Published: June 11, 2012
Languages: English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil)
Audiences: IT professionals
Technology: Microsoft SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSE
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.
As of February 18, 2016, this exam includes content covering both SQL Server 2012 and 2014. Please note that this exam does not include questions on features or capabilities that are present only in the SQL Server 2012 product. For more information, please download and review this document.
Build an analysis services multidimensional database (35-40%)
Design dimensions and measures
Given a requirement, identify the dimension/measure group relationship that should be selected; design patterns for representing business facts and dimensions (many-to-many relationships); design dimensions to support multiple related measure groups (many related fact tables); handle degenerate dimensions in a cube; identify the attributes for dimensions; identify the measures; aggregation behavior for the measures; build hierarchies; define granularity of dimension relationships
Implement and configure dimensions in a cube
Translations, define attribute relationships, implement hierarchies, implement SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) dimensions and cubes, create the Attribute Relationships that should be made for a given set of attributes in a dimension, develop new custom attributes on dimensions, detect possible design flaws in attribute relationships, implement time dimensions in cubes, manage SSAS parent-child dimensions, dimension type
Design a schema to support cube architecture
Multidimensional modeling starting from a star schema, relational modeling for a data source view, choose or create a topology, identify the appropriate data types with correct precision and size
Create and configure measures
Logically group measures and configure Measure Group Properties, select appropriate aggregation functions, format measures, design the measure group for the correct granularity
Implement a cube
Use SQL Server Data Tools - Business Intelligence (SSDT-BI) to build the cube; use SSDT-BI to do non-additive or semi-additive measures in a cube, define measures, specify perspectives, define translations, define dimension usage, define cube-specific dimension properties, define measure groups, implement reference dimensions, implement many-to-many relationships, implement fact relationships, implement role-playing relationships, create and manage linked measure groups and linked dimensions, create actions
Create Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) and Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) queries
Identify the structures of MDX and the common functions (tuples, sets, TopCount, SCOPE, and more); identify which MDX statement would return the required result; implement a custom MDX or logical solution for a pre-prepared case task; identify the structure of DAX and common functions, including CALCULATE, EVALUATE, and FILTER; identify which DAX query would return the required result
Implement custom logic in a data model
Define key performance indicators (KPIs); define calculated members; create relative measures (growth, YoY, same period last year), percentage of total using MDX; named sets; add Time Intelligence; implement ranking and percentile; define MDX script to import partial PowerPivot model
Implement storage design in a multidimensional model
Create aggregations, create partitions, storage modes, define proactive caching, manage write-back partitions, implement linked cubes, implement distributed cubes
Select an appropriate model for data analysis
Select Tabular versus Multidimensional based on scalability needs, traditional hierarchical, data volume; select appropriate organizational BI, such as corporate BI, and team and personal BI needs and data status
Preparation resources
Dimension relationships
Defining dimension granularity within a measure group
Linked measure groups
Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) database (15-20%)
Analyze data model performance
Identify performance consequences of data source view design, optimize performance by changing the design of the cube or dimension, analyze and optimize performances of an MDX/DAX query, optimize queries for huge data sets, optimize MDX in the calculations, performance monitor counters, select appropriate Dynamic Management Views for Analysis Services, analyze and define performance counters, monitor growth of the cache, define and view logging options
Process data models
Define processing of tables or partitions for tabular and multidimensional models; define processing of databases, cubes, and dimensions for multidimensional models; select full processing versus incremental processing; define remote processing; define lazy aggregations; automate with Analysis Management Objects (AMO) or XML for Analysis (XMLA); process and manage partitions by using PowerShell
Troubleshoot data analysis issues
Use SQL Profiler; troubleshoot duplicate key dimension processing errors; error logs and event viewer logs of SSAS, mismatch of data: incorrect relationships or aggregations; dynamic security issues; validate logic and calculations
Deploy SSAS databases
Deployment Wizard, implement SSDT-BI, deploy SSMS; test solution post deployment, decide whether or not to process, test different roles
Install and maintain an SSAS instance
Install SSAS; install development tools; identify development and production installation considerations; upgrade SSAS instance; define data file and program file location; plan for Administrator accounts; define server and database level security; support scale-out read-only; update SSAS (service packs); install and maintain each instance type of Analysis Services, including PowerPivot; restore and import PowerPivot; back up and restore by using PowerShell
Preparation resources
Multidimensional model object processing
Performance counters (SSAS)
Build a tabular data model (15-20%)
Configure permissions and roles in a tabular model
