700/800 series changes

psylow

What is different in the 800 a+ series from the 700? Has anyone taken both? I need to decide which one to take quickly.

Rosco2382

If you haven't started I would go with the 800 series.

psylow

Why the 800? I see there are more performance based questions on the test but is it any harder or easier then the 700?

Darril

The best way to see the differences is to compare the objectives of each side by side. I wrote a blog comparing the two about a year ago. Some of the significant differences in the 800 series exams are:

• Windows 7 Enterprise is included
• Mobile devices (such as iPads) are included
• Virtualization is new
• Troubleshooting wireless is new
• A significant amount of security is added (including wireless security, troubleshooting security, and SOHO security)
• Performance based testing.

Also, the 700 series exams are no longer available after Aug 31, 2013 so if not sure you'll pass both exams before then, you should do the 800 series.

From a difficulty level, they are both about the same except that some people are uncomfortable with the performance based questions.

Hope this helps.

KeithJagger

The performance based questions really aren't that big of a deal and they only give you a couple of them (3 I think)...and anyone that has prepared shouldn't be losing sleep over them. My advice is to not sweat the performance based stuff, if you focus on the study domains and get that down then those will come easy to you.