Authority comes from authorship. The 070-457 bank at TestValid is written by experienced IT experts and certified trainers, then checked continuously for updates — so the Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 content you study stays reliable in 2026.
Microsoft 070-457 Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 |
| Exam Number: | 70-457 |
| Exam Price: | $150-$165 USD |
| Related Certifications: | MCSE: Business Intelligence MCSE: Data Platform MCSA: SQL Server 2012 |
| Exam Duration: | 170 minutes |
| Real Exam Qty: | 40-60 |
| Certificate Validity Period: | Retired (Jan 31, 2021); MCSA certification valid for lifetime once earned |
| Available Languages: | Portuguese (Brazil), French, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), German, English |
| Exam Format: | Case studies, Drag and drop, Multiple choice, Build list, Active screen |
| Passing Score: | 700 |
| Recommended Training: | SQL Server 2012 Transition Training Microsoft Official Curriculum |
| Exam Registration: | Microsoft Learn Exam Page Pearson VUE Microsoft Portal |
| Sample Questions: | ![]() |
| Exam Way: | Proctored exam at Pearson VUE test centers or online via OnVUE; retired and no longer available for registration |
| Pre Condition: | Hold any valid MCTS certification on SQL Server 2008 |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/exams/70-457 |
Microsoft 070-457 Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshoot and Optimize Queries | 15-20% | - Use query hints and execution plans - Analyze execution plans - Optimize indexes and statistics - Identify and resolve performance issues |
| Work with Data | 28-33% | - Manage transactions and error handling - Apply built-in functions and aggregate functions - Query data using SELECT statements - Implement subqueries and joins - Modify data using INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE |
| Create Database Objects | 27-32% | - Create and alter indexes - Create and modify views - Design and implement tables - Create functions and triggers - Create stored procedures |
| Manage and Maintain Databases | 20-25% | - Monitor SQL Server activity - Implement high availability features - Configure SQL Server instances - Manage backups and restores - Implement security principles |
What to Know About the 070-457 Exam and Our Services
According to the latest exam information, the 070-457 exam contains 40-60 questions and runs for 170 minutes minutes. Simulating that exact limit in practice builds the pacing a tough exam demands.
The Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 blueprint centers on these domains:
- Work with Data (28-33%)
- Manage and Maintain Databases (20-25%)
- Troubleshoot and Optimize Queries (15-20%)
Further domains complete the official outline — the question bank covers every one.
Registration goes through the official channels below:
Pick a test center or online slot that suits your calendar, and book early — preparation goes smoother with a date in place.
Clear terms, no runaround. If you fail the corresponding exam within 60 days of purchase, send us a scanned copy of your enrollment slip and your official Score Report PDF within two days of the exam date; verified claims are refunded in full within seven days. Exclusions: exams taken within three days of purchase, candidate names that do not match the payer, and free or expired products. Prefer to switch tracks? Exchange your product for two others of equal value at no cost.
A team of IT experts and certified trainers with rich experience in the Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 field writes it — and keeps it honest. Every answer is expert-verified, the content is checked continuously for updates, and each new 070-457 version is emailed to you free for 365 days. Compared with training institutions, the bank is affordable and self-paced; compared with guesswork, it is systematic. Download the free demo first, and if anything goes wrong — even a simple downloading problem — 24/7 customer assistance is one message away.
Microsoft lists these official training options for candidates:
Structured training plus consistent self-practice covers both depth and exam readiness.
Microsoft states the following prerequisites for the Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1: Hold any valid MCTS certification on SQL Server 2008.
Confirm the current requirements on the official certification page before you register.
Currently, the 070-457 exam requires a passing score of 700, with a registration fee of $150-$165 USD. Microsoft sets both figures, so verify the latest on the official site before scheduling.
Upon successful payment, our system automatically sends the product to your mailbox — typically within about a minute — with an instant download link on screen. If nothing arrives within two hours, check your spam folder and contact our 24/7 customer assistance. Updates are free for 365 days: the moment a new version releases, the latest bank is sent to your email immediately, no matter when you purchased. A 50% renewal discount applies when the period ends.
Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 Sample Questions:
You have a database that contains the tables as shown in the exhibit. (Click the Exhibit button.)
You need to create a query that returns a list of products from Sales.ProductCatalog. The solution must meet the following requirements:
UnitPrice must be returned in descending order.
The query must use two-part names to reference the table.
The query must use the RANK function to calculate the results.
