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| RUSH2112 2003-05-16, 5:33 am |
| I just got an email from M$ for the BETA exams below:
70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
I'll probably end up taking them as they are FREE and if I get lucky and pass them, then I am MCSA 2003. Here are some helpful links for those who are thinking of taking these BETA exams.
Exam 70-290
Exam 70-291 | |
|
| I just got this invite too. Thanks for the study links. If I find any more good study info I will post it. | |
| Carl_Docklands 2003-05-16, 8:50 am |
| Cheers for these mate. Ahh the bells of MCSE upgrade are ringing once more.......... | |
| StevoC 2003-05-16, 10:03 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by RUSH2112
I'll probably end up taking them as they are FREE and if I get lucky and pass them, then I am MCSA 2003.
I thought to upgrade your MCSA from 2000 to 2003 you would need to pass 70-292. Am I mistaken?
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/...sa/windows2003/ | |
| RUSH2112 2003-05-16, 11:59 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by StevoC
I thought to upgrade your MCSA from 2000 to 2003 you would need to pass 70-292. Am I mistaken?
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/...sa/windows2003/
StevoC,
You are correct. In order to be MCSA 2003, you have to pass the upgrade exam 70-292. HOWEVER, since M$ is offering these 2 BETA exams, they stated if I passed that it would count for the MCSA 2003. | |
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| ghaouf 2003-05-16, 4:37 pm |
| where do you regester i want to take the exam for free also
thank you | |
| hot_rod_2727 2003-05-16, 8:09 pm |
| I think Microsoft is sending invitations to people that have taken one of their exams lately, but don't quote me.
Scott | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-16, 8:34 pm |
| do not understand why not offered to the public and is there any way i could signup for them if i am not mcp?? | |
|
| Hi all
How can I take those free exams? I wanna be MCSE 2003.
HELLO | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-18, 12:04 am |
| could anybody tell us how do you get those exams | |
| KScheler 2003-05-18, 5:32 pm |
| It is my understanding that these are by invitation only. They sent me an email with a link where I could register to take the exam. After I registered they emailed the vouchers to me. They can only be taken between June 4 and June 15.
Hope this helps. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-05-18, 6:29 pm |
| Judging by the people's credentials that are responding, it looks like you would need to be either an MCSA or an MCSE 2000 to have been asked to take the exams. Either way it would make sense, as these are people that are not likely to spend money on the core WinServ 2k3 exams and already have experience with the similiar operating and testing methodology.
Cheers,
TB | |
| DaPunisher 2003-05-19, 9:14 am |
| I am neither MCSE or MCSA, though I easily regestered for both of the exams using the voucher. I read a post by ghaouf that regestering ended on May 19th. You snooze, you loose. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-05-19, 1:10 pm |
| In the invitation that I received, the start date for registration is not until 21 May, however the form needed to register for the exam requires an MCP id.
Cheers,
TB | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-19, 3:45 pm |
| DaPunisher you regestered for the windows 2003 server exams
i was talking about the 76 exams (76-210, and 76-215)
please tell me where did you regester | |
|
| You can start registration for the exams on May 21st. | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-20, 9:46 am |
| do you have to be invited to pass the exam and where do you get an mcp id | |
| DaPunisher 2003-05-20, 2:40 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by ghaouf
DaPunisher you regestered for the windows 2003 server exams
i was talking about the 76 exams (76-210, and 76-215)
please tell me where did you regester
Yup. Thats what I regesterd for. 76-210 & 76-215. I regesterd at a Prometric test site in Racine, WI. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-05-20, 3:34 pm |
| The 2003 exams are 70-290 (WS2k3) and 70-291 (WS2k3 NetInfra).
The 2000 beta exams are/were 76-210 (W2k Pro) and 76-215 (W2k Server).
I do wonder if I am the only one dreading 70-291 after dealing with it's little sister, 70-216. 
Cheers,
TB | |
|
| You get an MCP ID when you pass your first test and become an MCP. The exams are by invitation only. | |
|
| SOB SOB ( Ray Davies: Stop your sobbing ).
