MCSA: Windows Server 2016 Path

Update & confirmation on the Microsoft Born To Learn Blog:
https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/posts/certification-update-windows-server-2016

[FONT=&quot]Microsoft is pleased to announce the release of the new MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The new MCSA can be earned by taking and passing the following three exams:[/FONT]

70-740 - Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
70-741 - Networking with Windows Server 2016
70-742 - Identity with Windows Server 2016

[FONT=&quot]Exam 740 is scheduled for beta release in early October 2016, with the other exams following soon after.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Individuals who currently hold either an MCSA: Windows Server 2012 or MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification will be able to upgrade to the new 2016 certification through a single, upgrade exam:[/FONT]

70-743 - Upgrade Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016

[FONT=&quot]Exam 743 is scheduled for beta release in late July 2016. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]MOC courses corresponding to all four Windows Server 2016 exams are scheduled for release in September 2016, while practice tests will be available shortly after each exam beta period ends.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]New options for specialization and continuing education through the MCSE program will be announced later this summer.[/FONT]

Pmorgan2

niles312 wrote: »

Update & confirmation on the Microsoft Born To Learn Blog:
https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/posts/certification-update-windows-server-2016

Nice, thanks for the info!

I am planning to sit my MCSA exams in the fall of this year. I don't think I'm going to change that plan. But perhaps next year I will add the 70-743 - Update Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016 exam to my schedule.

The MCSA: Windows Server 2016 path is now appearing on the Microsoft Learning page:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcsa-windows-server-2016-certification.aspx

Prove your mastery of the primary set of Windows Server 2016 skills required to reduce IT costs and deliver more business value.
Earning an MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification qualifies you for a position as a network or computer systems administrator or as a computer network specialist, and it is the first step on your path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

Still no exam outlines at this time of writing, but with the expected beta release of 70-743 late July 2016, we can only hope this exam will show over the next couple weeks.

deeohdub

My current path is the 70-410, 411, 412 one. Booked to sit for 411 next week. How does the new path affect my certification?

poolmanjim

deeohdub wrote: »

My current path is the 70-410, 411, 412 one. Booked to sit for 411 next week. How does the new path affect my certification?

Your path corresponds to the MCSA 2012 certification. I don't think Microsoft plans on discontinuing the 2012 exams until end of life for 2012, which is still a long way away. Furthermore, they haven't even released the exams for the MCSA 2016 yet so its going to be awhile before that even takes off. I think you're safe for the time being. Good luck!

poolmanjim wrote: »

Your path corresponds to the MCSA 2012 certification. I don't think Microsoft plans on discontinuing the 2012 exams until end of life for 2012, which is still a long way away. Furthermore, they haven't even released the exams for the MCSA 2016 yet so its going to be awhile before that even takes off. I think you're safe for the time being. Good luck!

Poolmanjim is correct. They haven't retired the 2008 certifications yet and it's over 8 years old so 2012 will still be relevant for many years to come

. Plus, most businesses, at least the smart ones, won't rush out to immediately upgrade to 2016 so having the MCSA 2016 cert may not even be as helpful as the 2012 until 2016 gains more steam. Good luck!

Hi all,

The beta outlines are now available for all x4 exams:

Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-743: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (beta)

Looks like 70-743 will be the first beta exam available (July 22, 2016), followed by 70-740 (October 3, 2016) and lastly 70-741 & 70-742 (November 3, 2016)

niles312 wrote: »

Hi all,

The beta outlines are now available for all x4 exams:

Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
Exam 70-743: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (beta)

Looks like 70-743 will be the first beta exam available (July 22, 2016), followed by 70-740 (October 3, 2016) and lastly 70-741 & 70-742 (November 3, 2016)

At this time of writing, the Microsoft Learning MCSA: Windows Server 2016 page still shows each required exam in development, but if you click on the links I provided it will take you straight to the respective exam outline.

Also just noticed there is now a 5th exam listed for Windows Server 2016
Exam 70-744: Securing Windows Server 2016 (beta)

Available November 3, 2016, this exam appears to count as credit toward the MCSE path.

