Messaging:70-284 and 70-285

**Sparky** · #1 04-May-2008, 08:21 PM

Just wondering if anyone has done (or in the progress of doing) the 70-284 or 70-285 exams. Just had a look through the objectives and they look like tough exams but I would like to increase my Exchange Server skills so passing these exams (or trying to!) looks like a good place to start.

Just installed a DC and two member servers in the lab ready to get Exchange configured, so much for taking a break after the MCSE.

NightWalker · #2 04-May-2008, 08:51 PM

I'm working on 284. It was a new beast when I started, but I am an Exchange admin at work which helps a lot. Reading about virtual servers etc is all good, but going in to work the next day and looking at how its setup on a live network helps a lot. Hope to take the exam in 3-4 weeks, but finding it hard to get the study hours in at the moment.

**Sparky** · #3 04-May-2008, 09:23 PM

Nice one mate, are you using the MS Press book? It gets a crap review on Amazon but I’ve always used the MS Press book for each MS exam I have taken so far.

Any plans to take the 70-285 after?

NightWalker · #4 04-May-2008, 09:42 PM

Yep, got the MS press book. There is a bit right near the start where the exercise wants you to right click an administrative group and rename it. I got a bit miffed cos it wouldn’t work.... turns out the guy that wrote the book worked on a beta copy of Exchange 2003, you can only right click and rename an administrative group when Exchange is in native mode, starts off in mixed mode with a fresh install. The book is ok though, I have also used the TestOut CBT stuff.

After this cert I plan to do 70-294 and 70-297 to get my MCSE.

**Sparky** · #5 04-May-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

“

Originally Posted by NightWalker

After this cert I plan to do 70-294 and 70-297 to get my MCSE.

”

The 70-297 is an unusual exam, 6 case studies with around 6-10 questions per case study. Not much fun!

Cheers for the heads up on the MS Press book, ordering it now.

NightWalker · #6 04-May-2008, 10:15 PM

No probs. Cheers for the rep. I really want to get this cert finished off, its my own fault I have dragged it out far too long, always other things distracting me!

297 will be my last one for MCSE, so its going to be a challenge for the final hurdle.

**BosonMichael** · #7 05-May-2008, 02:07 AM

I've been studying from the Sybex book for 70-284. Supposedly, that, plus some real-world experience and common sense, should also be enough to get me through the 70-285.

I've been ready for weeks... but a recent project push at work has delayed it. No biggie... I'll knock it out afterwards.