Certification is an excellent way to enhance your skills and employability, but although everyone wants to move ahead, many lack direction. Which certifications should be pursued to achieve the best return on your investment in time and money?

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Sun’s Java certifications are in high demand, said Lisa Spieth, president of LSRCS, a human resource and recruitment services firm.

“The current IT market shows great demands for qualified applicants with at least one certification in their given field,” Spieth said.

She emphasized higher-level certifications but also stressed that certifications should be balanced with adequate experience.

“Higher-tier certs are in greatest demand, and employers look for those who can demonstrate the intense specialized knowledge a higher-level cert conveys and the dedication required to move up through the certification tiers,” she said. “However, high-level certs are of little value without commensurate experience.”

Below is a brief overview for each certification, the steps required for achievement and the types of positions certified individuals can expect to hold. Use this as a quick reference but keep in mind that industry demand should not be the sole reason for choosing a certification — choose a cert that is on the career path you desire.

MCSE

The MCSE is considered Microsoft’s flagship certification — it has the strongest brand identity and has been in high demand for many years. The MCSE is one of the few IT credentials widely recognized outside the IT sector, and it is one of the top in-demand certifications in today’s job market.

The MCSE is focused on Microsoft Windows server design, implementation and support. To obtain the MCSE, you must pass four core server exams (70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294), one client exam (70-210 on Windows 2000 Professional, 70-270 on Windows XP or 70-620 on Windows Vista), one design exam (70-297 or 70-298) and one elective exam for a total of seven exams.

The MCSE is a long-term certification goal — most people take one year to two years to achieve it. Microsoft’s modular exam structure allows you to complete exams of different levels to certify foundation knowledge before moving on to more advanced skills such as design. MCSEs will find themselves adequately suited for a variety of positions in network administration, engineering or architecture. Each step from administration toward architecture generally requires more refined skills in design and planning.

In smaller companies, MCSEs might be the sole administrator or part of a small team. The MCSE is often a maestro to an orchestra of Windows computer systems. In larger companies, MCSEs might specialize in certain technologies such as Microsoft Exchange, ISA Server, remote access or system deployment. More-experienced MCSEs might work with numerous system topologies and will be part of many teams, departments or projects, lending their experience wherever it is needed.

At this level, soft skills and a good business sense become more important, as engineers will need to be able to understand business needs and how their solutions satisfy those needs. They also must have the ability to sell proposed changes to management and deal with issues calmly and efficiently as they arise.

PMP

Although not a true IT certification, the PMP has become very important for IT professionals in a team-lead or managerial role — companies are looking for experienced IT professionals who have the clear ability to understand the scope of a project and how to apply the right mix of timing of talent to a project. A project manager usually will be called upon to manage systems development, deployment, integration and similar projects.

The largest demand for PMPs is in application development. The marketplace is not nearly as accepting as it used to be of promised release dates continually being pushed back. To meet objectives on time and within budget, IT professionals need to have good project planning, administration and other skills the PMP certification measures.

To sit for the PMP’s four-hour exam, candidates must have spent 7,500 hours in a leadership role and have 60 months of project management experience. Additionally, they must also have completed 35 credit hours of project management education.

There are many career opportunities for PMPs, depending on your experience, and the certification is especially valuable when coupled with another in-demand certification. MCSEs with a PMP would find themselves managing deployment efforts or migrations. Sun-certified developers would be responsible for a development team. One thing to note, though, is that achieving the PMP will not propel you into a leadership position because leadership experience is a requirement for the credential. The PMP can, however, solidify a leadership or managerial position and help move you up the managerial ladder.

MCDBA

The MCDBA is Microsoft’s database certification on Microsoft SQL Server 2000. The need for the MCDBA stems mainly from increased demand for database solutions and the increase in market share of Microsoft SQL Server. “The 2006 Gartner RAS Core Research Note” lists Microsoft’s SQL Server as having 46.8 percent of the Windows relational database management system (RDBMS) market.