Listed here are the the main topics within each exam outline:

Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
• Published: October 3, 2016
• Credit toward certification: MCSA

Skills measured:
Install Windows Servers in host and compute environments (10–15%)
• Install, upgrade, and migrate servers and workloads
• Install and configure Nano Server
• Create, manage, and maintain images for deployment

Implement storage solutions (10–15%)
• Configure disks and volumes
• Implement server storage
• Implement data deduplication

Implement Hyper-V (20–25%)
• Install and configure Hyper-V
• Configure virtual machine (VM) settings
• Configure Hyper-V storage
• Configure Hyper-V networking

Implement Windows containers (5–10%)
• Deploy Windows containers
• Manage Windows containers

Implement high availability (30–35%)
• Implement high availability and disaster recovery options in Hyper-V
• Implement failover clustering
• Implement Storage Spaces Direct
• Manage failover clustering
• Manage VM movement in clustered nodes
• Implement Network Load Balancing (NLB)

Maintain and monitor server environments (10–15%)
• Maintain server installations
• Monitor server installations

Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
• Published: November 3, 2016
• Credit toward certification: MCSA

Skills measured:
Implement Domain Name System (DNS) (15–20%)
• Install and configure DNS servers
• Create and configure DNS zones and records

Implement DHCP (15–20%)
• Install and configure DHCP
• Manage and maintain DHCP

Implement IP Address Management (IPAM) (15–20%)
• Install and configure IP Address Management (IPAM)
• Manage DNS and DHCP using IPAM
• Audit IPAM

Implement network connectivity and remote access solutions (25–30%)
• Implement network connectivity solutions
• Implement virtual private network (VPN) and DirectAccess solutions
• Implement Network Policy Server (NPS)

Implement core and distributed network solutions (10–15%)
• Implement IPv4 and IPv6 addressing
• Implement Distributed File System (DFS) and Branch Office solutions

Implement an advanced network infrastructure (10–15%)
• Implement high performance network solutions
• Determine scenarios and requirements for implementing software-defined networking (SDN)

Exam 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016 (beta)
• Published: November 3, 2016
• Credit toward certification: MCSA

Skills measured:
Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) (20-25%)
• Install and configure domain controllers
• Create and manage Active Directory users and computers
• Create and manage Active Directory groups and organizational units (OUs)

Manage and maintain AD DS (15-20%)
• Configure service authentication and account policies
• Maintain Active Directory
• Configure Active Directory in a complex enterprise environment

Create and manage Group Policy (25-30%)
• Create and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
• Configure Group Policy processing
• Configure Group Policy settings
• Configure Group Policy preferences

Implement Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) (10-15%)
• Install and configure AD CS
• Manage certificates

Implement identity federation and access solutions (15-20%)
• Install and configure Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
• Implement Web Application Proxy (WAP)
• Install and configure Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS)

Exam 70-743: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016 (beta)
• Published: July 22, 2016
• Credit toward certification: MCSA

Skills measured:
Install Windows Servers in host and compute environments
• Install, upgrade, and migrate servers and workloads
• Install and configure Nano Server
• Create, manage, and maintain images for deployment

Implement storage solutions
• Implement Server Storage
• Implement Data Deduplication

Implement Hyper-V
• Install and configure Hyper-V
• Configure virtual machine (VM) settings
• Configure Hyper-V storage
• Configure Hyper-V networking

Implement Windows containers
• Deploy Windows containers
• Manage Windows containers

Implement high availability
• Implement high availability and disaster recovery options in Hyper-V
• Implement failover clustering
• Implement Storage Spaces Direct
• Manage failover clustering
• Manage VM movement in clustered nodes

Implement Domain Name System (DNS)
• Install and configure DNS servers

Implement IP Address Management (IPAM)
• Install and configure IPAM
• Manage DNS and DHCP using IPAM

Implement network connectivity and remote access solutions
• Implement virtual private network (VPN) and DirectAccess solutions

Implement an advanced network infrastructure
• Implement high performance network solutions
• Determine scenarios and requirements for implementing software-defined networking (SDN)

Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Install and configure domain controllers

Implement identity federation and access solutions
• Install and configure Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
• Implement Web Application Proxy (WAP)

Exam 70-744 Securing Windows Server 2016 (beta)
• Published: November 3, 2016
• Credit toward certification: MCSE

Skills measured:
Implement server hardening solutions (25–30%)
• Configure disk and file encryption
• Implement server patching and updating solutions
• Implement malware protection
• Protect credentials
• Create security baselines

Secure a virtualization infrastructure (10–15%)
• Implement a Guarded Fabric solution
• Implement Shielded and encryption-supported VMs

Secure a network infrastructure (15–20%)
• Configure Windows Firewall
• Implement a software-defined Distributed Firewall
• Secure network traffic

Manage privileged identities (20–25%)
• Implement an Enhanced Security Administrative Environment (ESAE) administrative forest design approach
• Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Administration
• Implement Just-Enough-Administration (JEA)
• Implement Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) and User Rights Assignments
• Implement Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS)

Implement threat detection solutions (15–20%)
• Configure advanced audit policies
• Install and configure Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA)
• Determine threat detection solutions using Operations Management Suite (OMS)

Implement workload-specific security (10–15%)
• Secure application development and server workload infrastructure
• Implement a secure file services infrastructure and Dynamic Access Control (DAC)

Ok, I'm a little confused and I've never taken one of the upgrade exams before so please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does the upgrade exam ONLY test what's new in Server 2016 as opposed to taking all 3 exams which seem to cover everything? I was just looking over the objectives for the 743 upgrade exam and it looks like it tests on less overall.

