: For many, the 70-464 was a humbling experience. It wasn't uncommon for seasoned pros to fail their first attempt with a score like 560 (with 700 needed to pass), only to fail again after assuming the first time was just a fluke.
: The exam introduced "Case Studies"—complex story problems with 5-8 questions that included irrelevant information just to see if you could filter out the noise, much like in a real-world scenario. The 2021 Retirement Shock Microsoft MCSE Certification 70-464 Exam
: One course creator famously described the "story problem" format of these exams as so grueling that developing study labs required "more coffee than anyone should consume". : For many, the 70-464 was a humbling experience
While the Microsoft exam—formally known as Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases —was a technical titan of the SQL Server 2012/2014 era, the most "interesting" story is how it and the entire MCSE line went from being the industry gold standard to a "legacy" badge of honor. The Legend of the "Paper MCSE" vs. The 70-464 Reality The 2021 Retirement Shock : One course creator
In the early days of IT, "MCSE hysteria" led to the rise of "Paper MCSEs"—individuals who passed using only books and rote memorization without ever touching a server. However, by the time the exam arrived, Microsoft had designed it to kill that trend.
The most dramatic chapter in the 70-464 story is its sudden end. In early 2020, Microsoft shocked the IT world by announcing the retirement of almost all MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications. New Course: SQL Server 2014 70-464 - CBT Nuggets