ptilsen wrote: » I sat and passed 70-648 on my first try in October. I don't want to violate NDA, but I can tell you it was more or less split into to two tests. Honestly, it's pretty much like taking 70-640 and 70-642 at the same time. That said, you're more heavily tested on things that have changed from 2003 to 2008 and 2008 R2. There wasn't too much on the base functionality of AD, DNS, etc, but more on what changes. I used the MS Press book on it as well as Transcenders practice exam. Both have R2 versions. I actually studied the pre-R2 (first edition) of the MS Press book until a couple of days before I took the test, then I started using the free MS PDF "Introducing Server 2008 R2" that basically outlines all the changes from 2008 to 2008 R2. This is critical as the test is more focused on R2 tech and you will fail if you don't know R2 differences. Overall, I found the test less difficult than 70-680 and 70-643, and I passed it by a greater margin with less studying. That said, I work with Server 2008 R2 every day and have implemented dozens of 2008 R2 systems. I also got my 70-290 and 70-291 tests only a couple of years ago, so I still have a pretty good memory of what the material for those tests.
ptilsen wrote: » I did five or six sessions of 4-8 hours each. I want to say I spent around 30 hours total, but I wasn't keep track that closely. Regardless, YMMV. Plan on a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 50 hours, depending on your study habits and level of real-world exposure.