Exam Profile: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-466)

The 70-466 exam is meant to be taken by Business Intelligence (BI) Developers who are most likely to focus on hands-on work creating the BI solution including implementing multi-dimensional data models, implementing and maintaining OLAP cubes, and creating information displays used in business decision making. Microsoft states that the exam is meant to be taken by those whose primary responsibilities may include:

• Working with large data sets across multiple database systems
• Cube/warehouse/views fundamentals
• Data model decisions: Unified Dimension Model (UDM) versus Business Intelligence Semantic Model (BISM)
• Develop Cubes and Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) queries to support analysts
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) cube performance
• Building pivot tables from cubes
• Building PowerPivot solutions
• Design and test report models, layouts and templates
• Manage reporting system: configuration and subscriptions
• Using report builder to create reports
• Develop complex SQL queries for reports
• Building reports Using Crescent

After passing the Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (70-466) exam, you complete the requirements for the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification.

Exam Details

• Number of Questions: Approximately 45-55 questions (Since Microsoft does not publish this information, the number of exam questions may change without notice.)
• Type of Questions: This test format is multiple choice and multiple choice multiple answer. You may also see several scenario questions.
• Passing Score: 700

This passing score does not mean that you must answer 70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam. The actual percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent. There is no penalty for guessing. No points are deducted for incorrect answers. If a question specifies that you must choose multiple correct answers, you must choose the exact number of correct answers specified in the question in order to earn a point for that item. Some of the questions on the exam may not count toward the calculation of your score. Microsoft will often throw a question in that is meant to gather data that will help them improve the exam.

• Time Limit: 120 minutes

Trouble Spots

As with any exam, it will vary from person to person as to what is deemed to be difficult. Be sure you are familiar with each of the topics in the exam objectives listed below.

• Data Analysis Expression (DAX) is the expression language you use when creating calculated columns, measures, and KPIs for tabular models and PowerPivot models. The current release of SQL Server 2012 extends DAX to include many new statistical, information, logical, filter, and math functions.
• An Analysis Services instance can run in multidimensional, tabular, or PowerPivot for SharePoint server modes. Each server mode supports a different type of database by using different memory architectures, storage structures and engines.
• PowerPivot for Excel is a client application that incorporates SQL Server technology into Excel 2010 as an add-in product. In order to install the PowerPivot for Excel add-in, you must have Excel 2010 and Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime installed. If you had already been using SQL Server 2008 R2 PowerPivot for Excel, you will have to uninstall first because there is no upgrade path for the add-in.
• PowerPivot for SharePoint requires that you install SharePoint Server 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010 Service Pack 1. Many people find it easier to install the PowerPivot for SharePoint instance and then use the PowerPivot Configuration Tool to complete the configuration of both the SharePoint farm and PowerPivot for SharePoint.