Sunday 30 October 2016

810-502 LVCI Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction

Exam Number 810-502
Associated Certifications Virtual Classroom Instruction Specialist
Duration 75 minutes (55-65 questions)
Available Languages English

The 810-502 Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction written exam is required for Cisco WebEx Virtual Classroom Instruction Specialist. The computer-based, multiple-choice exam tests the candidate's knowledge of how to prepare and manage a virtual classroom environment and use collaboration tools to maximize student participation and comprehension. Candidates can prepare for the exam by taking the Cisco WebEx Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction course (LVCI) v2.0.

The 810-502 Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction written exam is required for Cisco WebEx Virtual Classroom Instruction Specialist certification. The computer-based, multiple-choice exam tests the candidate's knowledge of how to prepare and manage a virtual classroom environment and use collaboration tools to maximize student participation and comprehension. Candidates can prepare for the exam by taking the Cisco WebEx Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction course.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

1.0 Describe Synchronous eLearning Environments to Include Characteristics, Roles and Responsibilities 5%
1.1 Describe the characteristics of synchronous eLearning — definitions and terms used in the industry
1.2 Describe the function and benefits of interactivity in a virtual classroom environment
1.3 Describe the general roles and responsibilities when implementing a virtual delivery program

2.0 Manage Program and Logistics 5%
2.1 Plan and execute effective participant communication before, during and after scheduled virtual sessions
2.2 Given a scenario identify and describe the steps to coordinate and schedule a virtual session
2.3 Given a scenario, determine the appropriate pre-session activities necessary (including scheduling, registration, and reporting)
2.4 Assess your needs against the program goals and determine whether to augment the virtual classroom with blended learning options
2.5 Identify recording and playback capabilities, purposes and considerations

3.0 Prepare Yourself and Your Physical and Virtual Environment for Conducting an Effective Virtual Classroom Session 11%
3.1 Set up the trainer's physical and virtual environment including preparing the attendee environment
3.2 Prepare yourself for facilitating in a virtual training environment
3.3 Develop contingency plans for common difficulties
3.4 Review course materials and address any areas that are unclear or may lead to learner confusion

4.0 Demonstrate Effective Classroom Management Skills in a Virtual Classroom Setting 33%
4.1 Implement contingency plans to manage disruptions
4.2 Keep sessions on track by responding to questions, keeping participants focused, and encouraging participation
4.3 Apply time management strategies effectively
4.4 Maintain a safe and positive learning environment that is conducive to the learning process
4.5 Build rapport with students
4.6 Establishes and maintains credibility with learners
4.7 Checks in at regular intervals and adjusts instruction based on feedback and/or behavioral cues from participants
4.8 Provide clear instruction and guidance to learners on how to meet the learning objective
4.9 Manage small group work, labs, and independent work
4.10 Employ effective questioning skills to involve learners (e.g., open-ended questions, wait after asking questions, let people self-select, etc.)
4.11 Ensure most participants are responding and interacting at the desired level
4.12 Gauge when to control the facilitation process versus when to let interaction flow
4.13 Facilitate interaction between participants to achieve balanced participation among class members
4.14 Defines how participants should participate and reinforces desired behavior (e.g., use chat, raise hand icon, speak up)
4.15 Guide learners through the lesson content to achieve deeper understanding
4.16 Guide learners through the process of using online tools in activities

5.0 Demonstrate Effective Presentation Skills in a Virtual Classroom Setting 8%
5.1 Present content in a logical flow and order
5.2 Use a pace appropriate for students, learning objectives and learning material
5.3 Describe concepts in a clear and complete manner, using relevant examples
5.4 Transition effectively between topics/instructional elements

6.0 Select and Effectively Use Tools for Presentation and Collaboration that Are Appropriate for Achieving Intended Learning Objective or Desired Result 15%
6.1 Use annotation tools to focus attention to relevant content
6.2 Use sharing features when appropriate, including application, presentation, desktop, etc.
6.3 Use white boarding or white space to enhance instruction or group process
6.4 Use collaboration tools when appropriate, including annotation, chat, Q&A, polling, video, pass presenter role, remote control

7.0 Demonstrate Use of Voice Modulation and Effective Audio Techniques 5%
7.1 Uses appropriate modulation, vocal inflection, tone, and volume (e.g., varies pitch and emphasis to avoid speaking in monotone)
7.2 Conveys energy and enthusiasm (e.g., puts a smile in his/her voice)
7.3 Makes appropriate vocal adjustments (e.g., adjusts pace or volume) in response to participant feedback
7.4 Creates an effective audio environment (e.g., ensures a quiet presentation space, and that participants have audio as they join)
7.5 Limit use of filler words (e.g., um, ah, you know, etc.)

