It was a very helpful book.

I think it is a great book even if you are not applying for the certificate. It helped me in my work, certificate, and personal SQL Server 2005 knowledge.

I would recommend this book for every one who is looking for a SQL Server 2005 book.

I just passed my test in the high 800's using this book- I'd venture to say it is important to do the labs and use any on-line references you can to help you; I use CompTIA's IT Pro 24x7 book library myself for additional studies. Overall MS press does a good job, it is expected I think to do the labs and practice tests is you want to succeed. A good background in Vista would be most beneficial as well to gather a thorough understanding of hwo it works and why.

Type "Microsoft Help and Support" in your favourite search engine and then click on the link which leads to the page. In the upper right hand corner type in "70-640" (note: do not type in the ISBN number as it will not return any results - contrary to what Microsoft says) and you will then see a link for the errata page for the book in question. You can use this for any of the Microsoft Press Training Kits (each of which has a pretty staggering amount of typos)e.g. "70-236" (which by the way has so many errata listings that they had to break it down into two separate links!). Trying to use any of these Training Kits without access to the errata pages is aggravating beyond belief - especially when attempting to to the labs - but the written information tends to both informative and well-written. Hope this helps...

As a first time user of this service I was pleased with the ease of how to sign up and order. I am always wary of online ordering but gave it a go, saved me $160 min. I was kept fully informed all the way. My items were ordered July 24, shipped quickly and arrived in Australia, on my desk smack on the estimated arrival time of July 31st. I am very impressed !! I will absolutely be using Amazon's service again. The packaging was sufficient and the contents were not damaged in any way. Again, great service guy's. As for the books, time to get stuck into some study.