Why don't I ever get invited    | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-05-22, 10:45 am |
| To get the invitation, you must have MCP status and subscribe to MCP Newsletter from Microsoft. | |
| RUSH2112 2003-05-22, 10:57 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jeff_j_black
To get the invitation, you must have MCP status and subscribe to MCP Newsletter from Microsoft.
Jeff,
Off the beaten path, but how's the Exchange studying going? You've been at it for awhile. Take care
Don | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-05-22, 12:09 pm |
| I've been at it for a long while. Really focusing on the hands-on. I am closing in on it. I hope to take the 224 before the 2003 betas. | |
| KScheler 2003-05-23, 8:13 am |
| I received the free vouchers for 70-290 & 70-291 and am scheduled to take 70-290 on June 5. I'm not quiet as worried about that one as I am 70-291. It will be interesting to find out how much tougher they can make them. The way I look at it, they're free, nothing to lose. I plan to take the upgrade exams anyway.
One of my students took 76-215 last week and said the new questions he had dealt with hardware raid and Unix connectivity. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-05-23, 8:17 am |
| Now that's some real world experience for ya. Good luck on 290 and 291. I am doing the same. Figure the betas give me eight hours and probably 180 questions worth of practice for the upgrades. I'll be going on the 10th and 11th, let me know how it goes. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-05-24, 2:55 pm |
| With a whole lot of studying and a touch of luck, perhaps you won't need to take the upgrade exams.
Supposedly 290 and 291 will work with the MCSE2k to get you the MCSA2k3
Add those two in with 293 and 294 (which are coming up to beta soon) and your MCSE2k and you supposedly get your MCSE2k3.
Now, I am off to pout that Installation and Upgrading is not on the 290 exam. *grumble*grumble*
Cheers,
TB | |
| oddduck 2003-05-26, 1:33 pm |
| I got some invites for 293 and 294 on the weekend. I don't think I'll write them though, I have a ful plate now, been going to school 11 hours a day, not much time left to study.
Marianne | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-26, 1:41 pm |
| oddduck could you give them to me if you are not going to use them | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-05-26, 1:53 pm |
| The beta exam invitations are not transferrable. | |
| enforcer 2003-05-27, 7:57 am |
| Your names not down, you're not coming in.  | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-27, 3:48 pm |
| i just got my 76-210 exam now i am MCP could i regester for the exam to get an invitation and where do i get an MCP ID | |
| enforcer 2003-05-27, 4:02 pm |
| Well done, microsoft will send you an email in a couple of days, followed by a welcome pack in about 2-6 weeks | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-27, 5:06 pm |
| thanks enforcer | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-31, 10:19 am |
| does microsoft offer free exams often or are they once every year or so | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-05-31, 2:35 pm |
| They offer beta exams periodicly.
Cheers,
TB | |
| ghaouf 2003-05-31, 2:45 pm |
| where do i regester for the invitations | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-01, 6:35 pm |
| You would have to register at the Microsoft Certification and Training MCP Secured site with your MCP ID and sign up for the MCP Newsflash email. That is how beta exams get announced and how the invitation arrives. You probably won't get in on the current 290,291 offerings as the tests begin this week, but with many more exams coming out for 2003, who knows.
The last beta I got invited for was 71-214 Administering Security, last October. There have been offers for developer exams, but I don't spend much time on programming languages, outside of some VBS scripting, so I would not have been to sharp for that. Maybe someday.
My point is you have to do the prerequisite tasks and every so often they throw you a bone. You should be frequenting vendor sites such as Microsoft, Cisco, etc. anyway as you can get a lot of info from these sites for free. You can even get to try new stuff before it comes out.
Best of luck,
be patient,
get involved with the vendors whose certifications you are interested in,
take your time,
it's not a race,
enjoy the learning part,
apply it any chance you get,
either working for someone else or working for yourself,
there are tons of people who are looking for computer help,
you just may not find a full time gig in IT right off,
but sooner or later you'll know enough,
know the right people,
know the right things,
be in the right place. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-01, 7:39 pm |
| Great reply, JB.
