Help with MCSA 2012 Prices

I have been searching for training centers to see how much it will cost me to go for the MCSA 2012.

I found that link which honestly shocked me:

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 training classes and certification at ONLC Training Centers

Is it really that expensive?

Ok, so if i need to make it self study, can I?

what should i do?
buying books would help?
buying CDs would help? would be enough?

https://www.microsoftpressstore.com/store/exam-ref-70-410-installing-and-configuring-windows-9780735684249

downloading the windows server 2012 would help as well?
Download Windows Server 2012

Please help, thanks.

FYI: I'm an IT guy, have experience, not genius but good. I'm a service desk engineer, know about servers but not that deep.

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netsysllc

The tests are $150 each and there are 3 tests for this cert, you can find vouchers for 10-20% off if you search around. There is no need to take classes unless you want to fast track the certification but it will cost you. There are many resources available for free most of which are linked in the Server 2012 forum on this site.

alson

ok thanks, that's helpful. I will check that forums.

PurpleIT

netsysllc wrote: »

There is no need to take classes unless you want to fast track the certification but it will cost you.

It will probably cost you in the amount of information you learn and retain as well. Classes have their place, but if you REALLY want to get into the details self-study (and labbing) wins out.

kaneohe7

If you are able to buy all of your tests up front you can get a second-shot (free at Microsoft | Prometric) + 15% off at:

Microsoft | Prometric

Not advertising for them it's just what I did for mine. There are time limits though.

Asif Dasl

Those in-person training sessions are always expensive if you are paying for them out of your own pocket. I'd suggest a CBT Nuggets subscription for a month or a year if you can afford that and then subscribe to Safari Books Online where all of your Microsoft books are available there.

There are plenty of Cisco and VMware books there also, so if you go down another route your books should be covered by the subscriptions. I'd always recommend a self-study path on cost, just be careful of those vouchers kaneohe7 mentions they have to be taken by May 31st 2014 - so like 6 days away...

alson

I checked the CBT Nuggets and actually it's expensive for me. I also checked the Microsoft Prometric link and for sure I will not be ready in 6 days, I'm still getting prepared

So I had the old MCSE, i got it like 12 years ago. At that time, i remember we used to have free materials, exams and websites. Is there away to find good free stuff like that now? or life has changed much??!!

alson

netsysllc wrote: »

The tests are $150 each and there are 3 tests for this cert, you can find vouchers for 10-20% off if you search around. There is no need to take classes unless you want to fast track the certification but it will cost you. There are many resources available for free most of which are linked in the Server 2012 forum on this site.

is there a way to send me any of these links? I have been trying to find any but was not able to. appreciate your help.
I will keep searching as well.

Asif Dasl

Try Pluralsight if money is tight..

Here are those free threads for MCSA 2012:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/92064-70-410-technet-other-resources.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/92070-70-411-technet-other-resources.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/92186-70-412-technet-other-resources.html

kaneohe7

Asif Dasl wrote: »

just be careful of those vouchers kaneohe7 mentions they have to be taken by May 31st 2014 - so like 6 days away...

FYI....Per the site -

VOUCHER EXPIRATION

"Second Shot vouchers are available until May 31, 2014. All exams, including retakes must be used by December 31, 2014. Exam reservations are subject to testing center availability, register early for the best schedule."

The Second Shot vouchers are only available until 6 days from now....and must be used before the December 31, 2014.

The voucher bundles are still good all year (aka - 7 months) and don't expire until December 31, 2014. I only mentioned them because he didn't mention a timeline on when he was planning on taking them and they are a good deal.

Asif Dasl

Thanks for clarifying that... Your first link says May 31st 2014, the second link says December 31st 2014... They must have extended it and didn't update the page.

SamMerlotte

Contradicting pages from Microsoft trouble me. Otherwise, I'd plop down the money for the MCSE Messaging combo if I knew I had the rest of the year to do it.

MickQ

SamMerlotte wrote: »

Contradicting pages from Microsoft trouble me. Otherwise, I'd plop down the money for the MCSE Messaging combo if I knew I had the rest of the year to do it.

The extension to the end of 2014 is ONLY for the MCSA in Win Server 2012 and SQL Server 2012.

The second shot for their other exams is different:
"Exam voucher expires on May 31, 2014 for single exams (with 070 and 071 prefixes as well as Dynamics exams)."
And more crucially:
"VOUCHER EXPIRATION:
Vouchers expire on May 31, 2014. All exams, including retakes, must be taken by May 31, 2014."

Asif Dasl

There is a second shot exam pack for MCSE Messaging as well... which can be used up to the end of the year.
Microsoft | Prometric

But yeah the single second shot exam voucher must be taken by May 31st 2014.

alson

I started my study by using the above links; I do appreciate everyone’s help.

I have another question, have any one watched the YouTube videos by the Eli the Computer Guy? I like watching those videos.

He said that the Windows Server 2012 Unleashed by Sams is a very great source to learn Win Server 2012. If I could get this book, do you think this book would be enough to make me ready for all MCSA exams? Only 70-410?

I need your opinions please about that book or maybe other books you see useful.