smguthrie wrote: » Thanks for the reply SweenMachine! Just to clarify a couple of things... My datacenter experience only consists of an operator position, which has included tape mounts, batch processing, JCL changes, incident reporting/tracking, and generating/printing reports. I do not have any server experience. I just wanted to make that clear. The dates I provided my manager will be set in stone once I make it official. That's the main reason I took the 349 out to July. I do have a couple other things going on and wanted to play it safe with these dates, which is why I posted here to begin with. If I don't make these dates, I "will be dinged". I'm sure that is in reference to my next performance review, so it does add a bit of pressure to meet my stated dates.
Brandonm2 wrote: » Hey man!! As far as your timeline. The MTA. I took mine in August last year after just finishing my A+. I studied for a around 3 weeks and I passed it very comfortably.Everyone has different speeds they can take it all in but that is how long it took me. It is a very easy test compared to the MCSA tests. I would go over the official Microsoft MTA book and then take the practice test that comes with it, and the go take the test. I would try to burn that one out fast. 680...... It is a tuffy.. I've been studying since I finished the MTA. So like 6-7 months.... Like I said everyone can take it in at different speeds. You may be able to take it in faster. I spend 3-4 hr a day. I am a beginner too with no on the job experience so you may have a slight advantage. advice...Build your own home lab. It is the only way to get your hands on some of this stuff. also.. (it is not enough just to have used win 7 for years. Microsoft expects you to know all the new technologies in Windows 7 that do not get used all the time. Also... Practice all the different ways to deploy win 7. There are alot! For me the 685 is next after I pass the 680 in a couple weeks. Hopefully that one will be easier. Hope this helps ya man!!
SweenMachine wrote: » Well, the three tests you mention have little to no server. They are operating system only. If you are looking for Server certifications, those are completely different animals. The MCSA you referenced, the one comprised of the 680 and the 685, is essentially and end user/configuration certification. It has nothing to do with Servers, Server Admin ect ect.. It is strictly end user Windows 7. I mean, there are some high level mentions of the functions of servers in relation to setting up, troubleshooting end user issue, and working within an enterprise (which inherently has some server things) but it is really directed towards supporting users.
smguthrie wrote: » That makes me feel a little better! For some reason, I was thinking some server background was somewhat necessary to grasp these exams. That's why I asked about any other possible certs between 349 and 680/685. Just trying to play it safe with these dates. Worst case...I should have 349 done in June, giving me six months for 680 and 685. I keep hearing that 680 is quite difficult. How does 685 compare with 680?
Brandonm2 wrote: » One quick thing... As far as server expirence...It is hard to explain. I would say you don't need tons of server experience because that is not what Microsoft is testing on but... In order to set up and lab some of the newer technologies ex. WDS,Branchcache,Direct Access,Bitlocker DRA's,Group policy you need to at least play around with it to get the desktop side of the technologies to work. That is why your own lab with a server is so important. Remember.. You can do almost everything in virtual machines. That has been huge for me! Hope this helps too.