8.0 Apply Fundamental Virtual Classroom Content Design Concepts 11%
8.1 Identify and describe effective synchronous training design principle
8.2 Create/update effective synchronous presentation materials (e.g., updates presentation materials following leading practices for graphics, text, color and font)
8.3 Identifies and develops/chooses effective learning activities

9.0 Assess Student Comprehension and Evaluate the Effectiveness of Training 7%
9.1 Develop a strategy for evaluating effectiveness of the training and student skills and knowledge
9.2 Create effective test questions and surveys to measure participant reaction and learning gains
9.3 Assess whether the training was effective based on reviewing test results, survey results, and attendee feedback through online tools such as polls
9.4 Reviews content or adjusts pace of delivery to enhance comprehension if required

Monday 24 October 2016

200-125 CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam

Exam Number 200-125 CCNA
Associated Certifications CCNA Routing and Switching
Duration 90 Minutes (50-60 questions)
Available Languages English, Japanese

This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching composite exam (200-125) is a 90-minute, 50–60 question assessment that is associated with the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

Subscribe to Cisco Learning Network Premium and access the most comprehensive e-learning training, resources and tools you’ll need to prepare for your CCENT, CCNA and CCNP Routing and Switching certifications.

1.0 Network Fundamentals 15%

1.1 Compare and contrast OSI and TCP/IP models

1.2 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP protocols

1.3 Describe the impact of infrastructure components in an enterprise network

1.3.a Firewalls
1.3.b Access points
1.3.c Wireless controllers

1.4 Describe the effects of cloud resources on enterprise network architecture

1.4.a Traffic path to internal and external cloud services
1.4.b Virtual services
1.4.c Basic virtual network infrastructure

1.5 Compare and contrast collapsed core and three-tier architectures

1.6 Compare and contrast network topologies

1.6.a Star
1.6.b Mesh
1.6.c Hybrid

1.7 Select the appropriate cabling type based on implementation requirements

1.8 Apply troubleshooting methodologies to resolve problems

1.8.a Perform and document fault isolation
1.8.b Resolve or escalate
1.8.c Verify and monitor resolution

1.9 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot IPv4 addressing and subnetting

1.10 Compare and contrast IPv4 address types

1.10.a Unicast
1.10.b Broadcast
1.10.c Multicast

1.11 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing

1.12 Identify the appropriate IPv6 addressing scheme to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment

1.13 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot IPv6 addressing

1.14 Configure and verify IPv6 Stateless Address Auto Configuration

1.15 Compare and contrast IPv6 address types

1.15.a Global unicast
1.15.b Unique local
1.15.c Link local
1.15.d Multicast
1.15.e Modified EUI 64
1.15.f Autoconfiguration
1.15.g Anycast

2.0 LAN Switching Technologies 21%

2.1 Describe and verify switching concepts

2.1.a MAC learning and aging
2.1.b Frame switching
2.1.c Frame flooding
2.1.d MAC address table

2.2 Interpret Ethernet frame format

2.3 Troubleshoot interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, duplex, speed)

2.4 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs (normal/extended range) spanning multiple switches

2.4.a Access ports (data and voice)
2.4.b Default VLAN

2.5 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interswitch connectivity

2.5.a Trunk ports
2.5.b Add and remove VLANs on a trunk
2.5.c DTP, VTP (v1&v2), and 802.1Q
2.5.d Native VLAN

2.6 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot STP protocols

2.6.a STP mode (PVST+ and RPVST+)
2.6.b STP root bridge selection

2.7 Configure, verify and troubleshoot STP related optional features

2.7.a PortFast
2.7.b BPDU guard

2.8 Configure and verify Layer 2 protocols

2.8.a Cisco Discovery Protocol
2.8.b LLDP

2.9 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel

2.9.a Static
2.9.b PAGP
2.9.c LACP

2.10 Describe the benefits of switch stacking and chassis aggregation

3.0 Routing Technologies 23%

3.1 Describe the routing concepts

3.1.a Packet handling along the path through a network
3.1.b Forwarding decision based on route lookup
3.1.c Frame rewrite

3.2 Interpret the components of a routing table

3.2.a Prefix
3.2.b Network mask
3.2.c Next hop
3.2.d Routing protocol code
3.2.e Administrative distance
3.2.f Metric
3.2.g Gateway of last resort

