Windows Server 2012 MCSE Beta Exams

aaronchristenson

Check your email, the beta codes for 71-413, 71-414, 71-415, and 71-416 are out. I got registered for all of them.

MentholMoose

Thanks for the heads up, I registered for 413 and 414.

undomiel

Registered for the same exams here as well. Time to get studying!

Gr8BigApe

Anyone have any info on study materials for these exams or what the 2008 equivalent exams are? I too registered for all 4. I have some new hardware so I'm thinking of putting it to use over the next couple of weeks setting up a lab/test environment, or as I've indicated to management, a "burn-in".

Essendon

Are the beta codes publicly available guys? Are you able to pm me with the codes or are the betas by invite only or something?

undomiel

For now it looks like it is invitation only. You'll want to make sure that you have your SME profile up to date. https://connect.microsoft.com/Survey/SurveyList.aspx?SiteID=862

Essendon

Thanks Jeff.

MentholMoose

Anyone take the exams and have impressions? I think I failed 413 since I didn't focus enough on certain topics. If so, once there is a study guide available I'll use it to study for a retake. It seemed very passable as long as you study the right material it. I feel better about 414 but you never know. Hopefully I passed at least one of them since MS exams are expensive and I am not sure my employer will reimburse me for taking MS exams.

undomiel

I have to concur, I had a similar experience. I only got a night's study time for each one unfortunately so I focused on the wrong areas. It did have the benefit of highlighting a few of the really interesting features of Server 2012 though. I think I have a shot of having passed 414 but 413 is most likely a fail. I like that it felt like they were returning to the difficulty of the 2003 MCSE exams. The 2008 exams, at least back when I took them, felt like they were entirely focused on what's new rather than a more big picture look.

MentholMoose

MentholMoose wrote: »

Anyone take the exams and have impressions? I think I failed 413 since I didn't focus enough on certain topics. If so, once there is a study guide available I'll use it to study for a retake. It seemed very passable as long as you study the right material it. I feel better about 414 but you never know. Hopefully I passed at least one of them since MS exams are expensive and I am not sure my employer will reimburse me for taking MS exams.

The beta results are on Prometric. My results are the opposite of what I expected... I passed 413, but failed 414. Hopefully they will send a score report so I can see how close I was and determine what to focus on for a re-attempt, if I decide to go through with it. For 417 I'll wait for the MS Press book:
Exam Ref 70-417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012: J.C. Mackin: 9780735673045: Amazon.com: Books

undomiel

Thanks for reminding me, I completely forgot I was waiting on results for this. I can report the same as MentholMoose, passed 413 and failed 414. Looking back I had the same prediction as well. I guess I had better get to work on the 417, I've got a bit of free time right now to study.

aaronchristenson

I am disappointed in myself. I failed them all. I came out thinking that I might have passed 1 or 2 of them. So I will be taking 417, 413, and 414. I am not sure if I will get the 417 book or the books for each 410, 411, and 412.

bowulf

I passed the above beta back in August. It must have been by the skin of my teeth or due to much 2008 R2 applicable knowledge. I am taking 70-417 tomorrow, so hopefully I remember much of what I knew the first time since I think some of the same questions will be asked again.