MCSA2003 --> MCSA2012 - Getting back on track

I got my MCSA2003 a few years back. It seems that within the last year it has or it is going to be expired. Because of this, I need to upgrade it to MCSA2012. I gave MS a call and it seems the upgrade path is just doing the same 70-410/411/412 everyone else would need for the MCSA2012.

I've already paid a visit to the bookstore (if that gives you an idea of how much I love online shopping) and picked up the MS 70-410 Training/Exam Ref green books. Its hard to ignore the lack of certification books there are nowadays, vs lets say, when I was shopping for my MCSE2003 books/videos. Basically there was Sybex, and Microsoft literature. I see some changes took place for TrainSignal & CBTnuggets as well.

As Ive already got some 410 material, Im looking for other study material to add. I'm specifically seeking advice on study material that has the option for physical media (remember when this was the standard?!) I can purchase (not online subscriptions). I realize this is becoming more and more difficult, but just wanted to ask. I'm currently signing up for this Pluralsight website now for a free trial. I know there are guides for study material out there, but MCSA2012 isnt exactly the latest MS certification everyone is working on, but its what my customers have just upgraded to and are using. Any updated study material advice here would also be appreciated (I've looked at older threads on this topic) from those that have just completed the MCSA2012 track.

Thank you

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

gespenstern

Yes, there's no upgrade path, you have to get it as new.

A few years ago there was an upgrade path 2003->2008 (3-in-1 exam)->2012 (3-in-1 exam), but 2008 upgrade exams are retired now.

I had Mackin book in pdf which I was reading on my Surface while commuting in public transport. Decent book. Check if there's a printed copy you can buy.

NetworkingStudent

I'm still working on the 70-410 track.

Stuff you can get with no subscription:

Network minds:
70-410 Exam - Networkedminds

Udemy - Company:infinite Skills Course name 70-410
Going for $50.00 for a single course, but Udemy often has sales.

IT Free Training:

https://www.youtube.com/user/itfreetraining/playlists

Both IT Free Training and Network Minds only cover the 70-410 exam.

Udemy would be your best bet if you're trying to save money, because there is no subscription, you only pay 1 price for each course.

Arkrain

There is a upgrade path the 70-417 exam.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-417.aspx

[h=2]Who should take this exam?
[/h]

This exam is intended for IT professionals who want to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the Windows Server 2012 core infrastructure services. Candidates have already earned a qualifying Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2000, or Windows XP certification:

Hide all
Windows Server 2008 certifications

MCSA: Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator 2010
MCITP: Lync Server Administrator 2010
MCITP: SharePoint Administrator 2010
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7

Windows Server 2003 certifications (and earlier versions)

MCDST: Windows XP
MCSE: Windows 2000
MCSA Windows 2000
MCSA: Security on Windows 2000
MCSA: Security on Windows 2003
MCSA: Windows Server 2003
MCSE: Security on Windows 2000
MCSE: Security on Windows 2003
MCSE: Windows Server 2003
MCSA: Messaging on Windows Server 2000
MCSA: Messaging on Windows Server 2003
MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2000
MCSE: Messaging on Windows Server 2003

Lamini

Awesome, I'll have to check those out. Thank you.

NetworkingStudent wrote: »

I'm still working on the 70-410 track.

Stuff you can get with no subscription:

Network minds:
70-410 Exam - Networkedminds

Udemy - Company:infinite Skills Course name 70-410
Going for $50.00 for a single course, but Udemy often has sales.

IT Free Training:

https://www.youtube.com/user/itfreetraining/playlists

Both IT Free Training and Network Minds only cover the 70-410 exam.

Udemy would be your best bet if you're trying to save money, because there is no subscription, you only pay 1 price for each course.

poolmanjim

Just as a quick note: the upgrade exam covers content from all three MCSA 2012 exams (410, 411, 412). You also have to pass each section with a 70% to pass even if your overall score would be a pass. It is advisable to study this as you would study for the individual tests just combining it all into one run.

As far as free resources, don't forget about the MVA videos on Microsoft's website. A lot of the content in those is generated from the same guys who write the tests so you may see the little pieces of info needed to get around one of the weirder areas.

Good luck!