General Overview of Microsoft MCSA 70-463 Certification Exam




The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in Data Platform certification validates that you have the expertise and experience needed to administer and build enterprise scale data solutions in cloud and on-premise environments. The certification exam evaluates your capacity to implement database and programming objects. It also tests your ability to troubleshoot and optimize queries, design databases and databases objects, develop troubleshooting and optimization solutions, security, and structure. With the MCSE in Data Platform credential, you can take up a career position as a Database Designer, or a Database Analyst.

To earn the MCSE certification in Data Platform, you will be required to complete five levels of examinations among which is the Microsoft 70-463 test. The list of these exams is as follows:

- Microsoft 70-461 – Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
- Microsoft 70-462 – Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
- Microsoft 70-463 – Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014

After completing these three levels, you will be awarded the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification in SQL Server 2012. After obtaining this certificate, you can go ahead to take the two other exams to upgrade to the MCSE in Data Platform. These two examinations are: - Microsoft 70-464 – Developing SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
- Microsoft 70-465 – Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Overview of Microsoft 70-463 Exam


The 70-463 certification exam evaluates a candidate’s capacity to complete specific technical tasks. These tasks are highlighted below:

- Design & Implement Data Warehouse -11%
- Build Data Quality Solutions – 15%
- Extract & Transfer Date – 23%
- Create Database Objects – 24%
- Configure & Deploy SSIS Solutions – 24%
- Load Data – 27%

The percentage highlighted above shows the weight of each of the major topics in the exam. This means the topics with higher percentage will have more questions than the ones with lower percentage. The Microsoft 70-463 certification exam focuses majorly on implementing different Data Warehouse with Fact tables and Dimensions. It also has to do with working with Data Quality solutions and SSIS packages. This examination is designed for Data Warehouse Developers who develop Business Intelligence (BI) solutions. Their primary responsibilities also include extractingtransform load, data cleansing, and data warehouse execution.

Tasks of Microsoft 70-463 Exam in Detail


To prepare for this MCSA exam, you must ensure that you study all the topics under the course and understand their details. There are specific skills you need to develop in the modules of the certification course that will determine your level of success. These details are as enumerated below:

Design & Implement Data Warehouse

Candidates are expected to focus on these areas:

- Introducing Star & Snowflakes Schemas
- Design & Implement Fact Tables
- Design & Implement Dimensions
- Manage Performance of Data Warehouse

Build Data Quality Solutions

Area of study should be focused on the details below:

- Install & Maintain Data Quality Services
- Create & Maintain Knowledge Base
- Create Data Quality project for profiling data, improving data quality, and to clean data
- Implement Master Data Management Solutions
- Utilizing DQS & DQS Cleansing Transformation
- Utilizing Master Data Service Add-in for Excel

Resource materials that can be explored for studying these topics include Mastering of Data Service Features & Tasks, Installation of Master Data Services, and Installation of Data Quality Service.

Extract & Transfer Data

Topics covered under this module include:

- Defining connection manager
- Designing data flow
- Implementation of data flow with transformations
- Control flow tasks & container & precedence constrains
- Implementation of scripts tasks in relation to SSIS
- Management of SSIS package implementation

Studying materials for the above module include Design Data Flow, and Integrating Services Connections.

Configure & Deploy SSIS Solutions

The topics to be studied under this module are highlighted below. It is important to mention that there are different resource materials that you can access to help you in your study.

- Troubleshooting Data Integration issues
- Installing and maintaining SSIS components
- Implement Logging, Event Handling, and Auditing
- Deployment of SSIS solutions
- Configuration of SSIS security setting
- Data mining task & transformation
- Preparation of data for data mining
- Implementation of SSIS Fuzzy transformation.

Load Data

Topics to explore under this module include the following:

- Designing of control flow
- Implementation of package logic, using SSIS parameter and variables
- Implementation of control flow
- Implementation of data load options
- Implementations of script components as it relates to SSIS
- Package of transactions, event handlers, and check points
- Understanding slowly changing dimension
- Preparation of packaging for incremental load

How to prepare and pass Microsoft 70-463 Exam


-Schedule your exam location, date and time. To take this Microsoft exam, it is important that you schedule where and when you want to take it. Scheduling the exam will give you a deadline to work with, so you can focus on studying the materials.
- Study and understand the relevant resource materials. The course is very extensive and you are required to cover all the bases. Going through all the resources shared in this article will help you in make a huge progress in your preparation. Learn More: https://www.prepaway.com/70-463-exam.html
-Sit for the exam and pass it with flying colours.

Conclusion


The adequate preparation will guarantee your success in the exam. Read the study materials extensively and understand the scope of the course. It is essential that you also review the exam objective and the exam guide to be able to know where to focus your attention during study. The Microsoft Virtual Academy is a very great resource platform where you can access excellent materials that will help in your self-preparation.