Configure server roles, configure SSAS database roles, implement dynamic security (custom security approaches), role-based access, test security permissions, implement cell-level permissions
Implement a tabular data model
Define tables, import data, define calculated columns, define relationships, define hierarchies and perspectives, manage visibility of columns and tables, embed links, optimize BISM for Power View, mark a date table, sort a column by another column
Implement business logic in a tabular data model
Implement measures and KPIs, implement Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), define relationship navigation, implement time intelligence, implement context modification
Implement data access for a tabular data model
Manage partitions, processing, select xVelocity versus DirectQuery for data access
Preparation resources
Using DirectQuery in the tabular BI Semantic Model
Roles (SSAS tabular)
Hierarchies (SSAS tabular)
Build a report with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) (25-30%)
Design a report
Select report components (crosstab report, Tablix, design chart, data visualization components), design report templates (Report Definition Language), identify the data source and parameters; design a grouping structure; drill-down reports, drill-through reports; determine if any expressions are required to display data that is not coming directly from the data source
Implement a report layout
Formatting; apply conditional formatting; page configuration; implement headers and footers; implement matrixes, table, chart, images, list, indicators, maps, and groupings in reports; use Report Builder to implement a report layout; create a range of reports using different data regions; define custom fields (implementing different parts of the report); implement collections (global collections); define expressions; implement data visualization components; identify report parts; implement group variables and report variables; design for multiple delivery extension formats
Configure authentication and authorization for a reporting solution
Configure server-level and item-level role-based security, configure reporting service security (setup or addition of role), authenticate against data source, store credential information, describe Report Server security architecture and site level security, create system level roles, item level security, create a new role assignment, assign Windows users to roles, secure reports using roles, configure SharePoint groups and permissions, define varying content for different role memberships
Implement interactivity in a report
Drilldown; drillthrough; interactive sorting; parameters: (databound parameters, multi-value parameters); create dynamic reports in SSRS using parameters; implement show/hide property; actions (jump to report); filters; parameter list; fixed headers; document map, embedded HTML
Troubleshoot reporting services issues
Query the ReportServer database; view Reporting Services log files; use Windows Reliability and Performance monitor data for troubleshooting; use the ReportServer: define service and web service objects; monitor for long-running reports, rendering, and connectivity issues; use SQL Profiler; perform data reconciliation for incorrect relationships or aggregations; detect dynamic security issues; validate logic and calculations
Manage a report environment
Manage subscriptions and subscription settings; define data-driven subscriptions; manage data sources; integrate SharePoint Server; define email delivery settings; manage the number of snapshots; manage schedules, running jobs, and report server logs; manage report server databases; manage the encryption keys; set up the execution log reporting; review the reports; configure site-level settings; design report lifecycle; automate management of reporting services; create a report organization structure; install and configure reporting services; deploy custom assemblies
Configure report data sources and datasets
Select appropriate query types (stored procedure versus table versus text only); configure parameterized connection strings (dynamic connection strings); define filter location (dataset versus query); configure data source options, for example, extract and connect to multiple data sources; shared and embedded data sources and datasets; use custom expressions in data sources; connect to Microsoft Azure SQL database; implement DAX and MDX queries to retrieve appropriate data sets; work with non-relational data sources, such as XML or SharePoint lists
Preparation resources
Tablix data region (Report Builder and SSRS)
Built-in Globals and Users references (Report Builder and SSRS)
Create data-driven subscription page (Report Manager)
QUESTION 1
You need to recommend a solution for the sales department that meets the security requirements.
What should you recommend?
A. Create one role for all of the sales department users. Add a DAX filter that reads the current user name and retrieves the user's region.
B. Create one role for each region. Configure each role to have read access to a specific region. Add the sales department users to their corresponding role.
C. Create a table for each region. Create a role for each region. Grant each role read access to its corresponding table.
D. Create one role for all of the sales department users. Configure the role to have read access to the sales transactions. Ensure that all of the reports that access the sales transaction data restrict read access to the data from the corresponding sales department region only.
Answer: C
Explanation: Scenario: Tailspin Toys identifies the following security requirement:
•Sales department users must be allowed to view the sales transactions from their region only.
•Sales department users must be able to view the contents of the manufacturing reports. •Sales department users must NOT be able to create new manufacturing reports.
QUESTION 2
You need to configure the dataset for the ManufacturingIssues report. The solution must meet the technical requirements and the reporting requirements.
What should you do?
