Upgrade_your_MCDST_certification_to_MCTS_and_MCITP_on_Windows_Vista _certifications

Windows Client Certification
Getting certified on the Windows operating system can help you reach your goals.
In today’s increasingly complex IT environment, a certification on Windows
proves to customers and employers that you have the technical skills necessary
to do the job.




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Upgrade your MCDST certification to MCTS and MCITP on Windows Vista
certifications
As a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), you can upgrade
your credential to include a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
certification and a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification on
Windows Vista, by passing just one exam.

These added credentials validate your comprehension of Windows Vista, your
ability to deploy and support this operating system, and your skills in
troubleshooting network connectivity and application issues.

Current certification
MCDST (Windows XP)

Certification goals
MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
and
MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician (Windows Vista)

Required exam
Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise
Support

Note If you have an MCDST, you can use Exam 70-621 toward certifications that
list Exam 70-620 as a requirement (for example, MCTS: Windows Vista,
Configuration).

Upgrade to MCITP: Consumer Support Technician
After you pass Exam 70-621, you have completed the prerequisite for the
MCITP: Consumer Support Technician credential. This credential highlights your
expertise in supporting a broad range of issues related to Windows Vista,
including client operating systems, desktop applications, mobile devices,
networking, and hardware support. It is the right option if you want to build
expertise in home user support or consumer retail support.

Current certifications
MCDST (Windows XP)
MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician

Certification goal
MCITP: Consumer Support Technician

Required exam
Exam 70-623: PRO: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows
Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians




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Exam-70-646

Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

Published: April 03, 2008
Language(s): English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian,
Spanish, Portuguese(Brazil), Chinese(Simplified),
Audience(s): IT Professionals
Technology: Windows Server 2008
Type: Proctored Exam

Audience Profile
A server administrator is responsible for the operations and day-to-day
management of an infrastructure of servers for an enterprise organization.
Windows server administrators manage the infrastructure, Web, and IT application
servers. The Windows server administrators use scripts and batch files written
by others or those that they occasionally write themselves to accomplish tasks
on a regular basis. They conduct most server management tasks remotely by using
Terminal Server or administration tools installed on their local workstation. A
server administrator’s primary tasks include:
 




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* Managing the server operating system, file, and directory services
* Software distribution and updates
* Profiling and monitoring assigned servers
* Troubleshooting

Server administrators also support engineering projects. Server administrators
are responsible for server builds and configuration. Their job role involves 60
percent operations, 20 percent engineering, and 20 percent support tasks.
Credit Toward Certification Exam 70-646:
Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator: counts as credit toward the
following certification(s):

* Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator

Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior
notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include
adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify
the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to
prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.

Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical
tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major
topic area on the exam.

Planning for Server Deployment (19 percent)

* Plan server installations and upgrades. May include but is not limited to:
Windows Server 2008 edition selection, rollback planning, Bitlocker
implementation requirements

* Plan for automated server deployment. May include but is not limited to:
standard server image, automation and scheduling of server deployments

* Plan infrastructure services server roles. May include but is not limited to:
address assignment, name resolution, network access control, directory services,
application services, certificate services

* Plan application servers and services. May include but is not limited to:
virtualization server planning, availability, resilience, and accessibility

* Plan file and print server roles. May include but is not limited to: access
permissions, storage quotas, replication, indexing, file storage policy,
availability, printer publishing

Planning for Server Management (23 percent)

* Plan server management strategies. May include but is not limited to: remote
administration, remote desktop, server management technologies, Server Manager
and Server Manager CMD, delegation policies and procedures

* Plan for delegated administration. May include but is not limited to: delegate
authority, delegate Active Directory objects, application management

* Plan and implement group policy strategy. May include but is not limited to:
GPO management, GPO backup and recovery, group policy troubleshooting, group
policy planning

Monitoring and Maintaining Servers (20 percent)

* Implement patch management strategy. May include but is not limited to:
operating system patch level maintenance, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS),
application patch level maintenance

* Monitor servers for performance evaluation and optimization. May include but
is not limited to: server and service monitoring, optimization, event
management, trending and baseline analysis

* Monitor and maintain security and policies. May include but is not limited to:
remote access, monitor and maintain NPAS, network access, server security,
firewall rules and policies, authentication and authorization, data security,
auditing

Planning Application and Data Provisioning (19 percent)

