I took Beta exam no 70-448 last July, because I was curious how’s difficult it is. It is a Business Intelligence exam, a foundation for MCITP for SQL 2008 BI. I’ve touched SQL 2008 since it’s CTP 5 release so I’m quite familiar with the stuff.

I sat almost 3 hours in the testing room, clicked the finish button to end the exam. There was no on the spot scoring for beta. So I did not really know if I passed or fail. But I felt that I pass even with no flying marks. After more than 4 months, I just received email from MS learning. They said that I passed the Beta. Wow, It seems magic to me.

From: Microsoft Certified Professional Programs
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:22 AM
To: Muhammad Choirul Amri
Subject: Congratulations on Your Microsoft Certification! Access Your Benefits
Congratulations on earning your Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance certification! We hope you enjoy the benefits of your certification and of membership in the Microsoft Certified Professional community.

In fact, my knowledge on SQL 2005 helped a lot to clear the exam. I did not do special preparation for it. It was a free offer, so nothing to loose at my side. I really relied on my prior knowledge on SQL 05, play around with SQL 08 and of course my real world experience in the past. This is also a prove that at least I know the stuff better. I was not cramming the book and practice test to shot the test.

I logged in to my MCP transcript, and MCTS SQL 2008 BI Charter member is already under my belt. Yes, I’m the charter member.

I joined the rank of first 200 people who cleared this paper. I can’t wait to receive the welcome kit. Hopefully there will be something special for Charter Member

Now I challenge my friend Kasim and Zeddy. If you dare to fail, try the beta exam.