Not everyone has evenings free for a bootcamp. If your 70-457 preparation has to happen on the subway, in waiting rooms, or after the kids are asleep, the 172 Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 practice questions from Actual4Exams were made for that kind of schedule in 2026.
Microsoft 70-457 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 |
| Passing Score: | 700 |
| Certificate Validity Period: | Retired (Jan 31, 2021); MCSA certification valid for lifetime once earned |
| Related Certifications: | MCSE: Business Intelligence MCSA: SQL Server 2012 MCSE: Data Platform |
| Exam Duration: | 170 minutes |
| Exam Format: | Build list, Active screen, Drag and drop, Case studies, Multiple choice |
| Available Languages: | French, English, German, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) |
| Exam Price: | $150-$165 USD |
| Real Exam Qty: | 40-60 |
| Recommended Training: | SQL Server 2012 Transition Training Microsoft Official Curriculum |
| Exam Registration: | Pearson VUE Microsoft Portal Microsoft Learn Exam Page |
| 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 70-457 Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Create Database Objects | 27-32% | - Create and modify views - Create and alter indexes - Design and implement tables - Create functions and triggers - Create stored procedures |
| Troubleshoot and Optimize Queries | 15-20% | - Analyze execution plans - Optimize indexes and statistics - Identify and resolve performance issues - Use query hints and execution plans |
| Work with Data | 28-33% | - Modify data using INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE - Apply built-in functions and aggregate functions - Query data using SELECT statements - Implement subqueries and joins - Manage transactions and error handling |
| Manage and Maintain Databases | 20-25% | - Implement security principles - Implement high availability features - Configure SQL Server instances - Manage backups and restores - Monitor SQL Server activity |
FAQ: Preparing for Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 the Smart Way
Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 is an official exam run by Microsoft under exam code 70-457. Passing it awards the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 certification, which sits at the Associate tier. It also counts toward related credentials such as MCSA: SQL Server 2012, MCSE: Data Platform, MCSE: Business Intelligence. Certified professionals remain in shorter supply than the market wants, which is precisely why this exam keeps showing up in conversations about better roles and better pay.
The Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 exam gives you 170 minutes to work through 40-60 questions. That is a tight ratio, and it punishes candidates who get emotionally attached to any single item. The fix is mechanical: answer what you know, flag what you do not, and keep moving. A few full-length timed runs in the Actual4Exams test engine, with its randomized question order, will calibrate your pace far better than untimed reading ever could.
The official fee for Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 is $150-$165 USD, and 700 is what passing takes. The uncomfortable part: retakes cost the full $150-$165 USD again, which makes preparation the cheapest line item in this whole project. Before booking, put yourself through repeated scored sessions with the Actual4Exams practice tests and compare results over time; a stable margin above the passing line, not a single lucky run, is when you are ready.
Hold any valid MCTS certification on SQL Server 2008
Vendor rules do get revised, so treat this as your starting point and confirm the current eligibility details before booking via the official exam page.
Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 registration runs through these official channels.
Worth noting when you schedule: the exam is delivered Proctored exam at Pearson VUE test centers or online via OnVUE; retired and no longer available for registration.
Yes, Microsoft points Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 candidates toward the following training.
Whatever course you choose, close the loop with question practice: the 172 items in the Actual4Exams 70-457 package convert course knowledge into exam-day scoring ability.
It is. Actual4Exams publishes a free PDF demo of the Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 material, so the product can prove itself before you pay. Your purchase then comes with 365 days of free updates, and once that period ends, extending the update service costs 50% of the regular price. The test engine software itself is verified malware-free and safe to install.
Actual4Exams stands behind the product with a 100% money-back guarantee under defined conditions. If you take the Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 exam within 60 days of purchase and fail, you qualify for a full refund, provided the exam corresponds to your product. Sitting the exam within 3 days of purchase does not qualify, and neither do unused downloads, free materials, or expired orders; the candidate name must match the payer name. Submit a scanned enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam, and claims are resolved within 7 days. You may also choose an exchange instead of a refund: two other exam products of equal value, free, with the update service on your original purchase retained.
Delivery takes about a minute. Files unlock for instant download at payment and are emailed to you automatically; if 2 hours pass with nothing received, check spam and contact customer service. There is no installation limit, so the test engine can live on every device you own, phone included.
Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 breaks down into 4 official domains, led by Manage and Maintain Databases (20-25%), Work with Data (28-33%), and Create Database Objects (27-32%). You will find the full topic-by-topic outline above on this page; use the weightings to budget your study hours where they pay back the most.