* Provision applications. May include but is not limited to: presentation
virtualization, terminal server infrastructure, resource allocation, application
virtualization alternatives, application deployment, System Center Configuration
Manager

* Provision data. May include but is not limited to: shared resources, offline
data access




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Planning for Business Continuity and High Availability (19 percent)

* Plan storage. May include but is not limited to: storage solutions, storage
management

* Plan high availability. May include but is not limited to: service redundancy,
service availability

* Plan for backup and recovery. May include but is not limited to: data recovery
strategy, server recovery strategy, directory service recovery strategy, object
level recovery

Preparation Tools and Resources To help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft
Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that
you use the following training resources. These training resources do not
necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Classroom Training

6430B: Planning and Administering Windows Server® 2008 Servers
6430A: Planning and Administering Windows Server® 2008 Servers

Microsoft E-Learning

7253AE: Planning for Windows Server 2008 High Availability and Recovery
7247AE: Creating a Windows Server 2008 Server Deployment Plan
7248AE: Managing a Windows Server 2008 Server Infrastructure
7250AE: Managing Applications in a Windows Server 2008 Environment
Pro-SA-1AE: DRAFT: Implementing Windows Server 2008 Server Administration
7251AE: Maintaining Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain Services
7246AE: Planning Windows Server 2008 Server Roles
7249AE: Monitoring and Maintaining Windows Server 2008 Servers
Pro-SA-2AE: DRAFT: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 Server
Administration
7245AE: Updating your Windows Server 2003 Server Administrator Skills to Windows
Server 2008
7252AE: Maintaining Security in a Windows Server 2008 Environment

Microsoft Press Books
MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-646): Windows Server 2008 Administrator

Practice Tests
Certkingdom (https:://www.certkingdom.com)

Microsoft Online Resources
* Windows Server 2008 – Learning Portal: Find special offers and information on
training and certification.
* Product information: Visit the Windows Server 2008 Web site for detailed
technology information.
* TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to
instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and
chats.
* MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features
code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
* Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to
connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your
certification path and studies.

 

 

 

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Program Benefits and Member Sites – FAQ

Program Benefits and Member Sites – FAQ
Learn about the benefits of Microsoft Certification. Find answers to frequently
asked questions regarding program benefits, member site access, and Windows Live
ID.


Q. What are the benefits of becoming MCP-certified?

A. By becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and earning Microsoft
Certifications, you keep your skills relevant, applicable, and competitive.

* Learn more about certification benefits



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Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Certification member site?

A. You will find:

* A downloadable certificate of achievement for MCPs
* Your Official Microsoft Certification transcript
* A tool to create and download custom credential logos
* Additional information and offers for MCPs
* Access to your contact preferences and profile
* The Microsoft Certified Trainer enrollment tool


Q. Are welcome kits still available for new MCPs?

A. New members of the community are welcomed with a Microsoft Certification ID
(or MCP ID)—the key to all of the benefits on the MCP member site. The
Certificate Manager tool on the MCP member site allows you to create, download,
print, and store your customized Certificate of Achievement as soon as your new
certification appears on your transcript. The most up-to-date versions of the
program agreement and contact sheet are also available online. To accommodate
customer preferences and an environmentally conscious world, we no longer mail
out welcome kits.

* Sign in to the MCP member site


Q. What is Charter Member certification?

A. Charter Members are the pioneering group of individuals who achieve a
certification shortly after the certification becomes available. When a Charter
Member certification is offered, it is available to candidates who achieve the
new certification within six months after the certification exam is released.
Charter Members are recognized by receiving the Charter version of the
certificate.|




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Q. How much time do I have to order my Charter Member kit?

A. You can order your Charter Member kit up to six months after the exam
availability date.


Q. I have heard that United States veterans receive reimbursement for MCP exams.
What is the benefit?

A. United States veterans who take MCP exams can use their Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees. If you are
eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), and
Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, you can receive
reimbursement for exam fees of up to US$2,000 per exam.


 

 

 
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Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ Exam Policies

Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ Exam Policies

Fully prepare for and understand the exam process. On this page, you can find
answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration, preparation,
scoring, testing technologies, question types, formats, policies, and security.


Q. Why can’t I find out exactly which items I missed?

A. To help protect exam security and the value of Microsoft Certification, we
cannot share information about which items you missed. This is a standard
practice in the certification industry. The bars on the score report show your
relative performance in the various subject areas covered by the exam.