AndersonSmith wrote: »

Ok, I'm a little confused and I've never taken one of the upgrade exams before so please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does the upgrade exam ONLY test what's new in Server 2016 as opposed to taking all 3 exams which seem to cover everything? I was just looking over the objectives for the 743 upgrade exam and it looks like it tests on less overall.

Microsoft Exam 70-743 is an upgrade exam that is a composite of three standalone exams: 70-740, 70-741, and 70-742. Exam 70-743 validates skills related to the core technology features and functionality of Windows Server 2016, from the existing knowledge base of a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) on Windows Server 2012 or 2008.

With the MCSA Windows Server 2012 or 2008 certification a prerequisite, this exam covers key aspects of installation, storage, compute, networking, and identity functionality available in Windows Server 2016.

The upgrade exam for MCSA Windows Server 2012, 70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012, contains three individually timed testlets containing material from the three Windows Server 2012 certification exams 70-410, 70-411 & 70-412.
You take one testlet after the other with no extended breaks in between, receiving an overall pass/fail score at the completion of the third testlet. Fail just one of the three testlets, and you fail the entire 70-417 exam. This exam is considered a beast on its own.

It appears that the 70-743 may follow the same approach.

just got the invite to beta upgrade exam. Booking it now. Looks like the last available day to take the exam is the 26th of August

aaronchristenson

I am booked for the beta on Aug 26th. Should be enough time to work through the objectives, I have no knowledge of the Nano Server stuff or containers.

aaronchristenson wrote: »

I am booked for the beta on Aug 26th. Should be enough time to work through the objectives, I have no knowledge of the Nano Server stuff or containers.

Doesnt look like there is much to nano servers (literally) based on the stuff i have watched. I wonder if many companies will use nano servers

The following page appeared on the Born to Learn blog which included the code to take it for free:
https://borntolearn.mslearn.net/b/weblog/posts/want-to-upgrade-to-windows-server-2016-mcsa-take-743-beta-today

Unfortunately, it appears that all 350 beta seats for the exam have all been taken up.

Good luck to both alokin123 & aaronchristenson

MeanDrunkR2D2

AndersonSmith wrote: »

Ok, I'm a little confused and I've never taken one of the upgrade exams before so please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does the upgrade exam ONLY test what's new in Server 2016 as opposed to taking all 3 exams which seem to cover everything? I was just looking over the objectives for the 743 upgrade exam and it looks like it tests on less overall.

I just took the 70-417 upgrade exam for 2012, and it covered an immense amount of topics. There are 3 sections, and you must score a passing score in each section and it takes your lowest score as your actual score. Yes, you have fewer questions for each section compared to taking the individual exams. It was very difficult, but I did pass on my first attempt. It does have alot on the new tech, but there are many older items as well.

MeanDrunkR2D2 wrote: »

I just took the 70-417 upgrade exam for 2012, and it covered an immense amount of topics. There are 3 sections, and you must score a passing score in each section and it takes your lowest score as your actual score. Yes, you have fewer questions for each section compared to taking the individual exams. It was very difficult, but I did pass on my first attempt. It does have alot on the new tech, but there are many older items as well.

Oh ok, thanks for clearing that up for me. I was just browsing over the objectives for the 743 and it looked like it left out quite a bit from the other 3 exams combined so that's why I was confused. I'm really not looking to take this exam for a while since I just finished the 2012 MCSA earlier this month and need a break after studying for over half a year but it's good info to have. Thanks again!

kateliz

If the DNS server can’t find an answer for a DNS query from the information in its own zones - or from its conditional, delegated or stub zones – where does it try to get the answer from, and where is this configured?

bettsy584

The upgrade exam for 2012 was a blend of questions from the 3 x MCSA exams. Literally all the questions were pooled together and x amount of them we given for each exam.

AndersonSmith wrote: »

Oh ok, thanks for clearing that up for me. I was just browsing over the objectives for the 743 and it looked like it left out quite a bit from the other 3 exams combined so that's why I was confused. I'm really not looking to take this exam for a while since I just finished the 2012 MCSA earlier this month and need a break after studying for over half a year but it's good info to have. Thanks again!

If it has been mentioned i might add that the upgrade exam is essentially 3 mini exams in one. So for 2012 it was 410, 411 and 412 broken up into 3 separate sections on the exam. The most important detail is that once you submit a section, you cant go back so you have to be sure you are happy before moving onto the next set of questions.