3.3 Describe how a routing table is populated by different routing information sources

3.3.a Admin distance

3.4 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot inter-VLAN routing

3.4.a Router on a stick
3.4.b SVI

3.5 Compare and contrast static routing and dynamic routing

3.6 Compare and contrast distance vector and link state routing protocols

3.7 Compare and contrast interior and exterior routing protocols

3.8 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 static routing

3.8.a Default route
3.8.b Network route
3.8.c Host route
3.8.d Floating static

3.9 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot single area and multi-area OSPFv2 for IPv4 (excluding authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution, stub, virtual-link, and LSAs)

3.10 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot single area and multi-area OSPFv3 for IPv6 (excluding authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution, stub, virtual-link, and LSAs)

3.11 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP for IPv4 (excluding authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution, stub)

3.12 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP for IPv6 (excluding authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution, stub)

3.13 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2 for IPv4 (excluding authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution)

3.14 Troubleshoot basic Layer 3 end-to-end connectivity issues

4.0 WAN Technologies 10%

4.1 Configure and verify PPP and MLPPP on WAN interfaces using local authentication

4.2 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot PPPoE client-side interfaces using local authentication

4.3 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot GRE tunnel connectivity

4.4 Describe WAN topology options

4.4.a Point-to-point
4.4.b Hub and spoke
4.4.c Full mesh
4.4.d Single vs dual-homed

4.5 Describe WAN access connectivity options

4.5.a MPLS
4.5.b Metro Ethernet
4.5.c Broadband PPPoE
4.5.d Internet VPN (DMVPN, site-to-site VPN, client VPN)

4.6 Configure and verify single-homed branch connectivity using eBGP IPv4 (limited to peering and route advertisement using Network command only)

4.7 Describe basic QoS concepts

4.7.a Marking
4.7.b Device trust
4.7.c Prioritization
4.7.c. [i] Voice
4.7.c. [ii] Video
4.7.c. [iii] Data
4.7.d Shaping
4.7.e Policing
4.7.f Congestion management

5.0 Infrastructure Services 10%

5.1 Describe DNS lookup operation

5.2 Troubleshoot client connectivity issues involving DNS

5.3 Configure and verify DHCP on a router (excluding static reservations)

5.3.a Server
5.3.b Relay
5.3.c Client
5.3.d TFTP, DNS, and gateway options

5.4 Troubleshoot client- and router-based DHCP connectivity issues

5.5 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic HSRP

5.5.a Priority
5.5.b Preemption
5.5.c Version

5.6 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot inside source NAT

5.6.a Static
5.6.b Pool
5.6.c PAT

5.7 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client/server mode

6.0 Infrastructure Security 11%

6.1 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot port security

6.1.a Static
6.1.b Dynamic
6.1.c Sticky
6.1.d Max MAC addresses
6.1.e Violation actions
6.1.f Err-disable recovery

6.2 Describe common access layer threat mitigation techniques

6.2.a 802.1x
6.2.b DHCP snooping
6.2.c Nondefault native VLAN

6.3 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 access list for traffic filtering

6.3.a Standard
6.3.b Extended
6.3.c Named

6.4 Verify ACLs using the APIC-EM Path Trace ACL analysis tool

6.5 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic device hardening

6.5.a Local authentication
6.5.b Secure password
6.5.c Access to device
6.5.c. [i] Source address
6.5.c. [ii] Telnet/SSH
6.5.d Login banner

6.6 Describe device security using AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS

7.0 Infrastructure Management 10%

7.1 Configure and verify device-monitoring protocols

7.1.a SNMPv2
7.1.b SNMPv3
7.1.c Syslog

7.2 Troubleshoot network connectivity issues using ICMP echo-based IP SLA

7.3 Configure and verify device management

7.3.a Backup and restore device configuration
7.3.b Using Cisco Discovery Protocol or LLDP for device discovery
7.3.c Licensing
7.3.d Logging
7.3.e Timezone
7.3.f Loopback

7.4 Configure and verify initial device configuration

7.5 Perform device maintenance

7.5.a Cisco IOS upgrades and recovery (SCP, FTP, TFTP, and MD5 verify)
7.5.b Password recovery and configuration register
7.5.c File system management

7.6 Use Cisco IOS tools to troubleshoot and resolve problems

7.6.a Ping and traceroute with extended option
7.6.b Terminal monitor
7.6.c Log events
7.6.d Local SPAN

7.7 Describe network programmability in enterprise network architecture

7.7.a Function of a controller
7.7.b Separation of control plane and data plane
7.7.c Northbound and southbound APIs

QUESTION 22
A receiving host computes the checksum on a frame and determines that the frame is damaged. The frame is then discarded. At which OSI layer did this happen?
A. session
B. transport
C. network
D. data link
E. physical

Answer: D
Explanation:
The Data Link layer provides the physical transmission of the data and handles error notification, network topology, and flow control. The Data Link layer formats the message into pieces, each called a data frame, and adds a customized header containing the hardware destination and source address. Protocols Data Unit (PDU) on Datalink layer is called frame. According to this question the frame is damaged and discarded which will happen at the Data Link layer.


