Has anyone exam 70-648?

echo3

Has anyone took exam 70-648?Any thoughts?Difficulty, types and number of questions

ptilsen

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.

vCole

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.

I took 70-290/70-291 about a year ago. How long did you study for 70-648? I'm looking to take this soon.

ptilsen

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.

vCole

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.

Thanks for the info. I've been studying on and off for this exam. I plan on taking it at the end of this month.

neathneathneath

I took this as an upgrade exam rather than the 640/642 route.
I think it would have been a bit easier than the separate exams but bear in mind that exam is in two parts so if you fail one part you get an overall fail. Luckily I passed on first try.

MrAgent

Im taking this exam tomorrow. It is not easy, I know this because it isnt my first attempt.

luckyneo

I am thinking about sitting this exam next week... Has anyone sat in the last couple of months? I have been looking at mostly whats new I have the some CBT but they dont cover R2 and I am aware that there is a lot of R2 conent in these so I have covered that in LAB and using technet.... Fingers crossed will update after I have sat and hopefully passed this badboy

ptilsen

The exam is entirely R2. The only material non-R2 source will help with is that which didn't change between 2008 and R2. However, as I said, the "Introducing Server 2008 R2" can cover the gaps for someone who has studied the 2008 material. Since you've labbed and used Technet, though, you'll probably get enough to pass.

Good luck and let us know either way. I definitely recommend that PDF if you need to make another attempt.

certs4me

I passed it recently and found it challenging. I used the 2nd ed. MS Press books for 640 and 642 plus technet and extensive lab practice.

I have a question. When I passed this exam it shows on my Microsoft transcript that I have attained the Network Infrastructure MCTS but it doesn't show the Active Directory part. Shouldn't it show that I have MCTS in both Network Infrastructure and Active Directory? I previously attained MCSA 2003.

ptilsen

There is a delay in processing it and it is not necessarily the same for both certs, even though you got them same day. My final MCSA test showed up a week before MCSA itself it.

If it goes for a couple weeks without showing up, email MS.

luckyneo

So I have booked the exam for a week on Friday needed some motivation to get through it so booked the date will let you know how I get on......