JustinR wrote: » Hello, So I am going for my B.A. in Information Systems and know that obtaining certifications will help you through the weeding process. I work full time as a sub-contractor for ADT and have extra time now in the summer since there is no school. I want to start off small, pretty much the first step, but need some guidance. It seems that Microsoft won't be issuing the MCP cert anymore since they will be expiring the exams needed to take it. I am looking into getting the 70-680 cert, ( is this an actual cert. or just a test? ). It seems to be the easiest next to the MCP. I am quite confused on how these things work. Do I need several passed exams to get the MCTS or just the 70-680? Also, how much time is needed to study for this exam? I know computers quite well, run three different OS's at any given time, but definitely know that Microsoft certs are necessities in the IT world. So, can anyone help me out with my questions? I would also love some suggestions as well, thanks for your time! Justin
JustinR wrote: » Awsome*(auto correct android keyboard) information guys, I truly appreciate the help. So you would suggest to first get a server cert? Are you talking about Server 2008, because I heard the R2 books aren't out yet and that's what they are including in the tests. Also, what exam numbers would you suggest first, and what about testing materials. I read a lot about Ms Press, is that only in class studies or do they provide online materials too? thanks!
Lord Nikon wrote: » Well the 642 R2 is out. I have that book. There is also Amazon.com: MCTS: Windows Server 2008 R2 Complete Study Guide (Exams 70-640, 70-642 and 70-643) (9780470948460): William Panek: Books Which is 100% valid. I'd look into those.
pzero wrote: » Ive read the 70-640 MS Press book and am supplimenting it with the Panek book. The MS Press book goes a lot deeper in certain parts (like LDS, RMS, FS, CS) whereas the Panek book doesnt dedicate as much space too it. There is stuff on Group Policy in Paneks book which would assist with the 70-680 stuff.
JustinR wrote: » How long did it take you guys to study, depending on experience as well?
pzero wrote: » Ive got 10+ years in IT with a background of server admin, desktop admin. I think I studied for around 2.5 - 3 months on this. Aprox 15-20 hrs a week.
jyrki.arpiainen wrote: » Yeah,sounds similar to my experiences. I have had couple exceptions which were MCDST tests 271 and 272 which took about 4-5 weeks per exam. Just about every other test took 4 months or more. I studied security test 70-299 whole year (i was working at the same time) and 70-293 & 70-274 took 5 months each. I'm not native english speaker and at the beginning this certification studies were also english lessons for me.. i had to use dictionary a lot with my first MS Press books. So my read speed ain't that good as most of you here, i guess... . and i always use all the time that they give in exams. So that 30 min extra which is given for non english speakers really comes in to use. That was especially needed when i took 70-297. Man that test had lots of stuff to read! Needed my second shot to pass that one.. . . I've seen that many here say that 70-680 is tough exam and recommend taking server exams first. That's exactly what i am doing. I got my MCSE completed year ago, then i sit 70-647 because many of it's topics were overlapping with some MCSE exams i had already done.. and after that i did upgrade test from MCSE to MCITP: EA, 70-649. That took over half year because it contained so much stuff that i already started to forget first things i studied before i got all through. =/ Now it's time for me to complete MCITP: EA with 70-680. I hope that those server exams really help me to pass this exam. BTW. If 70-680 is tough one when took as first exam -that same can be said about 70-270. I remember when i took that one in summer of 2006, it was my first certification test ever and i remember that it was not easy. Some class mates with decent work experience failed it.
JustinR wrote: » The 70-640 from MS Press isn't the R2 version though is it? All I can find was the regular 2008.
LAN_Guru wrote: » I admire you. You really want to learn this stuff and do whatever it takes to do so, including using books that are not in your native language and using a translation dictionary to study...amazing! Your determination and dedication will take you far... "Whatever IT takes"