Preparing to tackle the MCSA

So I'm getting ready to prepare these exams in order to obtain the MCSA: Windows 10 cert. I'm hoping to pass both the 70-687 and 70-688 before they expire and then eventually take the 70-697.

Already have MCSA 70-687 Cert Guide: Configure Microsoft Windows 8.1 by Don Poulton on order to start things off. Any other recommendations as a way to prepare for this and the other exams?

I'd like to watch the CBT Nuggets videos but they're a bit too expensive for me.

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culpano

Both Pluralsight and CBT Nuggets are very good indeed and helped me pass 70-687. Pluralsight is cheaper but it is based on Windows 8 and not 8.1 but it contains the vast majority of information you need. CBT Nuggets has two 70-687 courses. The WIndows 8.1 version is the shorter course by Anthony Sequeira and the more detailed course is by James Conrad and although based on Windows 8 is an excellent course that goes into a lot of detail. Make sure you do lots of hands on with a lab setup.

Spiegel

I guess I have another question. To obtain your MCSA, is it only two test or three?

ssnyderu2

To get the MCSA Windows 8.1 is only 2 exams.

Spiegel

Makes sense. Guess I was confused when Microsoft mentioned the option to upgrade on their site.

So what would be key areas of the exam I should focus on (software, troubleshooting, support, ect...)?

culpano

Spiegel wrote: »

So what would be key areas of the exam I should focus on (software, troubleshooting, support, ect...)?

You have to look at the objectives for the exam on the MS site.

Spiegel

If I were to dedicate three months for both the 687 and the 688 exams would that be a sufficient amount of study time?

culpano

Yes if you structure your study time well and learn it properly. Despite what a lot of people say about immersing your head in Technet articles I would merely have a quick browse of it for each area. When it came to the exam I found that most of the stuff can be learned from CBT Nuggets and Pluralsight but make sure you have a virtual (and/or physical) lab so you can do it all hands on. Good luck.