70-680 versus 70-686 - what's the difference?

Todd Burrell

I just passed 70-680, and since my company will pay for the exam fees I figure I may as well go ahead and earn the certification for passing 70-686 as well. After looking at the "skills tested" for both exams I really don't see much difference. So my question is - what is the difference in these 2 exams? Any pointers and suggestions would be very appreciated.

I do have Darril Gibson's 685/686 book which I used for 70-680 - so I will probably just re-read it and try and take the exam. I'd like to try and get this done in a week or two to avoid the increased test fees, and to use my last second shot voucher.

Thanks

pzero

It more about knowing what tool is right for the job and at what time. 686 focuses on design and goes in a bit deeper with the deployment stuff. I found that when I was reading the MS Press 686 book it felt like 1/2 of it had already been covered by 680.

Know when to use MAK/KMS and how to design suitable activation models.

Know how to design a WSUS infrastucture.

100% know the terminology around deployment: MDT, ACT, MAP, WDS, SCCM, DISM, IMAGEX, LTI, ZTI, USMT. What each is and when to use it.

Know your stuff around GPO/AD linkage/filtering policies

There is going to be heaps more than that you need to know for this exam. They are just some of the things I can rattle off the top of my head.

Good luck with the exam!

Todd Burrell

Thanks for the info - thankfully most of this stuff was covered in my studying for the Server 2008 exams for my MCITP:EA. I already have a pretty good grasp on deployment, so I plan on just reviewing the Gibson book and then I am going to book this one and get it out of the way.

Psoasman

I am studying for the 686 as well. I am finding that the 686 references a lot of the same material that the 680 does.

TB- having passed the server exams, the 686 will probably not be hard for you. Good luck!