Cheers,
TB | |
| ghaouf 2003-06-01, 7:44 pm |
| thanks jeff | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-01, 8:41 pm |
| Good luck tomorrow. Let us know how it goes. | |
| ghaouf 2003-06-01, 8:53 pm |
| ok i will | |
| chilidip 2003-06-04, 11:15 am |
| So no one has yet to sit this beta exam? Any impressions? | |
| enforcer 2003-06-04, 11:20 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by chilidip
So no one has yet to sit this beta exam? Any impressions?
just like that, huh, just like that - Tommy Cooper | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-04, 11:59 am |
| Kscheler is due to go soon, I go on the 10th and 11th. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-04, 12:05 pm |
| Best of luck.
Cheers,
TB | |
| KScheler 2003-06-05, 10:12 pm |
| I took 71-290-Server 2003 exam this morning. It was a pretty fair exam, lots of the usual file & folder permissions, some GPOs, a good number of SUS questions, volume shadow copies and 1 MOM question. Know your domain functionality roles.
I then took 71-291-Infrastructure in the afternoon. I know, glutton for punishment , only time I could get'm scheduled. The infrastructure was somewhat like 216, maybe not quite as bad EXCEPT I had, count them, 20 questions that had nothing to do with Infrastructure, Q's on AD, SUS, ISA, security, you name it. It was like they ran out of regular questions to ask and threw things in. I guess since NetBIOS and WINS are mute points now. It covered dns, dhcp, rras, a little subnetting (just basics). Some of the writers must have been smoking some funny stuff cause some of the dns names they used were stupid, humongousinsurance.com for example.
Did I pass them? Who knows. They said I'd be notified in about 8 weeks. I feel so-so about the server exam. There was some new stuff I wasn't sure about, especially the SUS, haven't worked wit it. The Infrastructure exam, I doubt it.
Oh well, they were free and I had a chance to comment on the questions so it wasn't a total waste. Even if I didn't pass them, now I have an idea about the new test format. Yes new format, not drastic, but a little different.
Good luck all.
Jeff - post me a message after you take yours. We need to catch up. | |
| ghaouf 2003-06-05, 10:39 pm |
| good luck | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-06, 9:58 am |
| Kscheler, thanks for the heads-up. I am cramming hard-core for these, why? Kicks, I guess. I do plan to take 292 and 294, so it will be good practice. Hope things are going well for you. We can get together more after next Wednesday, I have the two tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. | |
| KScheler 2003-06-06, 11:44 am |
| Good luck Jeff.
On 290 there were a lot of your usual MS server questions and a number of new ones on volume shadow copies and I had a good number of SUS on both exams. After having time to reflect on them more, I'd have to say 290 was a much fairer exam than 291. 291 had about 20 questions I felt didn't really have anything to do with the topic. At least that's my opinion.
I remember 1 question in particular. You had a remote server that you needed to connect to and stop a scheduled backup. You were not able to travel to the remote site. They gave 4 choices of which a couple seemed pretty lame. The kicker was the statement that said the server was taken off the network. Usually, in MS terms, that means the server was shut down. So my question is, how do you remotely connect to a server that's shut down? Hmmmm..... It didn't say it was taken off the network by dis-joining from the domain. To me there were quiet a number of unclear questions.
Catch ya later. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-06, 1:07 pm |
| Windows Server 2003 does offer out-of-band management via the serial port for supported hardware. I forget what its called though, time to eat some brain food! | |
| KScheler 2003-06-06, 2:49 pm |
| Yea, but wouldn't that require a physical presence? The question did state that you could not travel to the site and had to do it remotely. | |
| chilidip 2003-06-06, 3:48 pm |
| Thanks for the information KScheler. I'm sitting 290 on Monday and will report back my findings as well. | |
| ghaouf 2003-06-09, 5:38 pm |
| good luck to all | |
| chilidip 2003-06-10, 9:53 am |
| Here are my findings as I remember them.