* Learn about interpreting your score report


Q. What is the exam-retake policy?

A. Our exam-retake policy helps to ensure that candidates take the necessary
time to prepare for their exam, and to prevent unauthorized use and/or piracy of
the exams or any of their content.

* View the Microsoft exam retake policy


Q. Can I request a re-evaluation of my score?

A. No. Exams cannot be rescored. If you have a concern about the technical
accuracy of a particular item, please submit an Item Challenge form.

* Obtain an Item Challenge form

If you experienced technical difficulties during the exam, please contact
Prometric customer service.


* Find Prometric contact information (Prometric.com)

To offer other types of feedback, please contact your regional service center or
the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Program Help Center.

* Find a Microsoft regional service center

* Send an e-mail message to the MCP Program Help Center


 

 

 

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Q. Why am I required to accept a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before I take an
exam?

A. The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program requires certification
candidates to accept the terms of an NDA before taking certification exams. The
NDA legally requires certification candidates to keep information related to MCP
exam content confidential. Requiring the acceptance of the NDA helps protect the
security of Microsoft Certification exams and the integrity of the MCP program
by legally discouraging piracy and/or unauthorized use of exam content.


Q. How does periodic replacement of exam content help increase the security of
the exams?

A. Periodic replacement of exam content helps ensure that the most up-to-date
information is included in the exams and allows for technical updates to exams.


Q. How do Performance-based testing items help increase exam security?

A. Performance-based testing requires candidates to perform tasks rather than
simply answer questions. This discourages candidates from memorizing questions.


Q. What is cheating?

A. Cheating is any activity that negatively affects the integrity and/or
security of the Microsoft Certification program or enables an unqualified
candidate to pass an exam.


Q. What happens if someone is caught cheating on a Microsoft exam?

A. As explained to all exam candidates at the testing centers, if a candidate
violates testing rules, the candidate is permanently ineligible for any
Microsoft Certification and may lose any Microsoft Certifications the individual
already holds. Proctors at testing centers are authorized to respond immediately
and appropriately against candidates who are caught violating testing rules.
Examples of violations include, but are not limited to, using notes brought into
the testing center (whether on crib sheets or electronically), copying test
questions, bringing any electronic equipment (such as cell phones) into the
testing room, and looking at the monitors of other test takers.


Q. What are braindumps, and are they legal?

A. A "braindump," as it relates to the certification exams, is the practice of
copying and sharing actual certification exam questions—or questions that are
very similar to the actual questions. Braindump providers, including Web sites
and printed study materials, are in violation of Microsoft intellectual property
rights and non-disclosure agreements.


Q. Why should I be concerned about braindump sites and material?

A. Braindump users may have memorized enough information to pass an exam, but
they do not have the requisite knowledge to manage Microsoft software or systems
effectively. Hiring managers find this out eventually. There is no substitute
for hands-on experience. Please inform Microsoft if you think you have
discovered a braindump site.

* Send an e-mail message to tctips@microsoft.com


Q. What is proxy testing?

A. Proxy testing occurs when someone takes an exam for another candidate.


Q. How can I identify a proxy testing Web site or organization?

A. The primary warning sign of a proxy testing Web site or organization is any
guarantee that you will pass the test without having to take it. Proxy testing
sites indicate that they will provide a full credential if you send them your
credit card information.


Q. Why should I avoid proxy testing?

A. Corrective action—up to and including removal from the Microsoft Certified
Professional (MCP) program and prohibiting the taking of any Microsoft
Certification exams—will be taken against any candidate who obtains
certification through proxy testing, even if the candidate did not intend to
defraud the MCP program. Furthermore, giving your identification and credit card
information to an unknown entity on the Internet could put you at risk of credit
card fraud or identity theft. If you believe a Web site or company provides
proxy test-taking services, please inform Microsoft immediately.

* Send an e-mail message to tctips@microsoft.com


Q. What are falsified score reports?

A. Falsified score reports are reports that Microsoft deems to be unauthentic or
that deceive or defraud the Microsoft Certified Professional program in any way.


Q. What happens if I falsify a score report?

A. If Microsoft determines that a candidate has falsified a score report, the
candidate will be ineligible to take any future Microsoft exams and their MCP
credentials may be revoked.


