Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Certification Training - Exam 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse

What You'll Learn

This comprehensive training program is specifically designed to prepare you for the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Exam 70-463, which focuses on implementing a data warehouse using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 technologies. Upon successful completion of this course and passing the certification exam, you will have achieved a significant milestone toward earning your Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credentials in SQL Server 2012.

The curriculum encompasses all essential topics covered in the official Microsoft 70-463 examination blueprint, ensuring you develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for real-world data warehousing implementations. You will master the fundamental concepts of data warehouse architecture, design principles, and implementation strategies using SQL Server 2012's powerful suite of tools and technologies.

Throughout this intensive training program, you will gain expertise in designing robust data warehouse solutions that meet enterprise-level requirements for performance, scalability, and maintainability. The course covers advanced topics including dimensional modeling techniques, fact and dimension table design, slowly changing dimensions, and data warehouse optimization strategies that are critical for professional data warehouse developers and architects.

You will also develop proficiency in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), learning to create sophisticated extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes that efficiently move data from various source systems into your data warehouse. This includes mastering control flow and data flow tasks, implementing error handling and logging mechanisms, and optimizing package performance for large-scale data processing operations.

Requirements

To maximize your learning experience and successfully complete this certification training program, you should have a genuine desire to learn and advance your career in database technologies and business intelligence. While no formal prerequisites are mandated, having a foundational understanding of relational database concepts, basic SQL query writing skills, and familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating systems will significantly enhance your comprehension of the advanced topics covered in this course.

Previous experience with SQL Server Management Studio, basic database administration tasks, and exposure to business intelligence concepts would be beneficial but is not strictly required. The course is structured to accommodate learners with varying levels of experience, providing clear explanations and step-by-step guidance for complex concepts and procedures.

Students should have access to a computer capable of running SQL Server 2012 software, either through a personal installation or virtual machine environment. Microsoft provides evaluation versions of SQL Server that can be used for learning purposes, and detailed instructions for setting up the required software environment are provided as part of the course materials.

A commitment to hands-on practice and experimentation with the concepts taught in each module is essential for success. Data warehousing is a practical discipline that requires experience with real-world scenarios and problem-solving approaches that can only be developed through active engagement with the tools and technologies.

Course Description and Overview

This Advanced Skills SQL Server 70-463 Exam preparation course represents a comprehensive educational experience designed to equip you with all the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to successfully pass the Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 certification examination. This certification is a mandatory requirement for professionals seeking to achieve Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credentials in SQL Server 2012 technologies.

The instructional approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on practical application, ensuring that students not only memorize exam content but truly comprehend the underlying concepts and can apply them effectively in professional environments. Each major topic area is thoroughly explored through detailed explanations, real-world examples, and guided laboratory exercises that simulate actual workplace scenarios.

The curriculum systematically progresses through each examination domain, beginning with fundamental data warehouse design principles and architecture considerations. You will learn to analyze business requirements and translate them into effective data warehouse designs that support reporting, analytics, and business intelligence initiatives. This includes understanding different data warehouse architectures such as star schema, snowflake schema, and hybrid approaches, along with their respective advantages and appropriate use cases.

Data modeling techniques form a crucial component of the course content, where students learn to design dimension tables that provide meaningful business context and fact tables that store quantitative measures. Special attention is given to handling slowly changing dimensions, implementing surrogate keys, and managing data lineage and audit trails that are essential for enterprise-grade data warehouse solutions.

The extract, transform, and load (ETL) development section provides extensive coverage of SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Microsoft's premier ETL platform. Students learn to design and implement sophisticated data integration workflows that can handle complex data transformation requirements while maintaining high performance and reliability standards. This includes working with various data sources, implementing data quality checks, handling error conditions gracefully, and optimizing package execution for maximum throughput.

Detailed Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this comprehensive training program, participants will have developed a thorough understanding of data warehouse implementation using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 technologies. The learning experience is structured to ensure mastery of both fundamental concepts and advanced techniques required for professional-level data warehouse development and management.

Students will acquire expertise in designing data warehouse architectures that align with business requirements and technical constraints. This includes the ability to analyze complex business scenarios, identify appropriate dimensional modeling approaches, and create logical and physical database designs that support efficient querying and reporting operations. You will understand how to evaluate different schema designs and select the most suitable approach based on specific use case requirements.

The curriculum ensures proficiency in implementing robust ETL processes using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Participants will learn to create comprehensive data integration solutions that can extract data from diverse source systems, apply complex transformation logic, and load processed data into target data warehouse structures. This includes mastering both control flow and data flow components, implementing sophisticated error handling mechanisms, and optimizing package performance for enterprise-scale operations.