QUESTION 23
A router has two Fast Ethernet interfaces and needs to connect to four VLANs in the local network. How can you accomplish this task, using the fewest physical interfaces and without decreasing network performance?
A. Use a hub to connect the four VLANS with a Fast Ethernet interface on the router.
B. Add a second router to handle the VLAN traffic.
C. Add two more Fast Ethernet interfaces.
D. Implement a router-on-a-stick configuration.

Answer: D
Explanation:
A router on a stick allows you to use sub-interfaces to create multiple logical networks on a single physical interface.

QUESTION 25
In an Ethernet network, under what two scenarios can devices transmit? (Choose two.)
A. when they receive a special token
B. when there is a carrier
C. when they detect no other devices are sending
D. when the medium is idle
E. when the server grants access

Answer: C,D
Explanation:
Ethernet network is a shared environment so all devices have the right to access to the medium. If more than one device transmits simultaneously, the signals collide and cannot reach the destination.
If a device detects another device is sending, it will wait for a specified amount of time before attempting to transmit.
When there is no traffic detected, a device will transmit its message. While this transmission is occurring, the device continues to listen for traffic or collisions on the LAN. After the message is sent, the device returns to its default listening mode.

QUESTION 28
VLAN 3 is not yet configured on your switch. What happens if you set the switchport access vlan 3 command in interface configuration mode?
A. The command is rejected.
B. The port turns amber.
C. The command is accepted and the respective VLAN is added to vlan.dat.
D. The command is accepted and you must configure the VLAN manually.

Answer: C
Explanation:
The “switchport access vlan 3” will put that interface as belonging to VLAN 3 while also updated the VLAN database automatically to include VLAN 3.


QUESTION 29
Which term describes a spanning-tree network that has all switch ports in either the blocking or forwarding state?
A. converged
B. redundant
C. provisioned
D. spanned

Answer: A
Explanation:
Spanning Tree Protocol convergence (Layer 2 convergence) happens when bridges and switches have transitioned to either the forwarding or blocking state. When layer 2 is converged, root bridge is elected and all port roles (Root, Designated and Non-Designated) in all switches are selected.


Friday 21 October 2016

210-250 SECFND Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Exam Number 210-250 SECFND
Available for testing: November 2016
The availability date is subject to change without notice.
Associated Certifications CCNA Cyber Ops
Duration 90 Minutes (55-60 questions)
Available Languages English
Register Pearson VUE

This exam is the first of the two required exams to achieve the CCNA Cyber Ops certification and is aligned with the job role of an associate-level Security Operations Center (SOC) Security Analyst. The SECFND exam tests candidates understanding of cybersecurity’s basic principles, foundational knowledge, and core skills needed to grasp the more advanced associate-level materials in the second required exam, "Implementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations (SECOPS)".

The 210-250 SECFND "Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals" (SECFND) is a 1.5-hour exam with 50−60 questions and is associated with the Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the course, "Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals (SECFND) v1.0”. This exam tests a candidate's understanding of cybersecurity’s basic principles, foundational knowledge, and core skills needed to grasp the more advanced associate-level materials in the second required exam, "Implementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations (SECOPS)". The exam is closed book and no outside reference materials are allowed.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may be updated at any time without notice.


1.0 Network Concepts  12%

2.0 Security Concepts 17%

3.0 Cryptography 12%

4.0 Host Based Analysis 19%

5.0 Security Monitoring 19%

6.0 Attack Methods 21%


Wednesday 19 October 2016

210-255 SECOPS Implementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations

Exam Number 210-255 SECOPS
Available for testing: December 2016
The availability date is subject to change without notice.
Associated Certifications CCNA Cyber Ops
Duration 90 Minutes (55-60 questions)
Available Languages English

This exam is the second of the two required exams in achieving the associate-level CCNA Cyber Ops certification and prepares candidates to begin a career within a Security Operations Center (SOC), working with Cybersecurity Analysts at the associate level. The SECFND exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills needed to successfully handle the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of an associate-level Security Analyst working in a SOC.

The 210-255 "Implementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations" (SECOPS) is a 1.5-hour exam with 50−60 questions and is associated with the Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Implementing Cisco Cybersecurity Operations v1.0 (SECOPS) course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills needed to successfully assist with the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of an associate-level Security Analyst working in a Security Operations Center (SOC).The exam is closed book and no outside reference materials are allowed.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below maybe updated at any time without notice.