Microsoft databases are becoming more commonplace in smaller businesses as the back end to applications and as an integrated part of many Microsoft applications such as Systems Management Server (SMS), SharePoint and Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM).

In the enterprise environment, Microsoft SQL Server increasingly is being deployed because of its improved reporting and analytical services. Such databases are powering a variety of systems from e-commerce to data warehousing. Given this growth, the need is great for qualified labor to deploy and maintain these systems. MCDBAs and MCITP: Database Administrators will find opportunities as database analysts or database administrators depending on their experience. Database positions typically involve installation, maintenance and optimization, with special attention to database security, integrity and backups. Because there is so much confusion surrounding Microsoft’s new database certification, make a point to highlight your database experience with specific references to the products in use by the company such as SQL Server 2005.

If you have the MCITP, apply for MCDBA jobs but make sure to explain in your cover letter how your MCITP is significant and relevant for the position.

CCNA

Cisco is a leader in corporate America for Internet protocol (IP) and telecommunications equipment — it wields a power in the IP communications industry similar to Microsoft’s in the operating system market. Cisco’s large presence in the industry has created great demand for Cisco-certified professionals.

The CCNA certification is Cisco’s introductory certification and the one in greatest demand. Cisco products often are the first thought when choosing network infrastructure equipment, and they are immensely prevalent, creating a vast need for professionals who are capable of managing them.

The CCNA can be obtained by passing a single exam, 640-801, or two shorter exams: 640-821, Intro, and 640-811, Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND). The single-exam approach is simpler, but some prefer to take two separate tests so they can break up the material and focus more on each part.

Some common CCNA professions are local area network/wireless area network (LAN/WAN) technicians, network analysts or network support specialists. CCNAs with more experience might be suited for a position as a network engineer specializing in network device configuration and troubleshooting.

This usually requires a bit more knowledge in Ethernet, transmission control protocol (TCP), IP, frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), bridges, routers, hubs and experience with the logical and physical functional, operational and technical architecture of large, complex information systems.

CISSP

The CISSP certification is well-known in the security industry as a valuable credential. Corporate interest in security and the demand for security practitioners have grown dramatically over the last few years in industries across the board.

Government and law enforcement agencies frequently hire CISSPs, however, their opportunities are not restricted to government jobs — CISSPs can make a home in many corporate IT departments and policy groups.

The CISSP is divided into the following domains: access control, application security, business-continuity and disaster-recovery planning, cryptography, information security and risk management, legal, regulations, compliance and investigations, operations security, physical security, security architecture and design, telecommunication and network security.

The International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium [(ISC)2], the CISSP certification body, has done such a good job promoting the CISSP, the domains often are used in other security texts to distinguish security zones.

There are three possible CISSP specializations: Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP), Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) and Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP). Each specialization allows CISSPs to further concentrate on their respective job roles.

CISSP candidates must have four years of professional information security experience or three years’ experience combined with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in information security. Additionally, professional experience must be validated by a current CISSP. Candidates must then pass the CISSP exam with a score of 700 or better.

Once the CISSP is obtained, continuing education credits must be earned for renewal. These credits are earned by taking or teaching information security classes, volunteering services or publishing in information security.

Some common positions CISSPs might have are information security specialist, information assurance engineer, computer forensics specialist and technical security engineer.

CISSPs often are called upon to design and manage an organization’s security infrastructure. This includes selecting hardware such as firewalls, intrusion-detection systems and access control devices, server hardening and risk analysis, as well as staying up to date on security vulnerabilities or the latest exploit. If you are interested in working in the government sector, a security clearance is highly recommended.

Sun Certifications

The last area seeing large growth is Java. There is a huge demand in IT for Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) experience, but most employers do not explicitly list a Sun certification as a requirement. Still, a Sun Java certification will highlight both your interest in Java and your dedication to the language.

The Sun Java certification program begins with its entry-level Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) and culminates with the Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA) certification.

In between are the Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) and four specializations: Java developer, Web component developer, Web services developer and mobile application developer.

As individuals follow the course of Sun’s certification track, they will gain a wider range of experience and a deeper understanding of application development and enterprise architecture.

