| The following series of questions and observations is designed to help you figure out how much work you must do to pursue Microsoft certification and what kinds of resources you should consult on your quest. Be absolutely honest in your answers; otherwise , you'll end up wasting money on exams that you're not yet ready to take. There are no right or wrong answers, only steps along the path to certification. Only you can decide where you really belong in the broad spectrum of aspiring candidates. Two things should be clear from the outset, however: -
Even a modest background in computer science and programming will be helpful. -
Hands-on experience with Microsoft products and technologies is an essential ingredient to Microsoft certification success. Educational Background Following are questions related to your education: -
Have you ever taken any computer-related classes? [Yes or No] If Yes, proceed to question 2; if No, proceed to question 4. -
Have you taken any classes on computer operating systems? [Yes or No] If Yes, you'll probably be able to handle Microsoft's architecture and system component discussions. If you're rusty, brush up on basic operating system concepts and general computer security topics. If No, consider some basic reading in this area. We strongly recommend a good general operating systems book, such as Operating System Concepts , 6th Edition , by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter Baer Galvin, and Greg Gagne (John Wiley & Sons, 2001). If this title doesn't appeal to you, check out reviews for other, similar titles at your favorite online bookstore. -
Have you taken any networking concepts or technology classes? [Yes or No] -
If Yes, you'll probably be able to handle Microsoft's networking terminology, concepts, and technologies ( brace yourself for frequent departures from normal usage). If you're rusty, brush up on basic networking concepts and terminology, especially networking media, transmission types, the OSI reference model, and networking technologies such as ethernet, FDDI, and WAN links. -
If No, you might want to read one or two books in this topic area. The two best books that we know of are Computer Networks , 4th Edition , by Andrew S. Tanenbaum (Prentice Hall, 2002) and Computer Networks and Internets , 3rd Edition , by Douglas E. Comer and Ralph E. Droms (Prentice Hall, 2001). Skip to the next section, "Hands-on Experience." -
Have you done any reading on operating systems or networks? [Yes or No] If Yes, review the requirements stated in the first paragraphs after questions 2 and 3. If you meet those requirements, move on to the next section. If No, consult the recommended reading for both topics. A strong background will help you prepare for the Microsoft exams better than anything else. Hands-on Experience The most important key to success on all the Microsoft tests is hands-on experience, especially with Windows Server 2003 Server and Windows XP, plus the many add-on services and components around which so many of the Microsoft certification exams revolve, such as the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) discussed later in this book. After taking this self-assessment, you should learn at least this: There's no substitute for time spent installing, configuring, and using the various Microsoft products on which you'll be tested repeatedly and in depth.  | You can download objectives, practice exams, and other data about Microsoft exams from the Training and Certification page at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/. Use the Microsoft Certifications link to obtain specific exam information. |
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Have you installed, configured, and worked with Windows Server 2003? [Yes or No] If Yes, make sure that you understand the basic concepts, TCP/IP interfaces, utilities, and services provided by the platform, as well as the procedures involved in implementing security features for Windows Server 2003, which is far superior to previous Microsoft products in this arena. If No, you must get some experience. Read on for suggestions on how to do this. Experience is a must with any Microsoft product exam, be it something as simple as FrontPage 2000 or as challenging as Microsoft Server 2003. We recommend that if at all possible, you obtain two computers ”each with a network interface ”and set up at least a two-node network on which to practice. With decent Windows 2003 “capable computers selling for about $500 to $600 each these days, this shouldn't be too much of a financial hardship. If this isn't possible, you need to at least install the Windows Server 2003 software on the same computer on which you install sample tests. That way, you can go back and forth to see the software and determine why a particular answer is correct. You might have to scrounge to come up with the necessary software, but if you scour the Microsoft Web site, you can usually find low-cost options to obtain evaluation copies of most of the software that you'll need. For trial evaluation copies of other software, search Microsoft's Web site using the name of the product as your search term . Also, search for bundles such as BackOffice and Small Business Server. | | If you have the funds, or your employer will pay your way, consider taking a class at a Microsoft Certified Training and Education Center (CTEC). In addition to classroom exposure to the topic of your choice, you usually get a copy of the software that is the focus of your course ”along with a trial version of whatever operating system it needs ”with the training materials for that class. |
Before you even think about taking any Microsoft exam, make sure that you've spent enough time with the related software to understand how it may be installed, configured, and used. This will help you in the exam and in real life! Testing Your Exam-Readiness Whether you attend a formal class on a specific topic to get ready for an exam or use written materials to study on your own, some preparation for the Microsoft certification exams is essential. At $125 a try, pass or fail, you want to do everything you can to pass on your first try. That's where studying comes in. We've included two practice exams in this book (Chapters 8 and 10), so if you don't score that well on the first, you can study more and then tackle the second. Que Certification also offers PrepLogic, Preview Edition as a solid practice exam engine. If you still don't hit a score of at least 75 to 80 percent after these tests, you'll want to investigate other practice test resources, such as http://www.preplogic.com and http://www.cramsessions.com where you can affordably purchase a good number of practice questions. Use these questions and extensive review study to brush up on your weak areas as you draw closer to passing your exam. For any given subject, consider taking a class if you've tackled self-study materials, taken the test, and failed anyway. The opportunity to interact with an instructor and fellow students can make all the difference in the world, if you can afford that privilege. For information about Microsoft classes, visit the Training and Certification page at http://www.microsoft.com/education/ partners /ctec.asp for Microsoft Certified Education Centers. If you can't afford to take a class, visit the Training page at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/training/find/ anyway because it also includes pointers to free practice exams and to Microsoft Certified Professional Approved Study Guides and other self-study tools. Even if you can't afford to spend much at all, you should still invest in some low-cost practice exams from commercial vendors . -
Have you taken a practice exam on your chosen test subject? [Yes or No] If Yes, and you scored 75 “80% or better, you're probably ready to tackle the real thing. If your score isn't above that threshold, keep at it until you break that barrier . If No, obtain all the free and low-budget practice tests you can find and get to work. Keep at it until you can break the passing threshold comfortably. | | When it comes to assessing your test readiness, there is no better way than to take a good-quality practice exam and pass with a score of 75 “80% or better. When we're preparing, we shoot for 90% or more, just to leave room for the fact that you might encounter a question or two on the exam that makes little sense due to its wording. Such questions sometimes show up on Microsoft exams because of the newness of the testing environment or other unexpected factors. |
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