I guess from that perspective you sort of know what to expect if you remember the exam objectives for each section.

alokin123 wrote: »

If it has been mentioned i might add that the upgrade exam is essentially 3 mini exams in one. So for 2012 it was 410, 411 and 412 broken up into 3 separate sections on the exam. The most important detail is that once you submit a section, you cant go back so you have to be sure you are happy before moving onto the next set of questions.

I guess from that perspective you sort of know what to expect if you remember the exam objectives for each section.

Thanks everyone for clearing that up for me. Like I said, I'm really not looking to upgrade any time soon but I wanted to get an idea of what to expect for when I do. I spent most of this year getting the 2012 MCSA so I need a little break before diving into the 2016.

elad123

This could be a stupid question.. but I really don't understand the logic being Microsoft certifications anymore. Are Microsoft expecting people to keep their MCSA and MCSE's both current? If you have an MCSE what's the benefit to upgrading your MCSA to 2016? Doesn't it make more sense to just wait until you need to renew the MCSE (I assume the renewal exam includes the some of the "latest" MCSA content?) Makes it difficult to see any motivation to actually complete the 2016 specific certification.

elad123 wrote: »

This could be a stupid question.. but I really don't understand the logic being Microsoft certifications anymore. Are Microsoft expecting people to keep their MCSA and MCSE's both current? If you have an MCSE what's the benefit to upgrading your MCSA to 2016? Doesn't it make more sense to just wait until you need to renew the MCSE (I assume the renewal exam includes the some of the "latest" MCSA content?) Makes it difficult to see any motivation to actually complete the 2016 specific certification.

I kind of wondered the same thing. It's interesting to me that the MCSA certifications don't expire but the MCSE must be renewed every 3 years or it expires.

poolmanjim

MCSAs actually do expire - they expire when the technology is no longer supported. MCSAs are bound to the server version they represent. As long as that version is in use, the certification should be valid as Microsoft does not intend to add new features to that.

MCSEs while still bound to a server version cover the abstract understanding of why do we use certain technology. That aspect of the technology can evolve as technology evolves some. Furthermore, it is an Expert level certification. Most certifications that are considered "Expert" level, require continuing education of some kind.

Lastly, it was mentioned that you have to take an upgrade exam for MCSA to go from one server version to another and how it isn't needed for the next version. If the MCSE covers 2016 topics, a MCSA in 2016 is relevant. Additionally, eventually the MCSE will have the current version MCSA as a requirement.

Mike7

elad123 wrote: »

This could be a stupid question.. but I really don't understand the logic being Microsoft certifications anymore. Are Microsoft expecting people to keep their MCSA and MCSE's both current?

Makes sense for companies that are Microsoft partners or certified training centers. In fact, it is a requirement.
For example, the Datacenter competency requires 4 MCSEs for the Gold Partner.

elad123

poolmanjim wrote: »

Additionally, eventually the MCSE will have the current version MCSA as a requirement.

I wounder how that works when you go to re-certify? Does that mean you need to have the current MCSA + take the recertification exam for your chosen MCSE ? It doesn't read like that on their website, for example if I look at the MCSE Server Inf https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/learning/exam-70-980.aspx the recertification is a single exam it doesn't specifically mention anything about a current MCSA. But then.... it says this:

"This exam is for individuals looking to maintain their MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. It is based on the exam objectives from Exam 413 and Exam 414."

It doesn't even included the objectives from the MCSA.. Microsoft are making their certifications as difficult as their licensing.

elad123 wrote: »

I wounder how that works when you go to re-certify? Does that mean you need to have the current MCSA + take the recertification exam for your chosen MCSE ? It doesn't read like that on their website, for example if I look at the MCSE Server Inf https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/learning/exam-70-980.aspx the recertification is a single exam it doesn't specifically mention anything about a current MCSA. But then.... it says this:

"This exam is for individuals looking to maintain their MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. It is based on the exam objectives from Exam 413 and Exam 414."

It doesn't even included the objectives from the MCSA.. Microsoft are making their certifications as difficult as their licensing.

I haven't taken the MCSE, but the way I understand it is that there's only 1 exam needed to re-certify every 3 years. The MCSA is *technically* valid for life as it doesn't really expire, it just moves into Legacy status on your transcript after Microsoft retires the technology, which is usually after it falls out of the scope of extended support.

kiki162

If you have your MCITP: EA 2008, you should have also been granted MCSA 2008 sometime after that. I got my MCSE 2012 after taking the 3 exams needed to upgrade.

So if you have MCSA 2008 or 2012, and take the upgrade exam that should get you MCSA 2016.

I would really LOVE to hear from those few that are or have taken the upgrade exam (70-743).