The world of Java can open up a variety of career opportunities, including software development, programming, systems analysis, software engineering and architecture. The role of a Java developer is essentially a software engineer.

Sun Java certifications can help you get your foot in the door to a very rewarding position. These credentials are also very useful in moving up in a position you already hold.

Making In-Demand Certs Work for You

The best advice for IT professionals is to find a place in IT where you are happy and then work on gaining credentials and experience within that area. Market demand changes quickly, and no employer wants an employee who jumps ship to chase the latest technology.

Resumes with a scattered, unfocused set of certifications and experience give human resources the impression that you lack loyalty and direction. This is why it is best to obtain certifications that are in line with your career objectives.

Introduced here were certifications suited for network administrators, technicians, database administrators, security professionals, programmers and managers. It is likely you fit into one of those categories. If so, now is the time to step up and get certified. As a job seeker, you can significantly demonstrate your worth and career commitment by taking steps to validate learned skills and experiences with a certification.

What’s in a name?

You might wonder why the MCDBA, an old credential, is so popular when the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Database Administrator has replaced it. The MCITP is part of Microsoft’s latest certification program on SQL Server 2005. Interestingly, the MCITP: Database Administrator is less popular than the MCDBA. A major reason for this is Microsoft’s new names —MCDBA is self-explanatory, as DBA is already an industry term, and MC prefixes all Microsoft certifications.

MCITP can be slightly confusing because there are four different types of MCITPs, and each corresponds to a different job role. Listing the MCITP credential without qualifying the MCITP category would be ambiguous as to whether you were a help desk support technician or even a business intelligence programmer.

Thus, the MCITP means very little alone, yet it is cumbersome when referenced with its category. This does not reflect a lack of demand for SQL Server 2005 — it is simply a problem with new names catching on in HR departments.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/up-to-date-earning-the-certs-the-market-demands/

CCNP certification is getting a new look at the end of 2007. The BSCI and BCMSN exams are being updated, and the CIT and BCRAN exams are being retired. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the new BSCI exam.

According to Cisco’s exam blueprint - admittedly a very broad blueprint at this time - the major new topics are IP version 6 (IPv6) and multicasting. The addition of these two topics will make an already demanding Cisco certification exam that much tougher, but this is a great change for the exam and for the candidate. IPv6 is just going to become more and more prevalent in today’s networks, and multicasting is as well.

Multicasting for the Cisco CCNP BSCI exam is going to go far beyond what you learned about it in your CCNA studies. For the new BSCI exam, you’ll need to know the different methods of creating multicast groups as well as assigning members to them. This material was previously limited to CCIE-level books, and while I don’t look for the questions to be as hard as the CCIE written exam, multicasting is not an easy topic and should not be taken lightly by the CCNP candidate in 2007.

One major CCNP exam topic that isn’t going anywhere is BGP. The Border Gateway Protocol has been a big part of previous BSCI exams, and that looks to continue.

If you’re pursuing your CCNP certification in 2008, be sure to monitor Cisco’s website for additions to the CCNP blueprint. It’s obvious that Cisco has raised the bar for CCNP certification, and earning this important Cisco certification will in turn raise your market value and networking knowledge like never before. Watch for future tutorials examining the other three new CCNP exams!

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of over 100 free certification exam tutorials, including Cisco CCNA certification test prep articles. His exclusive Cisco CCNA study guide and Cisco CCNA training is also available!

Cisco CCNP Certification Exams: 642-812, 642-825, 642-845, 642-892, 642-901, 642-801, 642-821, 642-831.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/whats-new-on-the-bsci-642-901-exam/

On 14th November 2007, I passed 70-649 exam i.e. TS:Upgrading your MCSE from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008.

I got 1000 score. It was piece of cake for me. May be because I failed 5 times earlier in Active Directory exams on Win2k & 2k3 track. 70-296 was really bad for me. 70-217 as well in late 2003. So this time there was no way to fail the exam. And I am glad I did it. How ever it doesnt mean I am AD master..Hehe !!!