Data quality management skills will be developed through extensive training in SQL Server Data Quality Services (DQS) and Master Data Services (MDS). Students will learn to implement data profiling, cleansing, and matching processes that ensure high levels of data accuracy and consistency across the data warehouse environment. This includes creating and maintaining knowledge bases, defining business rules for data validation, and implementing automated data quality workflows.

Advanced troubleshooting and performance optimization capabilities will be cultivated throughout the program. Participants will develop the ability to identify and resolve common issues in data warehouse implementations, optimize query performance through appropriate indexing and partitioning strategies, and implement monitoring and alerting systems that proactively identify potential problems before they impact business operations.

Course Content Structure

The course curriculum is meticulously organized into logical modules that build upon each other to provide a comprehensive understanding of data warehouse implementation using SQL Server 2012. Each module combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises designed to reinforce key concepts and develop hands-on skills that can be immediately applied in professional environments.

The foundational module establishes a solid understanding of data warehousing concepts, business intelligence architecture, and the role of SQL Server 2012 in modern analytics solutions. Students learn about different types of data warehouse systems, including operational data stores, data marts, and enterprise data warehouses, along with their respective characteristics and appropriate use cases. This module also covers the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack and how various components work together to deliver comprehensive analytics solutions.

Database design and dimensional modeling receive extensive coverage through dedicated modules that teach both theoretical principles and practical implementation techniques. Students learn to identify business processes, define grain levels for fact tables, and design dimension tables that provide meaningful business context. Special emphasis is placed on handling complex scenarios such as slowly changing dimensions, role-playing dimensions, and degenerate dimensions that commonly occur in real-world implementations.

The SSIS development modules provide comprehensive coverage of SQL Server Integration Services, starting with basic package development concepts and progressing to advanced scenarios involving complex data transformations and error handling. Students learn to work with various SSIS components including data flow tasks, control flow containers, connection managers, and package configurations. Practical exercises guide students through creating ETL processes that handle common data integration challenges such as data type conversions, null value handling, and referential integrity maintenance.

Practical Implementation Methodologies

The course emphasizes practical implementation approaches that prepare students for real-world data warehouse development scenarios. Each theoretical concept is reinforced through hands-on exercises that simulate actual workplace challenges and require students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. This approach ensures that graduates are immediately productive in professional environments rather than requiring extensive additional training.

Laboratory exercises progress from basic implementations to complex scenarios that mirror enterprise-level requirements. Students work with realistic datasets and business scenarios that require them to make design decisions, implement solutions, and troubleshoot issues that commonly arise in data warehouse projects. This includes working with diverse data sources, handling data quality issues, and implementing solutions that meet specific performance and scalability requirements.

Case study analysis forms an important component of the learning experience, where students examine successful data warehouse implementations and analyze the design decisions and implementation strategies that contributed to their success. This includes understanding how to gather and analyze business requirements, evaluate technical constraints, and make architectural decisions that balance competing priorities such as performance, maintainability, and cost.

Project-based learning opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in comprehensive scenarios that require integration of multiple skill areas. These projects simulate real-world data warehouse development initiatives and require students to work through the entire implementation lifecycle from requirements analysis through deployment and maintenance. This provides valuable experience in project planning, task prioritization, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Best practices and industry standards are emphasized throughout the course content, ensuring that students develop professional-level skills that align with established methodologies and proven approaches. This includes understanding documentation standards, code organization principles, and testing procedures that are essential for maintaining high-quality data warehouse solutions in enterprise environments.

Certification Preparation Strategy

The course includes comprehensive assessment mechanisms designed to evaluate student understanding and prepare them for success on the Microsoft 70-463 certification examination. Assessment strategies combine formative evaluation throughout the learning process with summative assessments that measure overall comprehension and practical application abilities.

Practice examinations are strategically placed throughout the curriculum to help students gauge their progress and identify areas requiring additional attention. These assessments closely mirror the format, difficulty level, and content coverage of the actual Microsoft certification exam, providing students with realistic preparation experience. Detailed explanations are provided for all practice questions, helping students understand not only the correct answers but also the reasoning behind incorrect options.

Hands-on assessment scenarios require students to demonstrate their ability to implement data warehouse solutions that meet specific business requirements. These practical evaluations test both technical implementation skills and the ability to make appropriate design decisions when faced with competing priorities or constraints. Students receive detailed feedback on their implementations, including suggestions for improvement and alternative approaches that might be considered.

Study guides and reference materials are provided to support independent learning and review activities. These resources include comprehensive coverage of all examination topics, quick reference guides for key concepts and procedures, and troubleshooting guides that help students develop problem-solving skills that are essential for both exam success and professional effectiveness.

