MTA 98-364: MTA Database Fundamentals

Exam Profile: MTA Database Fundamentals (98-364)

This article walks the user through the Database Fundamentals (98-364) exam. It discusses trouble spots, preparation hints and detailed exam objectives. By reading this, you will get a better idea of what to expect from the exam and the exam process.

In order to pass the 98-364 exam, you will have to have a basic understanding of Core Database Concepts, Creating Database Objects, Manipulating Data, Data Storage and Administering a Database. The test is designed for the candidates who want to prove introductory knowledge of database. There are no specific prerequisites that you must have for this test, but it is recommended that you be familiar with the concepts and the technologies described in this article. After you pass the Database Fundamentals exam, you will have earned your Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification.

Many people would like to pursue a career in technology, but lack the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue one of our Technology Specialist or Professional certifications. The MTA certification creates a new entry point to help those who have little practical experience get into the career field. This exam can be the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS). The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a new, entry-level certification designed to help individuals take the first step toward a career as an IT professional or developer. Also, when you earn an MTA Certification, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional community. You will get access to members-only benefits such as special offers, the MCP transcript tool, and private newsgroups where you can network, find peer support, and share your accomplishments other certified professionals worldwide.

At this time, MTA is only available to students, faculty, and staff of an accredited academic institution that is an approved MTA testing center. MTA exams are only available at academic institutions that have purchased an MTA Campus License or MTA vouchers. MTA exams are delivered through an internet-based testing platform that allows delivery of exams anytime in any computer connected to the internet at a licensed academic institution. Educators are empowered as exam proctors.

The MTA validates 80% knowledge and 20% skills. The next step in the Microsoft certification path is Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS), which requires hands on experience with the Microsoft technology platform. Microsoft makes its complete developer toolset available for students to download and install at no cost through the DreamSpark Program.

Each MTA Certification exam will cover a broad technology area, including:

• Software Development Fundamentals
• Database Fundamentals
• Windows Development Fundamentals
• Database Fundamentals
• System Administrator Fundamentals
• Networking Fundamentals
• Security Fundamentals

In order to earn an MTA Certification, candidates only need to pass one exam. The MTA Certification will expire after five years.

Exam Details

• Number of Questions: Approximately 30-50 questions (Since Microsoft does not publish this information, the number of exam questions may change without notice.)
• Type of Questions: This test format is multiple choice.
• Passing Score: 70
This passing score does not mean that you must answer 70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam. The actual percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent. There is no penalty for guessing. No points are deducted for incorrect answers. If a question specifies that you must choose multiple correct answers, you must choose the exact number of correct answers specified in the question in order to earn a point for that item. Some of the questions on the exam may not count toward the calculation of your score. Microsoft will often throw a question in that is meant to gather data that will help them improve the exam. If you do not pass the exam in the first attempt, there is not a waiting time before you may retake it. If you do not achieve a passing score the second time, you must wait at least 14 days to retake the test a third time. After that, a 14-day waiting period will be imposed for all subsequent exam retakes. If you have passed the exam, you will not be allowed to take it again.
• Time Limit: 50 minutes
• How to Register: You can search for an institution that can administer the exam by visiting the Certiport site.