1.0 Endpoint Threat Analysis & Computer Forensics 15%

2.0 Network Intrusion Analysis 22%

3.0 Incident Response 18%

4.0 Data and Event Analysis 23%

5.0 Incident Handling 22%

Thursday 13 October 2016

Exam 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL (beta)

Published: October 18, 2016
Languages: English
Audiences: IT professionals
Technology: SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSA

Skills measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam. View video tutorials about the variety of question types on Microsoft exams.

Please note that the questions may test on, but will not be limited to, the topics described in the bulleted text.

Do you have feedback about the relevance of the skills measured on this exam? Please send Microsoft your comments. All feedback will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate while still maintaining the validity and reliability of the certification process. Note that Microsoft will not respond directly to your feedback. We appreciate your input in ensuring the quality of the Microsoft Certification program.

If you have concerns about specific questions on this exam, please submit an exam challenge.

If you have other questions or feedback about Microsoft Certification exams or about the certification program, registration, or promotions, please contact your Regional Service Center.

Manage data with Transact-SQL (40–45%)
Create Transact-SQL SELECT queries
Identify proper SELECT query structure, write specific queries to satisfy business requirements, construct results from multiple queries using set operators, distinguish between UNION and UNION ALL behaviour, identify the query that would return expected results based on provided table structure and/or data
Query multiple tables by using joins
Write queries with join statements based on provided tables, data, and requirements; determine proper usage of INNER JOIN, LEFT/RIGHT/FULL OUTER JOIN, and CROSS JOIN; construct multiple JOIN operators using AND and OR; determine the correct results when presented with multi-table SELECT statements and source data; write queries with NULLs on joins
Implement functions and aggregate data
Construct queries using scalar-valued and table-valued functions; identify the impact of function usage to query performance and WHERE clause sargability; identify the differences between deterministic and non-deterministic functions; use built-in aggregate functions; use arithmetic functions, date-related functions, and system functions
Modify data
Write INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements; determine which statements can be used to load data to a table based on its structure and constraints; construct Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements using the OUTPUT statement; determine the results of Data Definition Language (DDL) statements on supplied tables and data

Query data with advanced Transact-SQL components (30–35%)
Query data by using subqueries and APPLY
Determine the results of queries using subqueries and table joins, evaluate performance differences between table joins and correlated subqueries based on provided data and query plans, distinguish between the use of CROSS APPLY and OUTER APPLY, write APPLY statements that return a given data set based on supplied data
Query data by using table expressions
Identify basic components of table expressions, define usage differences between table expressions and temporary tables, construct recursive table expressions to meet business requirements
Group and pivot data by using queries
Use windowing functions to group and rank the results of a query; distinguish between using windowing functions and GROUP BY; construct complex GROUP BY clauses using GROUPING SETS, and CUBE; construct PIVOT and UNPIVOT statements to return desired results based on supplied data; determine the impact of NULL values in PIVOT and UNPIVOT queries
Query temporal data and non-relational data
Query historic data by using temporal tables, query and output JSON data, query and output XML data

Program databases by using Transact-SQL (25–30%)
Create database programmability objects by using Transact-SQL
Create stored procedures, table-valued and scalar-valued user-defined functions, and views; implement input and output parameters in stored procedures; identify whether to use scalar-valued or table-valued functions; distinguish between deterministic and non-deterministic functions; create indexed views
Implement error handling and transactions
Determine results of Data Definition Language (DDL) statements based on transaction control statements, implement TRY…CATCH error handling with Transact-SQL, generate error messages with THROW and RAISERROR, implement transaction control in conjunction with error handling in stored procedures
Implement data types and NULLs
Evaluate results of data type conversions, determine proper data types for given data elements or table columns, identify locations of implicit data type conversions in queries, determine the correct results of joins and functions in the presence of NULL values, identify proper usage of ISNULL and COALESCE functions

Monday 10 October 2016

Exam 70-762 Developing SQL Databases (beta)

Published: August 26, 2016
Languages: English
Audiences: Developers
Technology: SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSA

Skills measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam. View video tutorials about the variety of question types on Microsoft exams.

Please note that the questions may test on, but will not be limited to, the topics described in the bulleted text.

Do you have feedback about the relevance of the skills measured on this exam? Please send Microsoft your comments. All feedback will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate while still maintaining the validity and reliability of the certification process. Note that Microsoft will not respond directly to your feedback. We appreciate your input in ensuring the quality of the Microsoft Certification program.