Q. What kind of security should be at a testing center?

A. The testing centers are provided with security policies that must be enforced
in order to acquire and maintain testing center status. Ongoing inspections
ensure that each testing center is maintaining the security outlined by
Microsoft and Prometric. In addition, proctors at testing centers are authorized
to immediately take appropriate measures against candidates who violate testing
rules. For specific information about the expectations for candidates, please
contact Prometric. If you have a concern about the security of your exam
experience, please contact tctips@microsoft.com or Prometric.

* Send an e-mail message to tctips@microsoft.com

* Contact Prometric (Prometric.com)


Q. What kinds of impropriety can occur on the part of the testing center?

A. Test center administrators act inappropriately when they fail to follow
through on any of the Microsoft and Prometric security policies. Examples could
include, but are not limited to, overlooking inappropriate candidate
identification; failing to ask for an ID from each candidate; failing to conduct
periodic walkthroughs; failing to keep partitions between testing stations;
overlooking the presence of crib sheets or electronic devices; providing answers
or aid in any form with regard to any exam item; and allowing the release of
Microsoft intellectual property in any form.


Q. What happens to a testing center that participates in fraudulent behavior?

A. If Microsoft determines that a testing center has acted improperly or
fraudulently, Microsoft has the right to cease delivery of all exams at that
center.


Q. Whom should I contact if I find a Web site that discloses Microsoft
Certification exam information, or if I discover an individual who cheats on or
sells exam questions and answers?

A. Send an e-mail message to tctips@microsoft.com, and include as much
information as possible about the situation and the persons involved. Although
we appreciate anonymous tips, we often need more information to conduct a
thorough investigation; if you are willing, please include your full contact
information so that someone from Microsoft can contact you to discuss the
details, if necessary. Microsoft has dedicated staff that investigates these
tips. Because of tips from individuals like you, several Web sites have been
terminated. Due to the volume of e-mail we receive, you may not always receive a
personal response.




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Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ (EXAM SCORING)

Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ ( EXAM SCORING)
Fully prepare for and understand the exam process. On this page, you can find
answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration, preparation,
scoring, testing technologies, question types, formats, policies, and security.


Q. How are exam scores calculated?

A. Here is some general information about exam scoring:

* There is no penalty for guessing. If you choose an incorrect answer, you
simply do not earn credit for that item. No points are deducted for incorrect
answers.

* If a question specifies that you must choose multiple correct answers, you
must choose the exact number of correct answers specified in the question in
order to earn the credit for that item.

* Some questions on the exam might not be included in the calculation of your
score. To gather data to update and improve the quality of Microsoft
Certification exams, we need to present new content to candidates without
counting the results toward their score.

* All Microsoft exams are scaled such that the passing score is 700. The actual
cut score (the number of items you need to answer correctly) is determined by a
group of subject-matter experts. A common misperception is that you must answer
70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam; however, the actual
percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent,
depending on the input provided by the subject-matter experts who helped us set
the cut score. After you complete your exam, the points you earned are compared
with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail.
Prometric’s
software generates the scaled score and bars shown on your score report from
scoring information provided by Microsoft.


Q. How should I interpret my score report?

A. There are several important pieces of information on the score report:
Your scaled score and pass/fail status: All Microsoft Certified Professional
exams are scaled so that a passing score is 700. Any score of 700 or greater is
a "pass." Any score below 700 is a "fail." Different passing scores do not
reflect different levels of examinee knowledge.

Because of the way Microsoft sets the cut score, we cannot guarantee that an
examinee who scores 900 is more knowledgeable in the exam’s topic area than an
examinee who scores 800. We can only say that both examinees are at least
minimally qualified. The same is true for failing scores. An examinee who scores
400 is not necessarily less knowledgeable in the exam’s topic area than an
examinee who scores 600. In this case, both examinees fail to meet the minimum
qualifications for the certification. This is why your exam scores do not appear
on your transcript.

Your section scores: The bars on the score report show your relative performance
in the various subject areas covered by the exam–the longer the bar, the
stronger your performance in that areA. The length of the bars does not
correspond to the number of questions you answered correctly on that subject.
Additionally, because the subject areas contain varying numbers of items, the
length of any bar or combination of bars does not correspond directly to your
overall exam score or Pass/Fail status.


Q. What does the score report look like?

A. The score report details the areas in which a candidate demonstrates
technical strength and the areas in which the candidate shows a need for
improvement. The report provides a numeric score for overall exam performance as
well as a bar graph for each subject area of the exam.