Exam details are as follows:

Exam number: 70-649
Exam name: TS:Upgrading your MCSE from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008
Passing score: 700
Total questions: 55
Total given time: 135 mins
Exam type: there are 3 sections splitted. 1st pool of question contains approx 22 questions, 2nd pool contains 19 questions. And remaining questions in 3rd pool.

Remember: Once you finish review of 1st and subsequntly 2nd & 3rd pool you can not go back.

I got 35 mins for 1st pool, 25 mins for 2nd and remaining for 3rd pool.

Skills measures on following topics :

70-640: TS:Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
70-642: TS:Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
70-643: TS:Windows Server 2008 Application Services, Configuring
I used free virtual labs from Microsoft learning portal, I also downloaded trial copy of “Introduction to Windows server 2008″ e-book & went through several TechNet articles about AD in Windows 2008.

* Tip * Get your hands on IIS 7.0 By AmEy

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/passed-70-649-with-1000-score/

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From
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CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition, is the newest edition of the all-time best-selling CCNA self-study preparation package. This comprehensive review and practice package is designed for the latest CCNA® 640-802 exams. The two books contained in this package, CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition, and CCNA ICND2 Official Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition, present complete reviews and a more challenging and realistic preparation experience. The books are updated to cover all the new 640-802 exam objectives, such as security, wireless, IPv6, and troubleshooting.

What can you do with the CCNA Official Exam Certification Library?

CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition, presents you with an organized test preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques. “Do I Know This Already” quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Chapter ending Exam Preparation Tasks sections help drill you on key concepts you must know thoroughly and help increase your speed in answering questions, a difficult hurdle many candidates face on the new exams. Final Preparation chapters guide you through tools and resources to help you craft your final study plan. Special troubleshooting sections help you master the complex scenarios you will face on the exam.

The companion CD-ROMs contain a powerful testing engine with over 400 questions that allow you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The test engine also includes simulation and testlet questions, and all questions are available in study mode and test mode. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a chapter-by-chapter basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text.

The bonus DVDs contain more than 60 minutes of personal video mentoring from the author focused mainly on the topic of subnetting. These videos help bring difficult subnetting concepts to life and make learning easy.

Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging practice questions, this completely revised and updated edition provides you with more detailed information and more realistic practice exercises than any other CCNA study guide, enabling you to succeed on the exam the first time.

Best-selling author and senior instructor Wendell Odom shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you to identify areas requiring further study and to improve your conceptual and hands-on knowledge. The material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding of exam topics and preparing you for the numerous challenges the exams present.

These official study guides help you master all the topics on the CCNA exams, including:

You can get more infomation of CCNA Official Exam Certification Library (CCNA Exam 640-802) (Exam Certification Guide) (Hardcover) from here.

About the Author

Wendell Odom, CCIE® No. 1624, has been in the networking industry since 1981. He currently teaches QoS, MPLS, and CCNA courses for Skyline Advanced Technology Services (www.skyline-ats.com). Wendell has also worked as a network engineer, consultant, systems engineer, and instructor and course developer and has taught authorized Cisco courses for the majority of the last 14 years.

Related exams of CCNA 640-802: 640-822, 640-816, 640-821, 640-811.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/ccna-official-exam-640-802-exam-certification-guide/

Cisco CCIE Lab exams are eight-hour, hands-on exams that test the ability to configure and troubleshoot networking equipment and software. The topics covered on lab exams can be found on the Track Details pages, links provided on this page. Not all exams are offered at all Cisco CCIE lab locations; please consult Lab Exam Locations for specific details.

Lab Scheduling and Payment

A valid passing score on a written exam is required to schedule a lab exam. Written exam scores are automatically downloaded from testing vendors, but may take up to ten days to appear in your file. You will need the identification number you used to register for the written exam, the date of your passing exam and your passing score.