If you have concerns about specific questions on this exam, please submit an exam challenge.

If you have other questions or feedback about Microsoft Certification exams or about the certification program, registration, or promotions, please contact your Regional Service Center.

Design and implement database objects (25–30%)
Design and implement a relational database schema
Design tables and schemas based on business requirements, improve the design of tables by using normalization, write table create statements, determine the most efficient data types to use
Design and implement indexes
Design new indexes based on provided tables, queries, or plans; distinguish between indexed columns and included columns; implement clustered index columns by using best practices; recommend new indexes based on query plans
Design and implement views
Design a view structure to select data based on user or business requirements, identify the steps necessary to design an updateable view, implement partitioned views, implement indexed views
Implement columnstore indexes
Determine use cases that support the use of columnstore indexes, identify proper usage of clustered and non-clustered columnstore indexes, design standard non-clustered indexes in conjunction with clustered columnstore indexes, implement columnstore index maintenance

Implement programmability objects (20–25%)
Ensure data integrity with constraints
Define table and foreign key constraints to enforce business rules, write Transact-SQL statements to add constraints to tables, identify results of Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements given existing tables and constraints, identify proper usage of PRIMARY KEY constraints
Create stored procedures
Design stored procedure components and structure based on business requirements, implement input and output parameters, implement table-valued parameters, implement return codes, streamline existing stored procedure logic, implement error handling and transaction control logic within stored procedures
Create triggers and user-defined functions
Design trigger logic based on business requirements; determine when to use Data Manipulation Language (DML) triggers, Data Definition Language (DDL) triggers, or logon triggers; recognize results based on execution of AFTER or INSTEAD OF triggers; design scalar-valued and table-valued user-defined functions based on business requirements; identify differences between deterministic and non-deterministic functions

Manage database concurrency (25–30%)
Implement transactions
Identify DML statement results based on transaction behavior, recognize differences between and identify usage of explicit and implicit transactions, implement savepoints within transactions, determine the role of transactions in high-concurrency databases
Manage isolation levels
Identify differences between Read Uncommitted, Read Committed, Repeatable Read, Serializable, and Snapshot isolation levels; define results of concurrent queries based on isolation level; identify the resource and performance impact of given isolation levels
Optimize concurrency and locking behavior
Troubleshoot locking issues, identify lock escalation behaviors, capture and analyze deadlock graphs, identify ways to remediate deadlocks
Implement memory-optimized tables and native stored procedures
Define use cases for memory-optimized tables versus traditional disk-based tables, optimize performance of in-memory tables by changing durability settings, determine best case usage scenarios for natively compiled stored procedures, enable collection of execution statistics for natively compiled stored procedures

Optimize database objects and SQL infrastructure (20–25%)
Optimize statistics and indexes
Determine the accuracy of statistics and the associated impact to query plans and performance, design statistics maintenance tasks, use dynamic management objects to review current index usage and identify missing indexes, consolidate overlapping indexes
Analyze and troubleshoot query plans
Capture query plans using extended events and traces, identify poorly performing query plan operators, create efficient query plans using Query Store, compare estimated and actual query plans and related metadata, configure Azure SQL Database Performance Insight
Manage performance for database instances
Manage database workload in SQL Server; design and implement Elastic Scale for Azure SQL Database; select an appropriate service tier or edition; optimize database file and tempdb configuration; optimize memory configuration; monitor and diagnose scheduling and wait statistics using dynamic management objects; troubleshoot and analyze storage, IO, and cache issues; monitor Azure SQL Database query plans
Monitor and trace SQL Server baseline performance metrics
Monitor operating system and SQL Server performance metrics; compare baseline metrics to observed metrics while troubleshooting performance issues; identify differences between performance monitoring and logging tools, such as perfmon and dynamic management objects; monitor Azure SQL Database performance; determine best practice use cases for extended events; distinguish between Extended Events targets; compare the impact of Extended Events and SQL Trace; define differences between Extended Events Packages, Targets, Actions, and Sessions

Exam 70-762 Developing SQL Databases (beta)

Published: August 26, 2016
Languages: English
Audiences: Developers
Technology: SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSA

Skills measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam. View video tutorials about the variety of question types on Microsoft exams.

Please note that the questions may test on, but will not be limited to, the topics described in the bulleted text.

Do you have feedback about the relevance of the skills measured on this exam? Please send Microsoft your comments. All feedback will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate while still maintaining the validity and reliability of the certification process. Note that Microsoft will not respond directly to your feedback. We appreciate your input in ensuring the quality of the Microsoft Certification program.

If you have concerns about specific questions on this exam, please submit an exam challenge.

