[Lebanese_007]

Hi, I finally passed my first Microsoft exam (70-290), I got 838.
Now I’m thinking of taking another one, I was wondering what the level of difficulty of each one is.
I know I’m supposed to take 6 exams, so i chose what I’m interested in.

70-290 - Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
70-291 - Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
70-293 - Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
70-294 - Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 AD Infrastructure
70-270 - Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
70-297 - Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
70-298 - Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
70-284 - Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Thanks in advance.

[N1K]

If your goal is MCSE, then I would go for 70-270 next..

[Gouki]

I agree with N1K. My path was: 270, 291 and 293 ... I am now working for the Exchange Server 2003.

[jondercik]

291 was hard. I am taking 70-284 next as well.

[Gouki]

Yes. Actually it was pretty hard.

Thank god I bought the MSPress books. Those are MUCH better than the ones Microsoft provides (at least for the ones that have classes).

Even tho the 291 was 'aggressive', it was a very interesting exam. I learned allot from it.

Cant say the same about the 290 and 270

[jondercik]

I NEVER want to see the phrase "your server is funcationing as a router" again.

[Gouki]

LOLOL! Indeed! When will Microsoft understand the Software routers suck!?

I know, I know ... Marketing, they have to say the Windows 2003 with RRAS rulez!

[jondercik]

Also, if you really want to understand what is going on, use VMware to set up a virtual lab so you can configure the servers and actually do the work instead of just reading about it.

[N1K]

jondercik, on Feb 14 2006, 01:48 PM, said:

Also, if you really want to understand what is going on, use VMware to set up a virtual lab so you can configure the servers and actually do the work instead of just reading about it.

Agreed, practise is best for learning..

I'm preparing the exam 70-292 (Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enviroment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000)...
For me, a huge and tough exam...

[Gouki]

Good luck buddy! Check out this site. It has a great community and free tests.

[N1K]

Gouki, on Feb 14 2006, 10:21 PM, said:

Good luck buddy! Check out this site. It has a great community and free tests.

Thx for the link mate, really nice source for learning..

[Maleko]

N1K, on Feb 14 2006, 09:06 AM, said:

If your goal is MCSE, then I would go for 70-270 next..

Thats the one im doin for work!

[CptMurphy]

How hard is the 70-270? I'm trying to learn on my own by using the M$ self-paced training kit and the OS. Also got a cramExam book.

[Gouki]

M$? What does this mean? And why?

[Daemonforce]

Gouki, on Feb 14 2006, 04:44 AM, said:

LOLOL! Indeed! When will Microsoft understand the Software routers suck!?

Like the original deal is any better...
While my server isn't too great at handling queries from this box immediately after a forced load from the server, it's really my fault for using legacy hardware, a crossover cable...ICS...
But I'm lazy. =/

[RogueSpear]

I completely gave up on the cert exams a couple of years ago. After so many years of constantly gearing up for one exam after another, I just burned out on it. And it's not as though I could ever expect a better paying job than I have now or have higher paying clients than what I have now. So there's little incentive for me at this point. I did learn something however - if you do things in the real world that are the "correct" answers on an exam, you'll get fired

Now in all fairness I haven't taken a Microsoft exam in the 2003 server track. I hear they've made some improvements, but the NT4 and 2000 exams were a complete waste of time and really gave no indication regarding someone's skill level.

[CptMurphy]

Gouki, on Feb 15 2006, 02:39 PM, said:

M$? What does this mean? And why?

You don't know what M$ means? Micro$osft. And because I'm gonna take it by the end of this month. As of today I'm at the end of the book.

[matrix0978]

Yes yes these tests are craze. Yet im only 15, i can tell you that its not just the reading you need to do. You need to get an extra cheap PC and actually practice doing these types of scenerios. You must proceed to read alot though to make sure you remember the little things you might have forgot.

Also have a deep knowledge about the Registry will help alot.

I am currently in depth with reading the Windows XP Professiona Resource Kit by The Microsoft Team and its excellent.

I am planning on to take the 270 when i get a little older.

[Gouki]

Ohhh, cool. M$ means Microsoft. Cool. I wish I could type like a ub3r 1337 hacker.

[N1K]

Gouki, on Feb 17 2006, 06:40 AM, said:

Ohhh, cool. M$ means Microsoft. Cool. I wish I could type like a ub3r 1337 hacker.

LOOOOOOOL