Reviewing for MCSA? 70-410, 70-411, 70-412

jerseyIT92

Hey guys,


So, I just graduated school. I figured this is a good time for me to start studying for my certs. Figured the best one to start with is the MCSA. Only problem is, I google study guides and can't find any good ones. I'm hoping looking for a book that has;
- Good reviews
- Labs
- Maybe a practice test


If anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it.

bohack

JerseyIT92,

I strongly recommend the Microsoft ExamRef Series of books. I've taught from them for the past three tracks of Microsoft 2003, 2008 and 2012. They are relatively cheap, to purchase and have labs peppered here and there. I have the link(s) below. I have also built many supplemental labs and lecture notes for the first 70-410 book, where I would recommend to start your learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBx0KZ8zpK0&list=PLqetuNmLWsdk9ljxiGaoT9PtX-2QN18S0. All the series are split up by objective and follow the book and what is covered on the exam.

As for practice test, I would recommend consulting a different forum as it is not well received on this forum. I do however recommend preparing yourself for the exam. I can not suggest test prep materials however, my formula is simple and I've used it for the past 17 years...

( Read + Learn ) + ( Practice Labs + Understand ) + ( Practice Test + Prepare ) = Passing the Exam

as for passing the test from experience is a farce, thinking you can in a short period of time... Since experience is:

Broke Stuff
Experience =

---

- Sanity
Time

70-410 Book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735684243/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0735684243&linkCode=as2&tag=network059-20&linkId=IXLWVKBAGZJSEXYO

70-411 Book
Amazon.com: Exam Ref 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012 R2 (MCSA) (9780735684799): Charlie Russel: Books

70-412 Book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735673616/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0735673616&linkCode=as2&tag=network059-20&linkId=PVQRM556BLR3TQPI

Hope that helps get you started,

Jon

c0mptia

good information. Thanks

GLaDOS11

bohack's study method is dead on and you will pass if you follow that. I will, however, caution you that the Microsoft Exam Ref books are very, very basic. If you are brand new to servers, they are a good introduction. You aren't going to pass the exams only using the Exam Ref. If you have any experience at all, you're better off getting a different book.


I have the 410 done and working on the 411 now. Here is what I would recommend:


1. Watch the Pluralsight videos for a basic understanding.
2. Build a lab and lab everything in the objectives. Do everything you can with PowerShell because the test is very PowerShell heavy.
3. Take a practice test from Transcender or MeasureUp. Take note of your weak areas.
4. Get the Mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 book and review your weak areas for a deeper understaning.
5. take another practice test.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you're passing with 85% or higher consistently. If you feel that you are starting to memorize the questions, go to the other practice test (Transcender or MeasureUp --whichever you did not by the first time).