1. What a whip. This is the first time I have ever taken 3.5 hours on a MS exam and I didn't like it.
2. New s/w interface. Same functionality as before, just a new wrapper. Pay attention to 'scrolling' all windows. MS seems to want to ensure that we view all the data before moving on to the next question. Failure to scroll each window completely will result in a prompt to do so. Annoying and confusing the first time you see it.
3. My exam had an enormous number of backup related questions at the beginning. There might have been 16 of them.
4. Quite a few permission/access questions.
5. My problems with the exam had to do with the new terminal services features, ARS, and really anthing new for 2003.
Summary: Considering I took my first look at 2003 Server on Friday and sat the exam on Monday, I think I passed. There is enough material that tests general knowledge to make me belive this. However, the new stuff was tricky for me. If you have used the OS for any period of time, you shouldn't have any problems. On to 291.
Randy | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-10, 10:06 am |
| Thanks for the heads up. Hope you got it. I'll know soon how it goes. | |
| enforcer 2003-06-10, 10:38 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by chilidip
2. New s/w interface. Same functionality as before, just a new wrapper. Pay attention to 'scrolling' all windows. MS seems to want to ensure that we view all the data before moving on to the next question. Failure to scroll each window completely will result in a prompt to do so. Annoying and confusing the first time you see it.
76-210 and 76-215 had the same persistent scroll bars that insisted you scroll the whole question
very annoying | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-10, 3:28 pm |
| A good 25% of the questions I got were about NTFS and Share permissions. It got to the point of distraction. The new stuff was easy enough. Try to step through ASR, if you can. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrows 71-291, it can't be about permissions can it? | |
| enforcer 2003-06-11, 3:12 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jeff_j_black
, it can't be about permissions can it?
Have you been given permission by the other half to do these exams? | |
| KScheler 2003-06-11, 8:24 am |
| The 71-291 that I got had 20 questions that were'nt even related to Infrasructure. Yes, I had permissions questions on it too along with AD, security, ISA, and SUS.
Jeff did you have many SUS questions on 290?
I'm telling you, I had enought between the 2 exams to make up a SUS exam of it's own.
I haven't heard from MS on whether I passed or not but I looked on Prometrics site and it shows I failed 290 and 291 was still pending. I'm not surprised at all. I was totally unprepared by the bombardment of SUS questions. Everything else was not so bad. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-11, 8:54 am |
| I've had two questions on SUS thus far. It would appear that the test question pool is just loaded. Chilidip said he got a lot of backup questions. Guess its the luck of the draw. I'll know more after today. | |
| chilidip 2003-06-11, 10:26 am |
| I don't recall too many SUS questions either. Two sounds like a good number.
I got a fair share of permission questions too.
Out of curiosity, how does one check their pass/fail status on the Prometric site. I just scanned there and didn't find a way of doing this. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-11, 10:45 am |
| They have a transcript tool. I would not know if the data there is accurate, as this is a beta exam. Microsoft says you will not get your results until the exam is released.
I looked at my transcript on the Pearson/Vue site and it just says 'taken'. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-11, 6:54 pm |
| Well 71-291 was a lot more detail to read, but left me overall with a better feeling that 290. Hopefully I passed both, but as I will end up taking 292 and 294 for the upgrade anyway, the beta exams mean little more than preseason games mean in the NFL.
The questions on DNS were more in depth than the 216 fare that I was accustomed to. You have to know about SUS, as mentioned. There was a few questions on wireless networking that I have no experience with under Server 2003. If I passed, I hope I set the bar high enough for those that will follow. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-11, 7:52 pm |
| It is good to hear about positive experiences on the tests.
I haven't heard of any mentions of SMS or MOM, which seems surprising since the Assessment tests on the Microsoft site are loaded with questions on them. Did anyone run across those on the exams?
Cheers,
TB | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-11, 10:23 pm |
| No, although I really want to get my hand on both of those. I have the trials versions on hand.