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Q. What does my numeric score mean?

A. Microsoft provides numeric scaled scores on all exams that provide the
candidate with some indication of their level of performance on the exam.
Microsoft has worked with customers and testing industry experts to create an
exam scale that would be consistent across all exams. The scale requires a
minimum passing score of 700 on all exams. If you receive a score of 700 or
above, it means that you are at least minimally qualified; if you receive a
score below 700, it means that you are not minimally qualified. Because of the
way we set our cut scores, no other judgments about the numerical score obtained
can be made.


Q. What do the bars on the score report mean?

A. The bars indicate how strongly an examinee performed on each skills section
of the exam. The closer the bar comes to the strong end of the continuum, the
higher the score on that skills section. The closer the bar is to the "needs
development" end of the continuum, the lower the score in that skills section.

These results will help all examinees determine areas where they have strengths
and where they need improvement. The skills sections listed on the score report
correspond to those listed in the skills matrix provided in the Exam Preparation
guide.


Q. Does the score report show a numerical score for each section?

A. No. The score report provides a numerical score to reflect pass/fail status
only, in order to prevent confusion. Because exam sections often contain a
different number of questions, combining their numerical results would rarely
provide an accurate final exam result. As an alternative to providing a
numerical score for each section, we provide score bars to show an overview of
areas of strength and weakness relative to overall performance.

On upgrade exams, however, candidates must pass all sections in order to pass
the exam because each section represents a feeder exam. As a result, these
candidates receive a numerical score for each component exam.


Q. The bars on the score report show that I have scored more than 70 percent,
but I didn’t pass the exam. Why is this?

A. Each section of the exam may contain a different number of questions;
therefore, the relative results on individual exam sections might not reflect
your final exam result. In other words, there is no one-to-one relationship
between the length of the bars and your pass/fail status.


Q. How many points is each item worth?

A. In most cases, each item is worth one point; however, some questions or
question types may be worth more than one point. Microsoft does not provide
information about how many points specific items are worth.



Q. Is there a penalty for guessing? Are points deducted for incorrect answers?

A. No. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers; if you answer incorrectly,
you will simply not earn the credit associated with answering correctly.


Q. Why are some questions unscored?

A. Microsoft is committed to continually updating exam content and utilizing
innovative testing techniques. Our goal is to increase the relevance of our
exams, offer a more comprehensive and valuable certification, and ensure the
security of exam content. To gather the data needed to update and improve the
quality of exams, we need to present new content to candidates without counting
the results toward their score.


Q. I have taken this exam multiple times and have received the same score every
time. Does this indicate an error in the results computation?

A. No, it does not indicate an error. It is not uncommon for candidates to
obtain similar or identical scores on multiple attempts of an exam. Receiving
the same score on multiple attempts does not indicate that the program computing
the results is in error.


Q. I scored zero in one of the sections. How is this possible?

A. The number of questions that appear for each section is determined by subject
matter experts. As a result, some sections have more questions than others. It
is not uncommon to score zero when a section contains relatively few questions.


Q. I experienced significant delays between some of the questions. Did these
delays impact the calculation of my score?

A. In some cases, you may experience a delay of up to a minute while your next
question loads. Prometric’s software is designed to accommodate this event. A
delay between questions does not impact the responses you have recorded. Your
exam will be scored correctly regardless of delays between questions.


Q. Can I find out whether I answered a specific question correctly, or whether
this answer affected my pass/fail status?

A. No. By not providing this information, we are better able to maintain exam
security.


Q. Where can I find additional information about my areas of weakness?

A. Although Microsoft Certification exams provide feedback about the areas where
examinees need to develop their skills further, Microsoft Certification exams
are not designed to provide detailed feedback. We encourage you to use practice
tests from Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers (PTPs) as diagnostic
tools to identify your strengths and weaknesses.


 

 

 



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Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ

Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ

Fully prepare for and understand the exam process. On this page, you can find
answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration, preparation,
scoring, testing technologies, question types, formats, policies, and security.


Q. What is the most effective way to prepare for a
Microsoft Certification exam?

A. The exam preparation guide for each exam offers a "Skills measured" section
that you can review, as well as a list of preparation tools and resources
provided by Microsoft. The best way to prepare for a Microsoft Certification
exam is to practice the skills listed in the preparation guide.