Exams must be paid for at least 28 days before the scheduled lab date, or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. You will only receive one email notification reminding you to make your payment. You can verify the payment due date on an exam by logging in and viewing your Certification Status. Payment options depend on the location of the lab exam, as indicated in the table below.

Payment processing generally takes one to seven days, so be sure to initiate the process well in advance of the payment due date. All payments will be posted exactly 28 days prior to your scheduled lab date, regardless of when you initiate the process. Invoices will not be issued until the payment is processed.

Cost of Lab Exam

Lab exams cost $1,400 USD each, not including travel and lodging. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney). You are responsible for any fees your financial institution may charge to complete the payment transaction.

List of CCIE Lab Exams

350-001 lab CCIE Routing and Switching Qualification(Lab exam)
350-018 lab CCIE Pre-Qualification Test for Security (Lab exam)
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From
http://exam-test-blog.org/cisco-ccie-lab-exam-information/

This week, I want to highlight some of your comments and discuss what you need to know about CCNA certification.

#1: What’s the value of a CCNA?

Before we discuss the value of the CCNA certification, let’s talk about the value of certifications in general. Member myers_2004 asserted that the CCENT and CCNA are just ways for Cisco to make more money and that it doesn’t prove that you know anything about networks. Of course, this member isn’t the only one who believes certifications are useless.

Member c.stockwell staunchly refuted this belief and argued that “the value of the certification is what you put into it.” I couldn’t agree more. To me, this applies to any degree or certification program you choose.

The value of certifications programs is not in the “piece of paper” you receive — it’s in the knowledge you gain in the process. Unfortunately, not everyone who completes a program gains the same level of knowledge and skills.

In my opinion, here’s the value in pursuing CCNA certification:

Prove your knowledge to yourself, and prove — and document — that knowledge to your boss or a hiring manager.
Use your CCNA to stand out from others applying for the same job.
Justify asking for a raise.
Challenge yourself.
Learn more about networking in general.

#2: Who should pursue CCNA certification?

In my opinion, anyone interested in networking should go for the CCNA. Obviously, anyone working with Cisco equipment on a daily basis is also a good candidate.

However, sometimes it isn’t that obvious. Here are a couple examples:

Windows and Linux network administrators: Why not understand the network and learn how to solve problems more quickly? Learn to communicate with the “network guys.”
Technology salespeople and project managers: Member malbadr asked how certification could help an IT salesman. Knowledgeable salespeople and project managers who really understand the Cisco router they’re selling or the Cisco network they’re managing the implementation of go a long way toward gaining my trust.
IT managers: Learn how to better communicate with your network administrators, fill in for the network admin, and understand how the network works.
However, as member wbaltas pointed out, “don’t expect this certification to get you a job” if you don’t have the experience to back it up.

#3: How do I get a CCNA?

This is the easiest question of them all. To earn a CCNA, you have two paths to choose from:

One test: You can just take test 640-802 — a single test that incorporates both parts of the ICND course material.
Two tests: You can take tests 640-822 and 640-816. By passing test 640-822, you would earn the CCENT. Then by passing test 640-816, you would have both your CCENT and your CCNA certifications.
Note: Cisco exams 640-801 CCNA, 640-821 INTRO, and 640-811 ICND all expire on Nov. 6, 2007. While the study material for those tests is still very much applicable, you should watch out for topical differences that have changed.

#4: Can I pass the CCNA?Absolutely. Before the recent introduction of the CCENT, the CCNA was Cisco’s introductory certification.

Next to Microsoft’s MCSE certification, the CCNA is the single most popular certification when it comes to available training material. There are router and switch simulators, test preparation applications, books, study guides, flash cards, training videos, Web sites, and more, available from both Cisco and third parties. The resources are immense! Sometimes the more difficult question is “where do I start?”

#5: What resources should I use to prepare for the CCNA?People ask me this question all the time. Here’s my short list:

Cisco’s CCNA Prep Center
CCNA Self-Study Resources from Cisco Press (The best-known title is the CCENT/CCNA ICND1Official Exam Certification Guide by Wendell Odom.)
Train Signal’s CCNA Training video series
CBT Nuggets: Cisco CCNA Certification Package
Cisco CCNA Routing Quiz
TechRepublic’s 500+ resources for the CCNA keyword search
SummaryThe CCNA is a valuable certification, but the level of value definitely depends on whom you ask. And, of course, certification is only as valuable as the experience it accompanies.

