MCP me!

Three down! So close I can nearly taste it…

The 70-291 was the most difficult Microsoft certification I have taken thus far, hands down. I had taken this exam in March, and missed a passing score by a mere 27 points. This was the first Microsoft certification I had ever attempted, and at the time, was only half way through my course that maps to this certification. Now I nailed it as I have just completed my online course with the material fresh in my mind.

Study Sources

MCSE Guide to Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network, Enhanced by Jason Eckert. I used this text in correlation with the online class I attended.

This book also includes the CoursePrep test preparation software which I always use in preparation of these certifications.

Areas of Focus

RRAS, WSUS, DHCP, DNS, DNS, oh, and did I mention… DNS!?

Know the above topics inside and out, especially DNS. I had about 15 questions on DNS alone! Lastly, know how to subnet. Concentrate on the topics above and you will pull it off. Good luck!

Half way there! Two down and two to go!

Given my very limited experience with the Microsoft Certification exams, I would say that the 70-270 was the ‘friendliest’ exam so far. Don’t mistake my statement as the exam being easy… it was far from that!

Study Sources

MCSE Guide to Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition, Enhanced by James Michael Stewart. I used this text in correlation with the online class I attended.

This book also includes the CoursePrep test preparation software which I strongly suggest using when preparing for your exam.

Areas of Focus

This exam, as well as all previous exams I have attempted, always seem to include a few questions regarding file permissions. Make sure you understand unattended installations and Sysprep thoroughly! Also, be aware of System Monitor and the counters used.

If you understand the areas mentioned throughly, I believe you should have a good shot at passing this exam first try. Good luck!

Description: This video describes the process of duplicating a VM by copying the Virtual Hard Drive (.vhd) over to a new Virtual Machine and changing the Security ID (SID).

Drum roll please… I am now a Microsoft Certified Professional!

I would not consider this exam easy. This is my second MCP exam I have attempted, and I can say that I was downright tired, mentally, after taking this exam. If you are not familiar with Microsoft’s Certification Exams, why not try a practice exam. You will notice that almost every question begins, “You are a network administrator for [company's name here]…” and continues with the life story of the network administrator. This is very similar to the actual exam. The questions are detailed and many include information irrelevant to determining the correct answer.

Study Sources

MCSE Guide to Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, Enhanced by Dan DiNicolo. I used this text in correlation with the online class I attended.

The book includes a CD-ROM featuring CoursePrep ExamGuide content as well as CoursePrep test preparation software from MeasureUp which I also used to prepare for the exam. The questions provided resemble the structure of the actual MCP exam.

Areas of Focus

Make sure you know the following:

• SUS
• IIS
• Terminal Services
• Backups! (Had at least 6 questions on this topic)
• File permissions
• Shares

There were 4 or 5 simulations if I remember correctly.

Conclusion

I would recommend giving yourself the time to study and understand the material thoroughly before taking this exam. Many of the questions are quite specific. Use common test taking skills such as skipping the more difficult questions and going back to them later. Just take your time and do not be afraid to use the entire 3 hour time limit.