* Learn more about preparation guides


Q. Can I find out how many questions there will be?

A. We do not provide information about the number of questions included on each
exam. This practice helps protect exam security and the value of Microsoft
Certifications.




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Q. How much time will I have to complete the exam?

A. The time varies from one exam to another, but it will not exceed four hours
under normal circumstances. In addition to answering the exam questions, you
will have time to review instructions and provide comments after the exam is
completed. To request the duration of your exam, contact Prometric, the
Microsoft Learning test provider; however, because Microsoft reserves the right
to change the exam content and time at any time, the most accurate information
will be obtained if you contact Prometric on the day of your exam.

The testing software provides a notification screen before the exam begins that
shows the maximum time allowed for answering the questions in that exam. Some
candidates may complete the exam before reaching the maximum time.

Microsoft is dedicated to developing technology that is usable for and
accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If certification
candidates are unable to take a Microsoft Certification exam within the standard
exam duration, the MCP program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to
accommodate these candidates.

Inquire about the duration of your exam (Prometric.com)

View specific information regarding special accommodations


Q. What is the most efficient way to use my time during a certification exam?

A. Individuals vary in their approaches to test taking, so there is no one
approach that works for everyone. However, these tips help most candidates:

Note whether a section of the exam is timed. You will be unable to return to a
timed section after you have left it or after it has timed out.

Use all of the time allowed for each section and for the entire exam.

Answer the questions you know first. If you are unsure of a question, mark it
for review, and return to it later. In some exams, you cannot return to a
section of the exam after you have left it; these sections will be clearly
indicated during the exam.


Q. What is the most efficient way to navigate through previous questions on a
certification exam?

A. To return to the question immediately preceding the question that you are
answering, use the Previous button. To return to any other questions, use the
Review Screen at the end of the section or the exam. In some exams, you cannot
return to a section of the exam after you have left it; these sections will be
clearly indicated during the exam.


Q. Why do some questions cover topics that are not specifically called out in
the preparation guide?

A. Our exam preparation guides list key tasks that subject-matter experts have
identified as important for the technology area covered by the exam—but they do
not list all subtopics related to the key tasks. The preparation guides list
subtasks that might be included on the exam, but the actual exam might include
other subtasks. Also, some questions might reference technologies that are
outside the focus of the exam in order to provide appropriate context for the
question. Candidates who fit the audience profile for the exam should have the
experience to understand this contextual information.

Learn more about exam preparation guides


Q. The study materials I used to prepare for the exam included technically
inaccurate information. How can I provide feedback?

A. If you have feedback about an instructor-led Microsoft training course, you
can provide it directly to the instructor. If you have feedback about a
Microsoft E-Learning course, complete the feedback form that appears when you
complete the course. For Microsoft Press books, use the following link.

Provide feedback about a Microsoft Press book

Microsoft does not review study materials developed by third parties and is not
responsible for their content. If you have questions or comments about exam
preparation materials developed by third parties, please contact the publishers
directly.


Q. I studied for an exam by using Microsoft training and a Microsoft Press book,
and the exam included material that was not covered in the training or the book.
Why is this?

A. All learning materials related to exams, including Microsoft training and
Microsoft Press resources, are developed independently of exam content, because
the exams are intended to assess real-world experience with the technology, not
the effectiveness of training materials. Although these materials are designed
to help candidates prepare for the exam, it is expected that qualified
candidates will have sufficient experience in working with the technology to
successfully perform the tasks described in the test questions.

Use the exam preparation guide to identify which Microsoft training resources
cover the skills represented in the exam. For a variety of reasons, including
the time available for the course, it is not always feasible to cover all the
exam objectives in a classroom environment. However, Microsoft works hard to
ensure that some form of training material exists for all skills that will be
measured on an exam.


Q. How and when will I get my exam results?

A. You will receive notification of your pass or fail status immediately upon
completing your exam. In addition, you will receive a printed report that
provides your exam score and feedback on the skills measured. The exam provider
will forward your score to Microsoft within five working days of your test.

Beta exam results: You will be notified by mail of your beta exam results about
8-10 weeks after the beta period ends. Some beta exams require additional time
for results to be processed. Call your test registration center for more
information.


Q. If I fail what can I do?

A. If you do not pass a certification exam and want to retake it, review the
exam preparation guide and continue to practice the necessary skills. When you
are ready, call your test registration center to schedule a retake in accordance
with our retake policy. Note that you must pay for each exam you retake.

