Free 70-659?

cyberguypr

Can anyone make sense of this offer?

Microsoft Virtualization | Microsoft Learning

The Virtualization Challenge means that for a limited time, you can take Exam 70-659: MCTS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization, at no cost, from a Microsoft Learning Partner near you. If you pass, you’ve earned your Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification. If you don’t pass, you may enroll in a class offered by the Learning Partner to acquire additional virtualization skills. Then retake the exam, free of charge. What do you have to lose? Find a Learning Partner near you, and ask to take the Virtualization Challenge.

I contacted my Global Knowledge rep and she said they are not participating. I don't see any way to find out who exactly is participating a who is not. I've emailed MS but wanted to put it out here in case one of you figured it out already.

Everyone

There's a link in the article to a locator.... Microsoft Learning Class Locator

I see 2 in Schaumburg and 1 in Naperville.

Also found this regarding the exam itself: Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization

cyberguypr

I'm marking the Locator as useless. Reached out to 3 providers listed there and none of them are participating. I've been referred to the local MCP support center. I hate calling but I really want to know.

And yes, that resources helps. I saw it a couple of weeks ago and decided to spend more time on VMM. Very helpful

Edit: Seconds after I posted this I called. Offer is no longer available as all vouchers have already been issued. Got all excited for nothing. Time to pay for the test.

JBrown

The offer is back and live.

Microsoft Virtualization | Microsoft Learning

But it's online only.

cknapp78

I was focusing on getting my MCITP but this may be too good to pass up. I use Hyper-V and VMware almost everyday. Might be a good way to jump in quickly with certs for a small price.

BTW...free vouchers are already gone. ERF....

jmritenour

Man, MS must be really desperate to push Hyper-V. They're always offering free/cheap exams for 659.

The one day jump start class + exam voucher offer for $99 is still going on, since it seems all the free exam vouchers are gone, if anyone really wants to do this. Microsoft Virtualization | Microsoft Learning

steve13ad

I actually sat for it today and missed it by one question.

I was really surprised on how tough the test was. If this is how the new MS are going to be, I won't ever get a voucher without a second shot on it.

I haven't decided if I'm just going to go out of pocket and take it next week. Or if I can wait for the next class that's scheduled to get a voucher for $100.

cyberguypr

steve13ad wrote: »

I actually sat for it today and missed it by one question.

I was really surprised on how tough the test was. If this is how the new MS are going to be, I won't ever get a voucher without a second shot on it.

I haven't decided if I'm just going to go out of pocket and take it next week. Or if I can wait for the next class that's scheduled to get a voucher for $100.

What study resources did you use? Any labbing?

steve13ad

I've been using Mastering Hyper-V Deployment and a "starter" lab that I setup at work. I've a virtualization noob, but I feel like I have better idea of what Microsoft is looking for.