New MCSE seeks advice

[arkane78]

Hey all,

I'm currently looking into studying up for 70-649 (Upgrade MCSE to MCTS).

Is there any advice that anyone can give? I have the MS Press book already and the associated practice tests.

How easy is the exam itself? Are we talking anything like the MCSE exams?

I'm keen to keep studying as I don't want to leave it too long between passing my MCSE and taking something new - keeps everything fresh in my head.

Thanks

Ark

[JonnyMX]

Mate, if you're an MCSE it really shouldn't give you much of a headache!

[Rich165]

....I'd passed my MCSE and was thinking the same, except I had no book! The weather forecast said the weekend was set for rain (I remember it oh so well), I gathered a fresh supply of tea and custard cream biscuits and set to my challenge. This was to upgrade by taking two exams which would leave me with Enterprise Admin 2008 and a headache...or so I thought.
I spent saturday morning on Microsoft's website having downloaded a trial version of 2008 server, by Saturday afternoon I was feeling confident....probably over confident, but I passed. That was too easy, the second exam must be solid.
Saturday evening I was back in microsoft.com and the custard creams were running low. Sunday morning came round, and again I was confident (and no custard creams remaining), all that was left was to take the exam!....I passed.
I just couldn't believe it, not a bad result for a packet of biscuits and a rainy weekend

[arkane78]

So, is it really that easy?

What sort of preparation should I do for 649, 646 and 647?

I'm looking at 649 right now - what exam in the MCSE could you compare it to?

Do you need alot of experience with Server 2008 (as you need alot with 2003 for the MCSE)?

Thanks,

Ark

[Rich165]

My feeling is these exams just build upon the MCSE. If you spend time studying the differences and get some hands on experience then you should be ok. I was just highly motivated that weekend and did nothing but read and practice.
Just be sure you know where they've moved some functionality, just trying editing a GPO and you'll see what I mean, or even deleting an OU ;)

[arkane78]

Originally Posted by Rich165

My feeling is these exams just build upon the MCSE. If you spend time studying the differences and get some hands on experience then you should be ok. I was just highly motivated that weekend and did nothing but read and practice.
Just be sure you know where they've moved some functionality, just trying editing a GPO and you'll see what I mean, or even deleting an OU ;)

Aha - I'm guessing alot of these differences are probably laid out in 649 and then in 646/647 it's more about how you'd do it in light of the differences and new features.

Interesting - thanks

Ark

[UKDarkstar]

Originally Posted by Rich165

....I'd passed my MCSE and was thinking the same, except I had no book! The weather forecast said the weekend was set for rain (I remember it oh so well), I gathered a fresh supply of tea and custard cream biscuits and set to my challenge. This was to upgrade by taking two exams which would leave me with Enterprise Admin 2008 and a headache...or so I thought.
I spent saturday morning on Microsoft's website having downloaded a trial version of 2008 server, by Saturday afternoon I was feeling confident....probably over confident, but I passed. That was too easy, the second exam must be solid.
Saturday evening I was back in microsoft.com and the custard creams were running low. Sunday morning came round, and again I was confident (and no custard creams remaining), all that was left was to take the exam!....I passed.
I just couldn't believe it, not a bad result for a packet of biscuits and a rainy weekend

You have an exam centre that opens Sunday as well as Saturdays ?! Wow !

[Rich165]

Originally Posted by UKDarkstar

You have an exam centre that opens Sunday as well as Saturdays ?! Wow !

Oh yes! Confession time, one of the many reasons I moved to where I am is because there is a Prometric and Pearson test centre 10 min walk from my house...and it's open evenings and weekends!

[UKDarkstar]

Originally Posted by Rich165

Oh yes! Confession time, one of the many reasons I moved to where I am is because there is a Prometric and Pearson test centre 10 min walk from my house...and it's open evenings and weekends!

Don't tell craigie ! You'll never get him out of there !

[Rich165]

...did I mention the pub that's within 20ft of the front door of the center
You just need to make sure you visit them in the correct order