Weigh in with your opinion! What’s the value of the CCNA to you and to your company? What are the best resources available to prepare for the CCNA?

by Emmett Dulaney

In this article, we won’t go through each objective but rather focus on six of the most important things to know to be prepared for Exam 70-291. But first, let’s take a minute to determine whether you need to tackle the exam at all.

Do you need to take this exam?

Exam 70-291 is intended to verify networking knowledge and skill with Windows Server 2003 for those new to higher-level Microsoft certification. If you already hold a networking certification from Microsoft above the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) level, you may be able to bypass this exam altogether.

If you are certified as an MCSA, you can skip this exam as well as 70-290, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, and just take exam 70-292, Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000. Taking only exam 70-292, you can upgrade your MCSA from Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003 in just one test.

If you are certified as an MCSE, you can also bypass 70-290 and 70-291 by taking 70-292, but you need to add exam 70-296, Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000. These two exams work together to upgrade your certification and save you time in the testing center.

Tip one: Think conceptually

Yes, this is an exam in the Windows Server 2003 track, but it probably focuses more on concepts, as opposed to products, than any other exam in the track. The IP Addressing category expects you to know and understand IP addressing (which is essentially the same as it has been for many years) and DHCP. The Name Resolution category focuses on DNS, which has not changed much since Windows 2000.

The Network Security category concentrates on security concepts with a required knowledge of some of the oldest tools in the Microsoft arsenal—Event Viewer and Network Monitor, to name two. When Windows NT became Windows 2000, “Remote Access” became “Routing and Remote Access” (RRAS vs. RAS), and little is new in the fourth category: You must understand the principles of TCP/IP routing. The final category, Maintaining a Network Infrastructure, requires commonsense knowledge of service dependencies (which are the same in almost every operating system) and some Microsoft tools—Network Monitor and System Monitor as well.

You do need a working knowledge of Windows Server 2003 to pass this exam. Far more important, though, is a knowledge and understanding of the concepts of networking and interacting with the Internet as an administrator.

Tip two: Buy the Resource Kit

As with every Microsoft exam, a dozen publishers will be putting out training guides and study guides and exam prep guides—so many that your head will spin just looking at the bookshelf. Those books are all helpful in studying for a test, but much of the same material used in question creation overlaps content used in one of the most definitive book series that Microsoft Press releases for each operating system. This started with Windows 95 and has become truer with each successive operating system and Resource Kit release, climaxing with Windows 2000. (You almost had to have the Resource Kit to pass the exams.)

As of this writing, the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit (ISBN: 0735614717) is not yet available but is expected to be soon. Although the list price is $299.99, you can already find it greatly discounted at many online retailers. When you factor in the cost of failing an exam or two, along with the fact that this kit can be used to study for every one of the Windows Server 2003 exams, you can see that the money it costs is a great investment.

Tip three: Think 70-216

I know that I am not alone in saying that exam 70-216, Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure, is one of the most difficult that Microsoft’s psychometricians ever conjured up. After sailing through exam 70-210 (Windows 2000 Professional) and 70-215 (Windows 2000 Server), I confidently took 70-216 without much study. “How hard can an exam on networking basics be?” I thought.

I don’t mind saying that I failed the exam on more than one occasion. I honestly believe that the pass rate on this exam was so low that it served as an impetus in Microsoft’s decision to create the much easier 70-218 exam, Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment.

If you look at the title of exam 70-291, you’ll note that it uses “Network Infrastructure” (from 70-216) instead of “Network Environment” (from 70-218). If you look closely at the objectives, you’ll see that they mirror many of the counterparts on 70-216. Although the number of objective categories has shrunk from 70-216 to 70-291, the difficulty level has not. This is not an exam you can sail through just because you’ve been working with networking concepts since the days when Peter Frampton had hair.