A. Configure the dataset to use a stored procedure. Add the necessary parameters to the stored procedure.
B. Add a query to retrieve the necessary data from the database. Configure the dataset to use query parameters.
C. Add a query to retrieve the necessary data from the database. Configure the dataset to use filter parameters.
D. Configure the dataset to use a table. Ensure that the database has a table that contains the necessary information.
Answer: B
QUESTION 3
You need to ensure that all reports meet the reporting requirements.
What is the best way to achieve the goal? More than one answer choice may achieve the goal. Select the BEST answer.
A. Create a report part. Publish the report part to a server that has SSRS installed. Add the report part to each new report that is created.
B. Create a report part. Publish the report part to a SharePoint site. Add the report part to each new report that is created.
C. Create a report. Copy the report to source code control. Create each new report by using the report template in source code control.
D. Create a report. Copy the report to the PrivateAssemblies\ProjectItems\ReportProject folder in the Visual Studio directory. Create each new report by using the locally stored report
Answer: D
QUESTION 4
You need to configure a hierarchy for DimProduct that meets the technical requirements.
What should you do?
A. Set ProductName as the parent of ProductSubCategory and set ProductSubcategory as the parent of ProductCategory. For ProductSubcategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
B. Set ProductCategory as the parent of ProductSubCategory and set ProductSubcategory as the parent of ProductName. For ProductSubcategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
C. Set ProductName as the parent of ProductSubcategory and set ProductSubCategory as the parent of ProductCategory. For ProductCategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
D. Set ProductCategory as the parent of ProductSubcategory and set ProductSubCategory as the parent of ProductName. For ProductCategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
Answer: B
QUESTION 5
You need to recommend a solution to meet the requirements for the
ManufacturingIssues.rdl report.
What is the best solution that you should include in the recommendation? More than one answer choice may achieve the goal. Choose the BEST answer.
A. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Add a dataset for each parameter created. Configure each parameter to use the values in the dataset.
B. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Update each parameter to use a set of values from Report Designer.
C. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Use the default display for the parameters.
D. Add a dataset to the report that uses a stored procedure. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Update each parameter to use a set of values from Report Designer.
Answer: C
Languages: English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil)
Audiences: IT professionals
Technology: Microsoft SQL Server
Credit toward certification: MCP, MCSE
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.
As of February 18, 2016, this exam includes content covering both SQL Server 2012 and 2014. Please note that this exam does not include questions on features or capabilities that are present only in the SQL Server 2012 product. For more information, please download and review this document.
Build an analysis services multidimensional database (35-40%)
Design dimensions and measures
Given a requirement, identify the dimension/measure group relationship that should be selected; design patterns for representing business facts and dimensions (many-to-many relationships); design dimensions to support multiple related measure groups (many related fact tables); handle degenerate dimensions in a cube; identify the attributes for dimensions; identify the measures; aggregation behavior for the measures; build hierarchies; define granularity of dimension relationships
Implement and configure dimensions in a cube
Translations, define attribute relationships, implement hierarchies, implement SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) dimensions and cubes, create the Attribute Relationships that should be made for a given set of attributes in a dimension, develop new custom attributes on dimensions, detect possible design flaws in attribute relationships, implement time dimensions in cubes, manage SSAS parent-child dimensions, dimension type
Design a schema to support cube architecture
Multidimensional modeling starting from a star schema, relational modeling for a data source view, choose or create a topology, identify the appropriate data types with correct precision and size
Create and configure measures
Logically group measures and configure Measure Group Properties, select appropriate aggregation functions, format measures, design the measure group for the correct granularity
Implement a cube
Use SQL Server Data Tools - Business Intelligence (SSDT-BI) to build the cube; use SSDT-BI to do non-additive or semi-additive measures in a cube, define measures, specify perspectives, define translations, define dimension usage, define cube-specific dimension properties, define measure groups, implement reference dimensions, implement many-to-many relationships, implement fact relationships, implement role-playing relationships, create and manage linked measure groups and linked dimensions, create actions
Create Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) and Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) queries
Identify the structures of MDX and the common functions (tuples, sets, TopCount, SCOPE, and more); identify which MDX statement would return the required result; implement a custom MDX or logical solution for a pre-prepared case task; identify the structure of DAX and common functions, including CALCULATE, EVALUATE, and FILTER; identify which DAX query would return the required result
Implement custom logic in a data model
Define key performance indicators (KPIs); define calculated members; create relative measures (growth, YoY, same period last year), percentage of total using MDX; named sets; add Time Intelligence; implement ranking and percentile; define MDX script to import partial PowerPivot model
Implement storage design in a multidimensional model
Create aggregations, create partitions, storage modes, define proactive caching, manage write-back partitions, implement linked cubes, implement distributed cubes
Select an appropriate model for data analysis
Select Tabular versus Multidimensional based on scalability needs, traditional hierarchical, data volume; select appropriate organizational BI, such as corporate BI, and team and personal BI needs and data status
Preparation resources
Dimension relationships
Defining dimension granularity within a measure group
Linked measure groups
Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) database (15-20%)
Analyze data model performance
Identify performance consequences of data source view design, optimize performance by changing the design of the cube or dimension, analyze and optimize performances of an MDX/DAX query, optimize queries for huge data sets, optimize MDX in the calculations, performance monitor counters, select appropriate Dynamic Management Views for Analysis Services, analyze and define performance counters, monitor growth of the cache, define and view logging options
Process data models
Define processing of tables or partitions for tabular and multidimensional models; define processing of databases, cubes, and dimensions for multidimensional models; select full processing versus incremental processing; define remote processing; define lazy aggregations; automate with Analysis Management Objects (AMO) or XML for Analysis (XMLA); process and manage partitions by using PowerShell
Troubleshoot data analysis issues
Use SQL Profiler; troubleshoot duplicate key dimension processing errors; error logs and event viewer logs of SSAS, mismatch of data: incorrect relationships or aggregations; dynamic security issues; validate logic and calculations
Deploy SSAS databases
Deployment Wizard, implement SSDT-BI, deploy SSMS; test solution post deployment, decide whether or not to process, test different roles
Install and maintain an SSAS instance
Install SSAS; install development tools; identify development and production installation considerations; upgrade SSAS instance; define data file and program file location; plan for Administrator accounts; define server and database level security; support scale-out read-only; update SSAS (service packs); install and maintain each instance type of Analysis Services, including PowerPivot; restore and import PowerPivot; back up and restore by using PowerShell
Preparation resources
Multidimensional model object processing
Performance counters (SSAS)
Build a tabular data model (15-20%)
Configure permissions and roles in a tabular model
Configure server roles, configure SSAS database roles, implement dynamic security (custom security approaches), role-based access, test security permissions, implement cell-level permissions
Implement a tabular data model
Define tables, import data, define calculated columns, define relationships, define hierarchies and perspectives, manage visibility of columns and tables, embed links, optimize BISM for Power View, mark a date table, sort a column by another column
Implement business logic in a tabular data model
Implement measures and KPIs, implement Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), define relationship navigation, implement time intelligence, implement context modification
Implement data access for a tabular data model
Manage partitions, processing, select xVelocity versus DirectQuery for data access
Preparation resources
Using DirectQuery in the tabular BI Semantic Model
Roles (SSAS tabular)
Hierarchies (SSAS tabular)
Build a report with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) (25-30%)
Design a report
Select report components (crosstab report, Tablix, design chart, data visualization components), design report templates (Report Definition Language), identify the data source and parameters; design a grouping structure; drill-down reports, drill-through reports; determine if any expressions are required to display data that is not coming directly from the data source
Implement a report layout
Formatting; apply conditional formatting; page configuration; implement headers and footers; implement matrixes, table, chart, images, list, indicators, maps, and groupings in reports; use Report Builder to implement a report layout; create a range of reports using different data regions; define custom fields (implementing different parts of the report); implement collections (global collections); define expressions; implement data visualization components; identify report parts; implement group variables and report variables; design for multiple delivery extension formats
Configure authentication and authorization for a reporting solution
Configure server-level and item-level role-based security, configure reporting service security (setup or addition of role), authenticate against data source, store credential information, describe Report Server security architecture and site level security, create system level roles, item level security, create a new role assignment, assign Windows users to roles, secure reports using roles, configure SharePoint groups and permissions, define varying content for different role memberships
Implement interactivity in a report
Drilldown; drillthrough; interactive sorting; parameters: (databound parameters, multi-value parameters); create dynamic reports in SSRS using parameters; implement show/hide property; actions (jump to report); filters; parameter list; fixed headers; document map, embedded HTML
Troubleshoot reporting services issues
Query the ReportServer database; view Reporting Services log files; use Windows Reliability and Performance monitor data for troubleshooting; use the ReportServer: define service and web service objects; monitor for long-running reports, rendering, and connectivity issues; use SQL Profiler; perform data reconciliation for incorrect relationships or aggregations; detect dynamic security issues; validate logic and calculations
Manage a report environment
Manage subscriptions and subscription settings; define data-driven subscriptions; manage data sources; integrate SharePoint Server; define email delivery settings; manage the number of snapshots; manage schedules, running jobs, and report server logs; manage report server databases; manage the encryption keys; set up the execution log reporting; review the reports; configure site-level settings; design report lifecycle; automate management of reporting services; create a report organization structure; install and configure reporting services; deploy custom assemblies
Configure report data sources and datasets
Select appropriate query types (stored procedure versus table versus text only); configure parameterized connection strings (dynamic connection strings); define filter location (dataset versus query); configure data source options, for example, extract and connect to multiple data sources; shared and embedded data sources and datasets; use custom expressions in data sources; connect to Microsoft Azure SQL database; implement DAX and MDX queries to retrieve appropriate data sets; work with non-relational data sources, such as XML or SharePoint lists
Preparation resources
Tablix data region (Report Builder and SSRS)
Built-in Globals and Users references (Report Builder and SSRS)
Create data-driven subscription page (Report Manager)
QUESTION 1
You need to recommend a solution for the sales department that meets the security requirements.
