The news of the MySQL 5.1 GA announcement brought many emails asking about the 5.1 exams. First, let me state that if you are studying for any 5.0 exam please keep on with your plans. The 5.1 DBA test is inching closer to alpha test and will not suddenly pop up without warning. It is on the way but most of you will not get to see it until well into 2009. Watch this blog for updates on how the testing is proceeding. Second, the 5.0 exams will not be disappearing anytime soon. Nor will they start 'expiring'.

But I do need help with the new 5.1 Developer exam. The new exam will be part multiple choice and part 'hands on' or performance based testing. Like 5.1 DBA exam mentioned earlier this year, I need the help of some of you to take a look at the new material and judge its relevance. No, getting a peek at this material will not help you with the new exam when you sit for the test. But if you want to help define just what it means to be a MySQL Certified Developer, this is opportunity knocking hard at your door.

So what does it really mean to be a MySQL Certified Developer? Below is a list of what an attendee at a MySQL for Developers class should be able to accomplish at the end of that class. But how many of you hard core coders do all or most of these tasks on a regular basis?

What task can you hand off to your local DBA or do you do both jobs? Are any of these items too simple, too complex (optimization?)? Is anything missing? What do you do to ascertain the skill level of someone who shows up at your office who wants to be a developer?

So put in your views in a response to this posting or send an email to Certification @ MySQL.com with the subject of 'DEV51help'

• Describe the MySQL client/server architecture
  
• Understand the steps necessary to invoke MySQL client programs
  
• Utilize the general-purpose mysql client program to run queries and retrieve results
  
• Perform queries and analysis of data utilizing the MySQL Query Browser graphical user interface (GUI)
  
• Explain the MySQL connectors that provide connectivity for client programs
  
• Select the best data type for representing information in MySQL
  
• Manage the structural characteristics of your databases
  
• Manage the structural characteristics of the tables within your databases
  
• Utilize the SELECT statement to retrieve information from database tables
  
• Utilize expressions in SQL statements to retrieve more detailed information
  
• Utilize SQL statements to modify the contents of database tables
  
• Write join expressions in your SQL statements to obtain information from multiple tables
  
• Utilize subqueries in your SQL statements
  
• Create views utilizing SELECT statements to produce "virtual tables" of specific data
  
• Perform bulk data import and export operations
  
• Create user defined variables, prepared statements and stored routines
  
• Create and manage triggers
  
• Use the INFORMATION_SCHEMA database to access metadata
  
• Debug MySQL applications
  
• Configure and Optimize MySQL
  

I found a site offering the Canadian Boating License online that everyone needs in 2009. I received my license quickly by mail.

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