If you have other questions or feedback about Microsoft Certification exams or about the certification program, registration, or promotions, please contact your Regional Service Center.

Design and implement database objects (25–30%)
Design and implement a relational database schema
Design tables and schemas based on business requirements, improve the design of tables by using normalization, write table create statements, determine the most efficient data types to use
Design and implement indexes
Design new indexes based on provided tables, queries, or plans; distinguish between indexed columns and included columns; implement clustered index columns by using best practices; recommend new indexes based on query plans
Design and implement views
Design a view structure to select data based on user or business requirements, identify the steps necessary to design an updateable view, implement partitioned views, implement indexed views
Implement columnstore indexes
Determine use cases that support the use of columnstore indexes, identify proper usage of clustered and non-clustered columnstore indexes, design standard non-clustered indexes in conjunction with clustered columnstore indexes, implement columnstore index maintenance

Implement programmability objects (20–25%)
Ensure data integrity with constraints
Define table and foreign key constraints to enforce business rules, write Transact-SQL statements to add constraints to tables, identify results of Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements given existing tables and constraints, identify proper usage of PRIMARY KEY constraints
Create stored procedures
Design stored procedure components and structure based on business requirements, implement input and output parameters, implement table-valued parameters, implement return codes, streamline existing stored procedure logic, implement error handling and transaction control logic within stored procedures
Create triggers and user-defined functions
Design trigger logic based on business requirements; determine when to use Data Manipulation Language (DML) triggers, Data Definition Language (DDL) triggers, or logon triggers; recognize results based on execution of AFTER or INSTEAD OF triggers; design scalar-valued and table-valued user-defined functions based on business requirements; identify differences between deterministic and non-deterministic functions

Manage database concurrency (25–30%)
Implement transactions
Identify DML statement results based on transaction behavior, recognize differences between and identify usage of explicit and implicit transactions, implement savepoints within transactions, determine the role of transactions in high-concurrency databases
Manage isolation levels
Identify differences between Read Uncommitted, Read Committed, Repeatable Read, Serializable, and Snapshot isolation levels; define results of concurrent queries based on isolation level; identify the resource and performance impact of given isolation levels
Optimize concurrency and locking behavior
Troubleshoot locking issues, identify lock escalation behaviors, capture and analyze deadlock graphs, identify ways to remediate deadlocks
Implement memory-optimized tables and native stored procedures
Define use cases for memory-optimized tables versus traditional disk-based tables, optimize performance of in-memory tables by changing durability settings, determine best case usage scenarios for natively compiled stored procedures, enable collection of execution statistics for natively compiled stored procedures

Optimize database objects and SQL infrastructure (20–25%)
Optimize statistics and indexes
Determine the accuracy of statistics and the associated impact to query plans and performance, design statistics maintenance tasks, use dynamic management objects to review current index usage and identify missing indexes, consolidate overlapping indexes
Analyze and troubleshoot query plans
Capture query plans using extended events and traces, identify poorly performing query plan operators, create efficient query plans using Query Store, compare estimated and actual query plans and related metadata, configure Azure SQL Database Performance Insight
Manage performance for database instances
Manage database workload in SQL Server; design and implement Elastic Scale for Azure SQL Database; select an appropriate service tier or edition; optimize database file and tempdb configuration; optimize memory configuration; monitor and diagnose scheduling and wait statistics using dynamic management objects; troubleshoot and analyze storage, IO, and cache issues; monitor Azure SQL Database query plans
Monitor and trace SQL Server baseline performance metrics
Monitor operating system and SQL Server performance metrics; compare baseline metrics to observed metrics while troubleshooting performance issues; identify differences between performance monitoring and logging tools, such as perfmon and dynamic management objects; monitor Azure SQL Database performance; determine best practice use cases for extended events; distinguish between Extended Events targets; compare the impact of Extended Events and SQL Trace; define differences between Extended Events Packages, Targets, Actions, and Sessions

Sunday 2 October 2016

Exam 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse (in development)

Published: October 18, 2016
Languages: English
Audiences: IT professionals
Technology: SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSA

Skills measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam. The higher the percentage, the more questions you are likely to see on that content area on the exam. View video tutorials about the variety of question types on Microsoft exams.

Please note that the questions may test on, but will not be limited to, the topics described in the bulleted text.

Do you have feedback about the relevance of the skills measured on this exam? Please send Microsoft your comments. All feedback will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate while still maintaining the validity and reliability of the certification process. Note that Microsoft will not respond directly to your feedback. We appreciate your input in ensuring the quality of the Microsoft Certification program.

If you have concerns about specific questions on this exam, please submit an exam challenge.