For those of you that have not heard yet, you can beta Microsofts Virtual Server, based on Connectix Virtual PC software I imagine. I have been using Virtual PC throughout my Windows Server 2003 study. It really helped. There is a special on a license for this through the 13th, $119. They are list pricing this on the Connectix site at $299.
The minimum requirements are:
CPU at PIII or Athlon at 600Mhz or better.
Enough hard drive space for the virtual partitions for each guest PC.
As much RAM as you can throw at a box. 512 Meg or better, would be my recommendation.
The advantage to this investment is that you can virtualize an entire lab on one workstation and not need networking equipment, KVM switches, monitor, keyboards, desks, shelves, etc.
Windows Server 2003 with Exchange 2003 installed, is virtualized in one file, just 2 and one eighth Gigs, requiring 128 Megs of Virtual Ram (Taken right off of your system ovehead of RAM.)
I found Windows Server with Exchange 2003 installed, to work well enough with 256 Megs of RAM. I have had 2 Windows 2000 DC's running along with a Windows NT Server running Exchange 5.5 up long enough to retire one of the DC's, on a PIII 600 with 13 Gig hard drive and 448 Megs of RAM on my desktop.
The most helpfull item is the Shared Networking feature which allows all of your guest PC's to use your real network interface. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-11, 11:12 pm |
| Another thought on the exam interface:
I found today that when I encountered a question with frames, that if I just dragged the frame out to its maximum in each required direction quickly first off, then I did not have to deal with the scroll issue when proceeding to the next question. This was a real aggrevation saver. | |
| enforcer 2003-06-12, 3:07 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jeff_j_black
Another thought on the exam interface:
I found today that when I encountered a question with frames, that if I just dragged the frame out to its maximum in each required direction quickly first off, then I did not have to deal with the scroll issue when proceeding to the next question. This was a real aggrevation saver.
Half way through the 76-210 I started doing that, and all the way through 76-215 I did, that, it's still annoying that you have to do that though. | |
| KScheler 2003-06-12, 10:45 am |
| From what we've all experienced from these betas, it's safe to say they were pulling from a large pool of questions. On 290 I also had a number of permissions and backup Q's. I only had 1 MOM question. On 291 I had a good number of dns related Q's. What was distracting was some of the confusing dns names.
I also don't know how much stock to put into what Prometric is saying. Who knows, they may be guessing.
I'll be taking the upgrade exams anyway. My boss is sending me to a week long Windows 2003 training session in mid-July. I'll start working on them after that. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-12, 11:25 am |
| Lucky dog!!! You get to go to school! Best of luck on the future 2003 exams. I have to take my Exchange 2000 exam soon, I'm ready, just waiting for pay-day. | |
| chilidip 2003-06-12, 3:10 pm |
| We'll I hope the Prometric site is wrong. It's reporting my failure at 71-290. Bring on the curve. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-12, 7:43 pm |
| Yeah, I don't know how they could score it at the test provider site, while people are still taking the test, there's still three more days for the beta period. The exams themselves had a dialogue that says it will take up to eight weeks or more to score the exams. Maybe Microsoft already has the minimum score determined and is only looking for feedback on the questions. | |
| kspoleski 2003-06-12, 8:52 pm |
| Just finished 71-291 and it was A LOT easier than 216. Almost all DNS questions (more than half) but did see a lot on IPSec and SUS.
Test crashed during comment period and apparently both Prometric and Vue are having a lot of problems running the tests (I had to reschedule 71-290 for tomorrow after it failed to load twice).
Hope everyone does well... | |
|
| I took both tests yesterday. On the 290 I had lots of backup questins. The rest were mixed about different management things.
