Pass 70-768 MCSA Certification Exam Fast

70-768 Exam Has Been Retired

This exam has been replaced by Microsoft with new exam.

Microsoft 70-768 Exam Details

The Microsoft 70-768 exam is designed to authenticate an individual’s abilities in designing BI solutions and the SQL data models development in particular. Such knowledge includes areas related to multidimensional and tabular data models, their implementation, as well as OLAP cubes.

Intended Audience

The Microsoft 70-768 exam is part of the MCSA certification program and thus is targets individuals with IT experience aiming to validate their intermediate-level competence. The test centers on one’s proficiency in designing various SQL database models, developing specific queries, and configuring SQL Server Analysis Services. Ideally, it is for BI developers who want to excel in their workplace.

Corresponding Certification

Microsoft 70-768 is the second requirement one should fulfill to acquire the MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development certificate. The other one is 70-767 test that emphasizes more on data warehouse application via the SQL language. By earning the said certification, it signifies that an individual can adeptly carry out BI solutions through certain skills focusing on data warehouse and ETL.

Main Details of MCSA 70-768

This Microsoft MCSA test has standard structure, including a time limit of 120 minutes given to answer 40 to 60 questions of various types. The score one should achieve to ace the test is about 700 points. Notice, that exam 70-768 is part of the older Microsoft certification track and will eventually be retired on January 31, 2021. So, those planning to get certified should consider apply for it now.

Topics Covered

There are four main areas discussed in the exam and these predominantly revolved around the SQL setup. A more detailed list is provided on the official website. But to give you an overview, here are the primary subjects.

• Creation of multidimensional BI semantic model

  At 25 to 30%, this section checks the candidates’ skillset in utilizing Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services for creation of multidimensional databases. This includes the processes of designing, developing, and generating specific database models, along with picking a storage outline. Subsequently, one has to unlock comprehension in key cube dimensions. This way, the applicants need to know how to choose the appropriate model, including fact, many-to-many, and parent-child options. Data mining, slowly changing, and roleplaying are also part of the models to mug up to. After the selection process, one has to master the principles of the implementation of the dimension type and definition of attribute relationships. The last core subjects are measures, granularity, and aggregate functions. Likewise, it’s important that candidates learn more about semi-additive behavior.

• Designing of a tabular BI semantic model

  The next domain covers at least 20 to 25% of the test. This is where one needs to deeply comprehend the specifics surrounding a tabular model. These entail the configuration of tabular model storage, row-level security, data refresh as well as interval settings, and setting up permissions. Applicants must further gain mastery in designing relationships, partitions, measures, hierarchies, and the like.

  It is also relevant to be informed about Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft PowerPivot, DirectQuery, Teradata, and Excel. This allows candidates to easily build a tabular model that can access data in near real-time. Don’t forget to get the hang of converting in-memory queries, which are to be utilized for DirectQuery.

• Configuration and upkeep of SSAS

  This area is considered the most substantial of all as it encompasses around 30 to 35% of the total questions. The primary aspect underscored in this domain is how students efficiently plan and set out SSAS using memory limits, NUMA, disk layout, and instance placement. More so, it takes on vital tasks such as optimizing performance via Extended Events/ Profiler, recognizing bottlenecks in different SSAS queries, finding a solution for any performance-related issue, and observing query performances.

  The next skillset assessed within this domain is about configuring processing, both partitions and dimension ones. This also accentuates the ability to use significant Process Full, Process Index, Process Default, and Process Update, among the rest. For the last part, candidates have to practice more on KPI, particularly in the Associated measure group, together with Goal Expression, Value Expression, Status expression, Trend, etc. Designing and developing translations, accompanied by configuring various processing settings (Sequential, Parallel and Writeback), also have solid weight in the coverage.

• Development of queries via MDX and DAX

  With a percentage of 15 to 20, this section puts emphasis on basic Multidimensional Expressions. It’s noteworthy that students should go over the fundamental MDX functions and structures as well as custom MDX solutions. When creating a custom MDX, applicants have to take into consideration the business rules and SCOPE statement. On the other hand, there’s a need to master Data Analysis Expressions as well, with the focus on its EVALUATE and CALCULATE server functions. Filtering DAX queries, generating calculated measures, and executing data analysis via DAX are also the topics covered here.

Career Opportunities to Fuel Your Interest

Passing test 70-768 and earning the MCSA certificate is such a great validation among BI developers and data analysts that is brings numerous career opportunities. The exam coverage itself specifically highlights the most relevant objectives and in-demand skills in working with SQL data models. Henceforth, passing the test reinforces one’s confidence which helps to become a more worthy asset in the organization. And of course, Microsoft certified professionals are well compensated because of their exceptional abilities.

As extracted from PayScale.com, SQL Server Certified professionals secure about $71k annually. In particular, data analysts get an average salary of $61k while BI analysts acquire around $69k. On the contrary, analytics managers take home around $97k. On top of the higher remuneration, Microsoft certification holders enjoy an extra advantage when it comes to promotions.

Certification Path to Look Forward after Your MCSA Acquisition

MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development functions as a prerequisite for an expert-level Microsoft certificate. So, those aiming for better job opportunities and career perks can continue with the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification. This is recommended for database administrators who run an advanced-level data center, networking, systems management, and the like. Do take note that aside from completing the MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development, you also have to accomplish one of the listed elective exams by Microsoft.