Microsoft Transition Your MCTS on SQL Server 2008 to MCSA: SQL Server 2012, Part 1 Sample Questions:
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 Customerld value set to 1 in the following XML format.
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 OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId = Customers.CustomerId WHERE Customers. CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO
- C. SELECT OrderId, OrderDate, Amount, Name, Country FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId -Customers.CustomerId WHERE Customers. CustomerId= 1 FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS
- D. SELECT Name, Country, OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId= Customers.CustomerId WHERE Customers. CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO
- 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 RAW
- G. 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')
- H. SELECT Name, Country, OrderId, OrderDate, Amount FROM Orders INNER JOIN Customers ON Orders.CustomerId= Customers.CustomerId WHERE Customers. CustomerId = 1 FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS
Explanation: Only visible for Actual4Exams members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You administer a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 database named Contoso on a server named Server01. You need to be notified immediately when fatal errors occur on Server01. What should you create?
- A. an Alert
- B. a Database Audit Specification
- C. an Extended Event session
- D. a Policy
- E. a Resource Pool
- F. a Server Audit Specification
- G. a SQL Profiler Trace
Explanation: Only visible for Actual4Exams members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You are migrating a database named Orders to a new server that runs Microsoft SQL Server 2012. You
attempt to add the [Corpnet\User1] login to the database. However, you receive the following error
message:
"User already exists in current database."
You need to configure the [Corpnet\User1] login to be able to access the Orders database and retain the
original permissions. You need to achieve this goal by using the minimum required permissions.
Which Transact-SQL statement should you use?
- A. DROP USER [User1]; CREATE USER [Corpnet\User1] FOR LOGIN [Corpnet\User1]; ALTER ROLE [db_owner] ADD MEMBER [Corpnet\User1];
- B. ALTER USER [Corpnet\User1] WITH LOGIN [Corpnet\User1];
- C. ALTER ROLE [db_owner] ADD MEMBER [Corpnet\User1];
- D. ALTER SERVER ROLE [sysadmin] ADD MEMBER [Corpnet\User1];
Explanation: Only visible for Actual4Exams members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
You administer a Microsoft SQL Server instance. You use a two-node SQL Server failover cluster. Node B is primary, and Node A is secondary. You need to install a security patch on both nodes. You need to ensure that the following requirements are met:
Both nodes receive the update.
Downtime is minimized.
No data is lost.
Which three actions should you perform in sequence? (To answer, move the appropriate actions from the list of actions to the answer area and arrange them in the correct order.)
Build List and Reorder:

Explanation:
--Burgos - YES (I dont remember if was with NodeA or NodeB active)
You develop a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 database that contains tables named Customers and Orders. The tables are related by a column named CustomerId . You need to create a query that meets the following requirements:
Returns the CustomerName for all customers and the OrderDate for any orders that they have placed.
Results must not include customers who have not placed any orders. Which Transact-SQL query should you use?
- A. SELECT CustomerName, OrderDate FROM Customers LEFT OUTER JOIN Orders ON Customers.CuscomerlD = Orders.CustomerId
- B. SELECT CustomerName, OrderDate FROM Customers CROSS JOIN Orders ON Customers.CustomerId = Orders.CustomerId
- C. SELECT CustomerName, OrderDate FROM Customers RIGHT OUTER JOIN Orders ON Customers.CustomerID = Orders.CustomerId
- D. SELECT CustomerName, OrderDate FROM Customers JOIN Orders ON Customers.CustomerId = Orders.CustomerId
Explanation: Only visible for Actual4Exams members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
No help, Full refund!
Actual4Exams confidently stands behind all its offerings by giving Unconditional "No help, Full refund" Guarantee. Since the time our operations started we have never seen people report failure in the Microsoft 70-457 exam after using our products. With this feedback we can assure you of the benefits that you will get from our products and the high probability of clearing the 70-457 exam.
We still understand the effort, time, and money you will invest in preparing for your certification exam, which makes failure in the Microsoft 70-457 exam really painful and disappointing. Although we cannot reduce your pain and disappointment but we can certainly share with you the financial loss.
This means that if due to any reason you are not able to pass the 70-457 actual exam even after using our product, we will reimburse the full amount you spent on our products. you just need to mail us your score report along with your account information to address listed below within 7 days after your unqualified certificate came out.