Review the exam retake policy


Q. What testing formats and question types appear on Microsoft Certification
exams?

A. Microsoft Certification exams include various formats and question types,
which are applied on a per-item basis to accurately evaluate the candidate’s
knowledge and skills.

  • Formats might include:

  • Case study format

  • Simulations

  • Virtual labs

  • Question types might include:

  • Multiple-choice questions

  • Hot-area questions

  • Active-screen questions

  • Drag-and-drop questions

  • Build-list and reorder questions

  • Microsoft is continually introducing innovative testing technologies.




Q. Can I find out which testing formats will be used in the exam I’m taking?

A. No. Microsoft does not identify the formats of any given exam at the time of
registration. Also, we adopt new testing technologies and question types
periodically. Both practices help us protect exam security and the value of
Microsoft Certification.

To get a feel for the exam testing technologies, we encourage you to take
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) practice tests offered through Microsoft
Certified Practice Test Providers. The following tips may also help you.
Hot-area questions


Q. How do I know which elements are selectable?

A. Selectable elements are marked with a border and shaded when you move your
cursor over them.


Q. How do I select an element or cancel a selection?

A. Click an element to select it. The area around the element will become dim to
indicate that it has been selected. Click the element again to cancel the
selection. To reverse all selections, click the Reset button.


Q. I can’t see the complete text of a question. What should I do?

A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.
Active-screen questions


Q. How do I change the text in a text box?

A. To fill in a text box, drag the appropriate text element to the text box. To
replace the text in a text box, drag another text element to the text box. To
remove the text, drag the text element back to its original location.


Q. How do I select an option or a check box?

A. To select an option or a check box, you can either click the option or check
box or click the text of the option or text box.


Q. How do I clear an option?

A. To clear an option, you can either click another option within the same group
or click the text of another option within the same group. To reverse all
selections, click the Reset button.


Q. How do I clear a check box?

A. To clear a check box, you can either click the selected check box or click
the text of the selected check box.


Q. I can’t see the whole text of a question. What should I do?

A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.


Q. I tried to select an element, but it isn’t responding. Why?

A. In some active-screen questions, not all elements in the dialog box will be
active.
Drag-and-drop questions


Q. How do I answer a drag-and-drop question?

A. Drag the appropriate source objects to the correct target locations in the
answer areA. Target locations are indicated by a dimmed box. When a source
object is within a target, an outline will appear around the dimmed box. The
object will snap into position when you release the mouse button.


Q. How do I remove a source object from a target?

A. You can either drag the object back to its original position or select the
object and press the DELETE key. To replace objects that have been positioned on
a target, you can also drag another object into its position. To reverse all
selections, click the Reset button.


Q. I can’t see the whole text of a question. What should I do?

A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.


Q. Do I need to use all source objects or targets provided?

A. You might not need to use all source objects or targets provided. Depending
on the question, plausible distractors may be included in either list.


Q. Can I use source objects more than one time?

A. Some source objects can be used only one time, while some can be used more
than once. A source object will appear deactivated when its use limit is
reached. To use this source object again, remove an instance of it from the
answer area.

Build-list and reorder questions


Q. How do I answer a build-list and reorder question?

A. Drag source objects from the list of choices to the answer list, and arrange
the objects in the correct order. You can also click a source object to select
it, and then click the LEFT ARROW key to move the object from the list of
choices to the bottom of the answer list.


Q. How do I reorder objects in the answer list?

A. To reorder objects in the answer list, drag an object to the correct location
in the answer list. You can also click an object to select it, and then use the
arrow buttons to move the object. Note that the arrow buttons might be
unavailable based on the location of the selected object.


Q. How do I remove an object from the answer list?

A. To remove an object from the answer list, drag the object from the answer
list to the list of choices. You can also select the object and press the DELETE
key, or select the object and then click the LEFT ARROW key. In all these cases,
the object will be returned to the list of choices.


Q. How do I remove all objects from the answer list?

A. To remove all objects from the answer list, click the Reset button. Case study
format


Q. Why is the case study exam format used?

A. The case study exam format uses complex scenarios that more accurately
simulate what Microsoft Certified Professionals do on the job. A case study
model also allows us to test your ability to analyze and synthesize information
to make decisions.