If you have other questions or feedback about Microsoft Certification exams or about the certification program, registration, or promotions, please contact your Regional Service Center.

Design and implement a data warehouse (30–35%)
Design and implement dimension tables
Design shared and conformed dimensions, determine support requirements for slowly changing dimensions, determine attributes, design hierarchies, determine star or snowflake schema requirements, determine the granularity of relationship by using fact tables, determine auditing or lineage requirements, determine keys and key relationships for a data warehouse, implement dimensions, implement data lineage of a dimension table
Design and implement fact tables
Identify measures, identify dimension table relationships, create composite keys, design a data warehouse that supports many-to-many relationships, implement semi-additive measures, implement non-additive measures
Design and implement indexes for a data warehouse workload
Design an indexing solution; select appropriate indexes; implement clustered, non-clustered, filtered, and columnstore indexes
Design storage for a data warehouse
Design an appropriate storage solution, including hardware, disk, and file layout
Design and implement partitioned tables and views
Design a partition structure to support a data warehouse, implement sliding windows, implement partition elimination, design a partition structure that supports the quick loading and scale-out of data

Extract, transform, and load data (35–40%)
Design and implement an extract, transform, and load (ETL) control flow by using a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package
Design and implement ETL control flow elements, including containers, tasks, and precedence constraints; create variables and parameters; create checkpoints, sequence and loop containers, and variables in SSIS; implement data profiling, parallelism, transactions, logging, and security
Design and implement an ETL data flow by using an SSIS package
Implement slowly changing dimension, fuzzy grouping, fuzzy lookup, audit, blocking, non-blocking, and term lookup transformations; map columns; determine the appropriate transform object for a given task; determine appropriate scenarios for Transact-SQL joins versus SSIS lookup; design table loading by using bulk loading or standard loading; remove extra rows or bad rows by using deduplication
Implement an ETL solution that supports incremental data extraction
Design fact table patterns, enable Change Data Capture, create a SQL MERGE statement
Implement an ETL solution that supports incremental data loading
Design a control flow to load change data, load data by using Transact-SQL Change Data Capture functions, load data by using Change Data Capture in SSIS
Debug SSIS packages
Fix performance, connectivity, execution, and failed logic issues by using the debugger; enable logging for package execution; implement error handling for data types; implement breakpoints; add data viewers; profile data with different tools; perform batch clean-up
Deploy and configure SSIS packages and projects
Create an SSIS catalog; deploy packages by using the deployment utility, SQL Server, and file systems; run and customize packages by using DTUTIL

Integrate solutions with cloud data and big data (15–20%)
Integrate external data sources with SQL Server by using Polybase
Integrate with Hadoop, integrate with text files stored in the Azure Blob service, manage external tables, access data in Hadoop databases with Transact-SQL, access data in the Azure Blob service by using Transact-SQL, import data from Hadoop or blobs as regular SQL Server tables, export data to Hadoop or the Azure Blob service
Extract, transform, and load data from SQL Data Warehouse by using Polybase
Integrate Azure SQL Data Warehouse with on-premises data warehouses, implement bi-directional data synchronization between Azure and on-premises systems, load data into SQL Data Warehouse from Polybase, design an incremental load strategy by using Polybase and the Azure Blob service
Design and implement an Azure SQL Data Warehouse
Create a new Azure SQL Data Warehouse database by using the Azure portal, create an Azure SQL Data Warehouse database by using Transact-SQL, select the appropriate method to load data into Azure SQL Data Warehouse
Manage and maintain a SQL Data Warehouse
Manage queries by using labels; manage statistics; manage partition distribution; scale out the data warehouse; grow, shrink, and pause the data warehouse

Build data quality solutions (15–20%)
Create a knowledge base
Create a Data Quality Services (DQS) knowledge base, determine appropriate use cases for a DQS knowledge base, perform knowledge discovery, perform domain management
Maintain data quality by using DQS
Add matching knowledge to a knowledge base, prepare a DQS for data deduplication, create a matching policy, clean data by using DQS knowledge clean data by using the SSIS DQS task, install DQS
Implement a Master Data Services (MDS) model
Install MDS; implement MDS; create models, entities, hierarchies, collections, and attributes; define security roles; import and export data; create and edit a subscription; implement entities, attributes, hierarchies, and business rules
Manage data by using MDS
Use MDS tools, use the Master Data Services Configuration Manager, create a Master Data Manager database and web application, deploy a sample model using MDSModelDeploy.exe, use the Master Data Services web application, use the Master Data Services Add-in for Excel, create a Master Data Management hub, stage and load data, create subscription views