Tip four: Know that simple things can be difficult

Tying in with the last tip, you need to mentally acknowledge before taking the exam that some easy things can be made more difficult than they should be and be prepared for this. It is no secret that exam questions often focus on minutiae, and that is difficult enough when taking a test. But be ready for question formats—not just content—that try your nerves.

Brace yourself for marathon-length multiple-choice questions that list lots of possible answers and ask you to “choose all that apply.” The problem with this format is that you still only get the question right or wrong. If there are seven possible choices and three that are correct, you don’t get partial credit if you only chose two and the two that you chose are among those correct. You missed the question. Miss enough of them, and you can plan on taking the exam again, and again, and….

Microsoft has also added a new type of question that divides the information among three screens that you have to maneuver and scroll through. There are not a lot of these questions yet, but enough to make things frustrating. Before signing up for this test, I would recommend calling the testing center of your choice and asking what size monitors they administer the exams on; the bigger the better for these questions.

Tip five: Focus on the Microsoft angle

The concepts are universal—networking, DHCP, etc.—but spend some time concentrating on anything that Microsoft does with these items that make them sales bullets for the company. For example, DNS has been around since the days when it became apparent that scaling HOSTS files was impossible, but you need to know how Microsoft intertwines Active Directory with DNS. In other words, don’t just know DNS, but know Microsoft’s take on it.

Read the overview of DNS posted on the Microsoft site, then delve deeper into selections about understanding, installing, and securing.

Other items to similarly focus on include all the tools and utilities related to the networking functions. Add ipconfig to the list and know all the parameters/options that can be used with it.

Tip six: Spend some time with IAS

Microsoft’s Internet Authentication Service (IAS) is its implementation of Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS), and it forms a large component of RRAS. Knowledge of this topic is crucial to passing the Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining Routing and Remote Access portion of the exam.

For studying, start with the overview, and then read how the Network Access Quarantine Control works with Windows Server 2003. After reading that information, get as much experience with it as you possibly can.

Emmett’s recommendation

The 70-291 exam is a step you must take to become MCSA or MCSE certified on Windows Server 2003 if you don’t hold those certs for Windows 2000. It is a much more difficult exam than you would think, given the subject material. If you can avoid taking it—and you can, if you’re already MCSA/MCSE certified—that is the best way to handle it.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/six-tips-to-help-you-pass-exam-70-291/

As of late last week, you can officially use exam 70-621 (upgrading from MCDST to MCITP) in place of 70-620 (Vista Configuring) anywhere it is allowed in a certification track. If you do not know what I’m talking about, then you do not care about this—don’t stress yourself out.

You can tell it is official, now, because we posted it to our web sites (see note in “Credit toward certification” sections, on prep guides linked below) and I’m told is reflected in your transcripts, etc. as of Friday morning. The gist, per this old post, is that 70-621 earns MCTS: Vista—and as such you should be able to use 70-621 to fulfill a 70-620 or MCTS: Vista requirement in another certification track. Spread the word to your MCDST peers and peerlets.

Customers who have taken both of these will be getting an e-mail from Microsoft Learning sometime this week, explaining the situation.

Speaking of things that can be used as other things, I’d like to point out the cert merchandise featured in this month’s MCP newsletter: an MCSE-branded Speaker Vase.

As it turns out, it is just speakers shaped like a vase. I guess. But I spent a bit of time staring at it, wondering about the use for speakers that are also a vase, and thinking that it would be difficult to top for efficiency.

Unless we are talking about an MCSD-logo sweater, that can also be used as a white board, or a chain-saw, or something.

Author Introduction: Peter King has written several exams for Cisco in the past and am interested in becoming an author for certay and its clients. He has 10 years real world experience in the IT technology field. Peter have get the following certification:Cisco: CCIE R&S, CCNP, CCSP, CCNA, Microsoft: MCSE+I, MCT.

From
http://exam-test-blog.org/things-that-can-be-used-as-other-things/