Review sessions and group discussions provide opportunities for students to clarify concepts, share experiences, and learn from their peers. These collaborative learning opportunities help reinforce key concepts while providing exposure to different perspectives and approaches that enrich the overall learning experience.

Professional Examination Process and Requirements

Successfully passing the Microsoft 70-463 certification examination requires careful preparation and understanding of the examination process and requirements. The certification exam is administered through authorized testing centers worldwide and follows standardized procedures designed to ensure fair and consistent evaluation of candidate knowledge and skills.

Examination registration can be completed through Microsoft's official certification website or through authorized testing partners such as Pearson VUE. Candidates should schedule their examination well in advance to ensure availability at their preferred testing location and time. The examination fee is typically approximately $150, though pricing may vary by geographic region and testing provider.

The examination format consists of multiple-choice questions, scenario-based questions, and hands-on simulation exercises that test both theoretical knowledge and practical implementation abilities. Questions are designed to evaluate understanding at multiple cognitive levels, from basic recall of facts and concepts to analysis and synthesis of complex scenarios requiring professional judgment and decision-making skills.

Preparation strategies should include thorough review of all course materials, completion of practice examinations, and hands-on experience with SQL Server 2012 data warehousing tools and technologies. Candidates should focus particular attention on areas where they performed poorly on practice assessments and should seek additional resources or instruction as needed to achieve mastery of difficult concepts.

Testing center procedures typically require candidates to arrive early for check-in processes, provide appropriate identification, and follow specific guidelines regarding personal items and testing environment protocols. Understanding these requirements in advance helps reduce examination day stress and allows candidates to focus their energy on demonstrating their knowledge and skills effectively.

Course Quality Assurance and Disclaimer Information

The information and guidance provided in this comprehensive training course is offered in good faith and represents current best practices and examination preparation strategies based on extensive research and professional experience in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 technologies. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness of the course content, students should understand that certification requirements, examination content, and technology specifications may change over time.

This training program is an independent educational resource and is not officially endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. Students should always consult official Microsoft documentation, certification guidelines, and authorized training materials to ensure they have the most current and accurate information regarding certification requirements and examination procedures.

The course content is comprehensive and covers all major topic areas included in the Microsoft 70-463 examination blueprint. However, successful certification requires dedication to studying, hands-on practice, and potentially supplementary learning resources that address individual learning needs and knowledge gaps. Students are encouraged to use multiple preparation resources and study aids to maximize their chances of examination success.

Pricing information, examination procedures, and certification requirements mentioned in this course description are provided for general guidance purposes and may vary by geographic location, testing provider, and current market conditions. Students should verify all details directly with official sources before making financial commitments or scheduling examinations.

While this course provides thorough preparation for the Microsoft 70-463 certification examination, individual results may vary based on prior experience, study habits, and personal learning capabilities. Success on the certification examination requires serious commitment to learning and practical application of the concepts and skills covered in the course curriculum.

Target Audience and Professional Applications

This comprehensive certification training program is specifically designed for Information Technology professionals who are committed to advancing their careers through Microsoft certification achievement and developing expertise in data warehousing and business intelligence technologies. The course content and learning objectives are tailored to meet the needs of professionals working in various roles within the database and analytics domains.

Database administrators who want to expand their skill set beyond traditional database management into data warehousing and business intelligence will find this course particularly valuable. The curriculum provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement and maintain data warehouse solutions that support organizational analytics and reporting requirements while leveraging their existing database management expertise.

Software developers and programmers who work with data-intensive applications will benefit from understanding data warehousing concepts and ETL development techniques that are essential for creating robust analytics solutions. The course provides practical experience with SSIS development, data transformation techniques, and performance optimization strategies that directly apply to data integration and processing requirements.

Business intelligence analysts and report developers will gain valuable insights into the data warehouse implementation process and develop skills that help them better understand the underlying data structures that support their analytical work. This knowledge enables them to contribute more effectively to data warehouse design discussions and troubleshoot data quality issues that may impact their analysis and reporting activities.

Systems architects and technical consultants who design comprehensive business intelligence solutions will find the course content essential for making informed architectural decisions and effectively communicating with stakeholders about data warehousing capabilities and limitations. The course provides the technical depth needed to evaluate different implementation approaches and select solutions that meet specific business requirements and constraints.

Career changers who are transitioning into database technologies or business intelligence fields will benefit from the comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts combined with practical implementation experience. The structured learning approach helps newcomers develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills needed to be successful in data warehousing roles.