Customer Reviews

CRCP Crystal Reports Certified Professional All-in-One

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This textbook contains everything the reader will need to gain Crystal Reports Certified Professional (CRCP) certification.

I used the textbook to take all three exams, and passed them all within twelve weeks. The only other source of information I used was the on-line documentation provided with the product (and I used that as a secondary reference only). Note that I did not take any education courses from Business Objects or third-party providers--this book was my sole information source, and it guided me to high scores on all three exams. I also became a much better Crystal Reports developer in the process.

The writing is exceptionally clear and free of all the techno-babble that clutters up so many other texts. This book is clear, easy to read, and structured perfectly. Not only that, but the examples are exceptional and applicable.

In addition to guiding the reader through the certification material, the text will thereafter continue to serve as a valuable reference for Crystal development.

Highly recommended--this is the Crystal Reports book that nobody should be without.

NOTE: Now that Business Objects has revised their CRCP examinations you might be wondering if this text would still be useful. The unqualified answer is YES. The two exams for XI are nearly identical to the three exams for version 10, except all of the Business Views components have been removed.

For XI certification, you still use this text. Just i) skip the Business Views parts (skip chapters 27, 28, 29)--as that software component has been dropped; ii) focus on the SQL components elective (chapter 22); and iii) skim the other elective sections (chapters 23, 24)--as there are no longer elective test tracks. Do this and you will still find this text the definitive preparation material for the CRCP exams.

The CRCP exams for version 10 Crystal Reports are difficult without taking instructor led courses. This book gives detailed information that is critical when preparing for these exams.

Just in case you're not aware, Crystal Reports is a graphically oriented program designed to produce reports filled with data that comes out of a database, comes from a specialized type of server called OLAP, or from data that is calculated internally. It was one of the first such packages and was usually used in conjunction with big powerful databases such as Oracle or SQL Server that didn't have sophisticated reporting structures built into the database.

This book is oriented to guiding the reader through passing the CRCP exam. As such, it's orientation is less formal and descriptive and more oriented to the practical aspects of what's on the test. It includes a CD with a simulated set of examinations (you take three tests) to give you the look and feel of the test and help identify any areas where you need more knowledge.

The design of the book is such that it will be useful in passing the test and still of value as a reference book to the Crystal Reports user.

If you are a Crystal Reports Developer, this book is a must have. Not only is it a great teaching resource, but it also make an awesome reference. It's loaded with thought provoking questions and exercises. I've currently got five Crystal books on my bookshelf here at work. The ONLY one I refer to is this one. This book is also outstanding for someone new to Crystal, as long as you have some IT background. If you are completely new to programming/reporting, this book will be very useful to you eventually, but it's not a good book for your level.

Excellent, provides the organized theory needed to go with practical experience. E book on CD along with practice exams, etc. Was able to take a chapter and remove stuff I knew and end up with instant notes!

I highly recommend this book! If you are writing Crystal Reports this book is a MUST HAVE even if you are not interested in getting your CRCP certification. I have been using Crystal Reports for 5 years and have read several Crystal Report reference manuals. This one is by far the best!!!

Even though this is an old book for an old version of Crystal Reports, it is still very much useful. I use the CR 2008 version, and I've been preparing for the certification exam, for past few months. This is just one of the dozen books that I went through, and I must say that it is among the top 3, in spite of being old. I am aware that some things have slightly changed since 2005, but again, the fundamentals are still very much the same. Also what has changed is the form of the actual cert. exam. Now there is only one, not three exams, so in essence you'll have less questions overall, but you'll also need to have wider knowledge. In addition, what I find very handy is the CD that comes with the book. It includes a "Master exam" that will help you test your knowledge as often as you want.

What I like the most about this book is how detailed it is. I have a good background with the tool it is great to have it all layed out for me. Even though this book is geared towards CR 10, it gives you a great foundation for CR XI.

With intrepidation I bought this book to enable me to become a CRCP professional. It is certainly a very good starting point and the practice exams really help.

I'll let you know if I pass the real thing soon.

Otherwise a good buy!