What should you recommend?
A. Create one role for all of the sales department users. Add a DAX filter that reads the current user name and retrieves the user's region.
B. Create one role for each region. Configure each role to have read access to a specific region. Add the sales department users to their corresponding role.
C. Create a table for each region. Create a role for each region. Grant each role read access to its corresponding table.
D. Create one role for all of the sales department users. Configure the role to have read access to the sales transactions. Ensure that all of the reports that access the sales transaction data restrict read access to the data from the corresponding sales department region only.
Answer: C
Explanation: Scenario: Tailspin Toys identifies the following security requirement:
•Sales department users must be allowed to view the sales transactions from their region only.
•Sales department users must be able to view the contents of the manufacturing reports. •Sales department users must NOT be able to create new manufacturing reports.
QUESTION 2
You need to configure the dataset for the ManufacturingIssues report. The solution must meet the technical requirements and the reporting requirements.
What should you do?
A. Configure the dataset to use a stored procedure. Add the necessary parameters to the stored procedure.
B. Add a query to retrieve the necessary data from the database. Configure the dataset to use query parameters.
C. Add a query to retrieve the necessary data from the database. Configure the dataset to use filter parameters.
D. Configure the dataset to use a table. Ensure that the database has a table that contains the necessary information.
Answer: B
QUESTION 3
You need to ensure that all reports meet the reporting requirements.
What is the best way to achieve the goal? More than one answer choice may achieve the goal. Select the BEST answer.
A. Create a report part. Publish the report part to a server that has SSRS installed. Add the report part to each new report that is created.
B. Create a report part. Publish the report part to a SharePoint site. Add the report part to each new report that is created.
C. Create a report. Copy the report to source code control. Create each new report by using the report template in source code control.
D. Create a report. Copy the report to the PrivateAssemblies\ProjectItems\ReportProject folder in the Visual Studio directory. Create each new report by using the locally stored report
Answer: D
QUESTION 4
You need to configure a hierarchy for DimProduct that meets the technical requirements.
What should you do?
A. Set ProductName as the parent of ProductSubCategory and set ProductSubcategory as the parent of ProductCategory. For ProductSubcategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
B. Set ProductCategory as the parent of ProductSubCategory and set ProductSubcategory as the parent of ProductName. For ProductSubcategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
C. Set ProductName as the parent of ProductSubcategory and set ProductSubCategory as the parent of ProductCategory. For ProductCategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
D. Set ProductCategory as the parent of ProductSubcategory and set ProductSubCategory as the parent of ProductName. For ProductCategory, click Hide if Name Equals Parent.
Answer: B
QUESTION 5
You need to recommend a solution to meet the requirements for the
ManufacturingIssues.rdl report.
What is the best solution that you should include in the recommendation? More than one answer choice may achieve the goal. Choose the BEST answer.
A. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Add a dataset for each parameter created. Configure each parameter to use the values in the dataset.
B. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Update each parameter to use a set of values from Report Designer.
C. Add a dataset to the report that uses an ad hoc SQL statement. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Use the default display for the parameters.
D. Add a dataset to the report that uses a stored procedure. Configure the dataset to include the parameters required for the different views. Update each parameter to use a set of values from Report Designer.
Answer: C
