Hardest of the 3 exams

jediweapon

I know that for the MCSA/MCSE 2003 the hardest exam was always considered to be the 70-291. Of the 70-410, 411 and 412 which one is considered the hardest?

EspiOne

Yes, I would agree, I tested for 70-290/70-291, back in 2007, after failing twice on both, (4 times each, since I had second shots), I called it quits and focused on Windows 7 when I came out. I just took my chances with 70-640 and did not do well. I am looking to waste my time with 70-642 and 70-646, in May. I will be looking to test for 70-417 in August, so I would not be able to tell you.

galoryber

This is a good question. I've been thinking about the MCSA:2012 and so far the forums here make it sound pretty daunting... far more "failed exam" posts than "passed exam" posts (at least the day I was looking at it)

I studied the 03 material during some vocational school and never did get to finish it, just a few points away from the 291 exam before I ran out of time at the school... and therefore, ran out of Paid-for vouchers. I wanted to go back now that I'm in a role that would use the knowledge.

I assumed that 410 was easiest, 411 next, and 412 would the most difficult / advanced. How achievable is this certification with prior Server / Active Directory etc. knowledge? and what are the difficult parts of it?

jso

I would say from the lack of information Microsoft gives you to be suddenly faced with 11 option multiple choice and some curly questions, 70-410 is the hardest exam, for first timers. Hopefully by the time you get to 70-412 you will be across some of their tricks.

netsysllc

I did the 70-417 so I don't know which one was harder, for the 2008 exams the 70-640 was by far much harder than the 70-642 or 70-646. I do not believe the exams are split out the same way now though.

MSSoftie

Of those 3, the one I failed was the 410. To be fair, I wasn't really well prepared for it either though. I think that if I had to go into it blind - the 412 would be the hardest but really by the time I took the 410 and 411, the 412 material was fairly well covered in my studies.

xnx

MSSoftie wrote: »

Of those 3, the one I failed was the 410. To be fair, I wasn't really well prepared for it either though. I think that if I had to go into it blind - the 412 would be the hardest but really by the time I took the 410 and 411, the 412 material was fairly well covered in my studies.

You know it's 'Windows Server' and not 'Microsoft Server', I hope you've not wrote the latter on your resume

MSSoftie

good catch - nah the resume is right (and in my current company this mistake would be okay). I will update my profile though. You never know who is looking and what opportunities will come.

mokaiba

I have 0 experience in windows server management.

I studied for all three exams.

70-410: failed once then passed it.
70-411: Failed twice then passed it.
70-412: failed once so far.

If that helps with what one is harder.