The query must return the ranking of rows in a column named PriceRank.
The list must display the columns in the order that they are defined in the table.
PriceRank must appear last.
Which code segment should you use?
To answer, type the correct code in the answer area.
- A. SELECT ProductCatalog.CatID, ProductCatalog.CatName, ProductCatalog. ProductID, ProductCatalog.ProdName, ProductCatalog.UnitPrice, RANK() OVER (ORDER BY ProductCatalog.UnitPrice DESC) AS PriceRank FROM Sales.ProductCatalog ORDER BY ProductCatalog.UnitPrice DESC
- B. SELECT ProductCatalog.CatID, ProductCatalog.CatName, ProductCatalog. ProductID, ProductCatalog.ProdName, ProductCatalog.UnitPrice, RANK() OVER (PARTITION BY ProductCatalog.UnitPrice ORDER BY ProductCatalog. UnitPrice DESC) AS PriceRank FROM Sales.ProductCatalog ORDER BY ProductCatalog.UnitPrice DESC
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestValid members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You administer a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 database named ContosoDb. Tables are defined as shown in the exhibit. (Click the Exhibit button.)
You need to display rows from the Orders table for the Customers row having the CustomerId value set to 1 in the following XML format.
<CUSTOMERS Name="Customer A" Country="Australia"> <ORDERS OrderID="1" OrderDate="2001-01-01" Amount="3400.00" /> <ORDERS OrderID="2" OrderDate="2002-01-01" Amount="4300.00" />
</CUSTOMERS>
Which Transact-SQL query should you use?
- A. SELECT Name AS '@Name', Country AS '@Country', OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML PATH ('Customers')
- B. SELECT Name, Country, OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS
- C. SELECT Name AS 'Customers/Name', Country AS 'Customers/Country', OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML PATH ('Customers')
- D. SELECT OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML RAW
- E. SELECT OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML RAW, ELEMENTS
- F. SELECT OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO
- G. SELECT Name, Country, OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO
- H. SELECT OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers. CustomerId WHERE Customers.CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS
Correct Answer: G 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestValid members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
DRAG AND DROP You administer several Microsoft SQL Server 2012 servers. Your company has a number of offices across the world connected by using a wide area network (WAN). Connections between offices vary significantly in both bandwidth and reliability. You need to identify the correct replication method for each scenario. What should you do? (To answer, drag the appropriate replication method or methods to the correct location or locations in the answer area. Each replication method may be used once, more than once, or not at all.)
Select and Place:
Correct Answer:

Explanation:
Reference: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms151198.aspx
You administer a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 instance that contains a financial database hosted on a storage area network (SAN). The financial database has the following characteristics:
A data file of 2 terabytes is located on a dedicated LUN (drive D).
A transaction log of 10 GB is located on a dedicated LUN (drive E).
Drive D has 1 terabyte of free disk space.
Drive E has 5 GB of free disk space.
The database is continually modified by users during business hours from Monday through Friday between
09:00
hours and 17:00 hours. Five percent of the existing data is modified each day. The Finance department loads large CSV files into a number of tables each business day at 11:15 hours and 15:15 hours by using the BCP or BULK INSERT commands. Each data load adds 3 GB of data to the database. These data load operations must occur in the minimum amount of time. A full database backup is performed every Sunday at 10:00 hours. Backup operations will be performed every two hours (11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00) during business hours. On Wednesday at 10:00 hours, the development team requests you to refresh the database on a development server by using the most recent version. You need to perform a full database backup that will be restored on the development server. Which backup option should you use?
- A. COPY_ONLY
- B. CONTINUE AFTER ERROR
- C. SIMPLE
- D. 8ULK_LOGGED
- E. FULL
- F. NORECOVERY
- G. DBO ONLY
- H. CHECKSUM
- I. Differential
- J. NO_CHECKSUM
- K. STANDBY
- L. RESTART
- M. SKIP
- N. Transaction log
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestValid members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You administer two instances of Microsoft SQL Server 2012. You deploy an application that uses a database on the named instance. The application is unable to connect to the database on the named instance. You need to ensure that the application can connect to the named instance. What should you do?
- A. Configure the named SQL Server instance to use an account that is a member of the Domain Admins group.
- B. Open port 1433 on the Windows firewall on the server.
- C. Configure the application as data-tiered.
- D. Start the SQL Server Browser Service.
Correct Answer: D 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestValid members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).






