Do not expect to pass the exam with this training kit. I read each chapter, completed all exercises, and repeated all simulation tests several times. The questions on the real exam are MUCH harder. I was extremely disturbed to fail because of this kit. And yes, there are quite a few of instructional typo errors that will have you going in circles.

This book helped me prep for the 70-445 exam, I am still reading this one. I recommend Transcender Practice exams with this book.

I have attended the intructor led MS trainings.

Because you dictate your own pace, reading the book and diligently going thru the exercises is as good as,if not better than, attending the corresponding the MS intructor led trainings.

Very good introduction in MS SQL Server 2005 BI. Although indeed sometimes errors in the textual instructions, the delivered projects on CD are correct and clear. Clear theoretical explanations. Textual errors are also easy to pass by with a little effort and a bit 'trial-and-error' yourself. Also valuable T-SQL examples worked out in the lessons.
This books combines the three BI-areas of interest (SSRS, SSAS, and SSIS) in one book and is aiming at the preparation for the 70-445 exam. Attractive book and lay-outs conventions. It really invites you to read.

This book has not been properly edited to ensure that all instructions are correct. The book consistently references the wrong items (db names) or asks the reader to perform a step that can't be completed because an item does not exist. EXAMPLE: pg 303, Ex.1 Step 7. There is no 'subcategory' field in the 'dscategory' dataset. I think this error is becauase pg 294, steps 12 & 16 have the names reversed. These authors stink.

The book is good source for starting up in BI SQL Server but perhaps not enough to pass exam. I gave exam last week after only preparing this book , didn't pass .. the questions were so different from the one given with book practice test and also advanced knowledge was required . I think its good idea to use one of the practice test i.e SelfTest etc and learn online whats left off.

GREAT REFERENCE GUIDE FOR THE SQL SERVER 2005 (EXAM 70-445). I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND GAINING KNOWLEDGE ON THE BACKROUND OF THE SYSTEMS USED IN THIS STUDY GUIDE. EXTREMELY DETAILED AND CORRECT IN EVERY ASPECT THAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR.

Very good training kit. One minus -- there are just a few Quick Check questions and answers at the end of each chapter. It would be better to have say 20 questions per each chapter for evaluation.

I bought this book for the sole purpose of passing this test. Well, I passed the test with using the practice tests and spending a lot of time with this book. I didn't buy any type of testing software that a lot of people are getting. I had bought the Sybex version before the Microsoft book, but it had too many mistakes. I also found the other book to cover a lot more than what you need for the certification. I have 9 years of SQL Server experience, but I was pretty worried about taking my first certification test. I think this book is perfect for preparing you for the test. In my opinion, the XML chapter could have been a lot smaller and then they could have expanded on the Mirroring chapter.

I used this book in addition to Tom Carpenter's 70-431 prep book and this is a good book. I feel that the book by Tom Carpenter is a better reference, but there is no question that both books will help prepare your for the exam. If I were you, I would use both books that way you will have the lite and sometimes detached coverage (you might say fact-based) that is in this book and the real-world type coverage that is in the McGraw-Hill book.