Q. When I start a case study, will I be able to review previous ones?

A. No, you will not be able to review a case study after you move to the next
one. When you complete a case study and its associated questions, a review
screen will appear. This screen lets you review your answers and make changes
before you move to the next case study.


Q. The scenarios are long and contain many details. Are the case study questions
designed to test memory?

A. Scenario-based questions are designed to test your ability to analyze and
synthesize information in order to make decisions—not to test memory. You can
refer to scenario details as frequently as necessary while you are working on
questions in a case study.


Q. How do I display the content in a case study?

A. Click one of the round buttons in the left pane. If a list of sections (for
example, Business Requirements or Company Information) appears under the button,
click one of them to display its content. To return to a question from a case
study, click the Question button in the left pane.
Performance-based testing


Q. Why is Microsoft adding performance-based exam items to certain exams?

A. Traditionally, Microsoft uses the format for exam items that most accurately
evaluates the candidate’s knowledge and skills. Such formats may include:
 

  • Multiple-choice single answer questions
  • Multiple-choice multiple answer questions
  • Hot-area questions
  • Active-screen questions
  • Drag-and-drop questions
  • Build-list and reorder questions
  • Case studies


    There are certain skills that are more accurately validated through direct
    hands-on methods like simulations and lab-based testing. This varies from exam
    to exam.


Q. Which exams include performance-based items?

A. To date, the following exams include performance-based items:

Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure (core Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator and
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 exams)

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network
Infrastructure

Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003
Active Directory Infrastructure

Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance

Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring

Exam 83-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (This exam
will gradually replace the current version of the exam: Exam 70-640: TS: Windows
Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring.)

Note that this list is subject to change at any time. Some exceptions apply in
selected regions.

Locate a testing center near you

In the future, most Microsoft technical certification exams will include
performance-based items.


Q. What is the difference between performance-based testing using virtual labs
and performance-based using simulation technologies?

A. Simulations restrict you to a small number of expected paths to complete exam
tasks, whereas virtual labs allow for any path and tool available in a real
computing environment, as long as the result is correct.


Q. Which exams include performance-based testing items built on virtual labs
technologies?

A. At this time, only Exam 83-640 includes virtual labs testing items. This exam
is currently available in English only and in certain countries. Since the
virtual labs testing items validate the same skills and knowledge as the
multiple-choice items, candidates should not take any different approach to exam
preparation.


Q. Are performance-based exams available in all testing centers?

A. Not at this time. Note that when enough testing centers in a region have
demonstrated that they can deliver performance-based exams, only the
performance-based version of the exam will be available to customers in that
region. In other words, all of the testing centers in a given region will
deliver the performance-based version of the exam.


Q. If the performance-based exam is not available in my area, when will it
become available?

A. Performance-based exams will eventually be available in all testing centers.


Q. When will additional exams with performance-based testing items be released?

A. The decision to apply performance-based testing is made on an exam-by-exam
basis when Microsoft determines that it is the best method to validate a
particular skill. Some exams have many performance-based questions, and some
exams have few or none.


Q. Will the entire Exam 83-640 consist of completing tasks in a virtual lab
environment?

A. There are certain skills that are better tested by more traditional formats,
such as multiple-choice questions. The number of hands-on tasks in an exam
depends on the skills being measured.

Learn more about Exam 83-640


Q. As the exams become updated with lab-based items, am I required to retake
them?

A. No. The skills that are tested do not change; therefore, retesting is not
necessary.


Q. Should I prepare for the lab-based exams differently than I prepare for other
exams?

A. No. As with non-lab-based exams, we recommend that you use exam preparation
guides to find out the subject areas, knowledge, and skills that are required to
pass the exam. When an exam is updated with a new lab-based testing item, the
skills measured remain the same.


Q. Do performance-based exams take longer to complete?

A. Yes, these exams are typically longer than exams that do not contain
performance-based items.

Information Technology Computer Certification Resource Center

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About The Author

Anne Barker is a professional Educational Consultant and helping the students to accomplish their home of over 100 free certification exam tutorials, including Cisco CCNA certification, MCITP, a+ certification, MCSE test prep articles. His exclusive Cisco CCNA study guide and Cisco CCNA training is also available.

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About The Author

Anne Barker is a professional Educational Consultant and helping the students to accomplish their home of over 100 free certification exam tutorials, including Cisco CCNA certification, MCITP, a+ certification, MCSE test prep articles. His exclusive Cisco CCNA study guide and Cisco CCNA training is also available.