MCM SQL Server 2008 Achieved

Another step in my career as I have passed the Lab Exam and have become an MCM in SQL Server 2008.  I believed I could achieve it after passing my knowledge exam the first time.

The first attempt at the lab was back in October and it was disappointing to find out that I did not pass the first time. I thought about what I could have done better and determined that I let time get away from me.  I had the experience I thought I needed to do well on the lab exam, but could not get to the point of finishing all the objectives and then there were those that I had not had experience with.  I found myself rehashing my experience to find that important part of getting prepared.  I did not think that study would help enough, so I started with my own lab environment (VM with SQL Server on it) and I ensured that I knew how to work with most of the engine features in BOL and thought of my strategy for the second attempt.

As I reflect on my attempt and prior to that day, I am grateful for the time I took to teach the concepts I was learning in my lab environment, to others. I also love the User Groups in Utah for allowing me to solidify some concepts I felt were important to know and be very familiar with by presenting at the Group meetings.  I may have taken it sooner had I had a study buddy to bounce things off of, but I found that the post from Rob Farley I got a new lease on life for the test.  I was confident in what I knew, but I am not as great in managing my time in scenarios of stress.  It helped to have the test administered via Lync at my house, which was much better than where I took it last time.

The day of the test, the proctors were awesome and took good care of me and explained the process.  They were very understanding and that set my day off to a good start. During the test, I employed some techniques that I learned in preparing, that were all about time management to allow me to get through the Lab and demonstrate what I knew how to do. I think that my time management really helped me the most as I already had the experience I believed I needed to pass the test.

Thanks to all the other MCMs that shared their expertise in presentations, emails and all those that were totally encouraging me to attempt my MCM experience.  But most of all to a supportive manager and employer (www.healthequity.com) that stood by me in the expense and time to take this exam. I am honored to be among the MCMs in SQL Server and looking forward to the road ahead.