MCDBA is an acronym for Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. Information technology professionals with MCDBA certification can help organizations and businesses with the administration, implementation and design of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 databases.

The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator training program and certification is designed specifically for information technology professionals playing key roles in the design, administration and implementation of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 databases. Microsoft recommends one year of database administration experience prior to attempting MCDBA certification. The MCDBA certification is distinct from the MCTS and MCITP programs, which cover Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

MCDBA Exam Requirements

In order to obtain MCDBA certification, information technology professionals must past three core exams and one elective exam. Microsoft began discontinuing some of the MCDBA exams in March 2009, but IT professionals who took the exams while they were still offered can count them toward the MCDBA certification. The core exams cover SQL Server Administration, SQL Server Design and Networking Systems.

• SQL Server Administration: IT professionals can fulfil the SQL Server Administration exam requirement with Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition. The Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 exam was discontinued in March 2009.
• SQL Server Design: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition is the only remaining exam to fulfill the server design requirement. The Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 has been retired, but is still valid for IT professionals who have already taken it.
  Networking Systems: The three exams options for this subject area are Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment; Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure; and Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server.
• Elective Exams: One elective exam is required in order to obtain MCDBA certification. At present, there are 15 elective exams to choose from, covering design, development and implementation. Information technology professionals are encouraged to complete an exam that broadens their knowledge of a particular information technology area.