by Prince2, ITIL, Oracle, and IBM, this material will help you build the solid knowledge required for acing the Database Fundamentals test. It is created in a practical-oriented approach and contains exercises and examples for better information retention. It starts with the most basic information proceeding to the advanced-level topics. Thus, when reading it, you will gradually improve your knowledge and will find yourself completely ready to take the test.

Speaking about the content in detail, you will get familiar with DBMS (database management system), its installation, monitoring, and setting up, how to handle the migration process, and how to perform backups. You will also know more about normalization, SQL joins, operators, and queries, aggregate functions, and more. In addition, it covers open source technology and tools for Oracle and MySQL solutions.

Conclusion

The Microsoft MTA: Database Fundamentals certification is not that difficult to earn but still comes with a number of perks. It validates your basic database competence and allows you to apply for different job roles like database administrator, data analyst, database developer, and others. Moreover, although it doesn’t serve as a prerequisite, this certificate will make it easier for you to earn the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification. Also, you might want to specialize in Azure, and then Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate will be your next step. With such a variety of prospects, consider taking your 98-364 exam soon and get certified to become a recognized professional in the field with numerous growth opportunities.