I have used this book for the exam preparation, and I could pass it from the first time. The topics there are listed in the same sequence as per the exam specifications. The book is written in an easy language.
For the exam, I found that most of the exam questions could be referenced through the book or the Measure Up training kit that is offered with the book. However, the book missed to mention any thing about the Simulation questions that are a part of the exam. The same was for the Measure Up training kit. For me, it was a surprise to find such questions in the exam, and I had to depend on myself in answering them. The book also has not mentioned any thing about the Exam structure and the questions count per each topic. I had to browse the internet to know about this.
For the examples listed in the book, they are useful and could be followed easily. However, you need to download Northwind database in order to do most of the examples.
Conclusion:
- The book is useful to get familiar with the basics of SQL Server 2005.
- The book can not be used as a reference for the advanced topics such as DB Design , and the DB performance.
- The book should give a proper idea about the topics that are covered through the exam.
- To pass the exam, the Measure Up training kit should be used heavily.
- To pass the exam, you should be familiar with the UI Simulation Questions. The book and the training kit will not help in this.