On the 291 I had lots of DHCP scope and DHCP with Unix.Of course DNS and SUS. I also had a couple of wireless questions. I know I did not pass the 291 as it was the second test I took and by question 60 my brain was not workking quite as well. The 290 was a pretty fair test. I did not do much studying for the tests as I just I just did not have a lot of time to study. Glad they were just betas though as I had to go to a new test center and my tests were still being downloaded when I arrived. They were supposed to be there at 10 and I did not get to start until 11:30. I will not go back to that particular test center. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-13, 8:34 am |
| Tough break on the test center experience, Joni. It would be hard to knock both of these off one after another, without the distraction on test center annoyance. It is good to ge through these betas though, is it not? When else can you take the test without the pressure of blowing $125 each. I figure pass or fail, you got 170 free practice questions straight from the source. Good to hear from you. | |
| JoniF 2003-06-13, 10:11 am |
| That is what I liked about. I at least got a chance to see the new type of format and it is good experience. I still made a complaint to Prometric about the delay. But the experience of taking the test was enough for me. Besides if Microsoft is offering something free, it is best to take it.
| |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-13, 10:32 am |
| Always take the free stuff!!!
I have had bad experiences with the Prometric vendors in my area, no problems with VUE vendors in my area. But, I have heard from other regions the Prometrics is fine. Still it's pretty bad when the center has not prepared for your arrival.
I experienced that at the center when I took 216, (Prometric vendor: New Horizons). Heck the test admin was not back from lunch when I was scheduled, not a download glitch, just basic consideration was lacking. Never been back. I have too many years in restaurant management to tolerate poor service that is just based on simple consideration.
When I had appointments I did not get to eat.
People in IT need to constantly remind themselves it's not about computers, it's about people. | |
| KScheler 2003-06-13, 10:59 am |
| I have to agree. I've always had good luck with Prometric, personally. Where I work, they just opened a private Prometric center and I used it for 218 & Net+. I did have to wait for them to download the betas though. They're new at it and weren't aware of the 71 designation. Once they got the first one downloaded it wouldn't run, called Prometric and learned they needed a new driver for the new format. Once that was done, all was fine.
Taking 2 of any kind of test in one day is tuff. I took both in one day and was brain dead 1/2 thru the 2nd one. | |
| JoniF 2003-06-13, 11:22 am |
| Well I have used Prometric at the same site for all my other tests and have never had any problems. I always sat in the same room, same computer. When I went to sign up for this test, that center was no longer open so I had to choose a different one. I will not go bacak there. I will have to find a different center. The bad thing is , I had good karma at the one testing center and passed all of my exams there, now I have to start all over again. LOL | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-13, 11:47 am |
| Don Juan of Carlos Castineda fame would have called it your 'Power Place'. The indians have a saying that goes something like: 'While you remember the places you have been, those places remember you as well.' | |
| kspoleski 2003-06-16, 9:34 am |
| Has anyone checked their prometric test results and received a "passed"? I know this has been asked but here it goes again... How is prometric grading a Beta exam? Unless time has flown by, it hasn't been 8 weeks yet!! (Not that I passed anyway, I am just wondering)
Also, my "Power Place" (NT 4.0 & W2K MCSEs and CCNA) was a prometric center and never had a problem until the two failed attempts at running 71-290. Had to use a new center so that can't be a good sign. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-16, 9:44 am |
| Good question! Has anyone seen 'passed' listed for the beta's on Prometric or VUE? | |
| RUSH2112 2003-06-16, 9:46 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jeff_j_black
Good question! Has anyone seen 'passed' listed for the beta's on Prometric or VUE?
When I went to register for these BETA exams, it was too late. I guess all the "freebie" vouchers were used up. I kinda regret not getting the chance to see what these exams will look like, but it gives me time to work on 70-228 and 70-229 for my MCDBA | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-16, 9:57 am |
| You didn't miss much but a good grilling! I was just winding up my Exchange studies, when I scrambled to make these (290, 291). Probably going to take Exchange next week. | |
| RUSH2112 2003-06-16, 10:01 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by jeff_j_black
You didn't miss much but a good grilling! I was just winding up my Exchange studies, when I scrambled to make these (290, 291). Probably going to take Exchange next week.
Best of luck with Exchange. I know you have been on it for awhile. Just remember to take your time as some of the questions can get long winded (surprise!!!!) I am taking 70-270 in an hour, so I am doing some "last minute" crapping of my pants..... | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-16, 11:54 am |
| Rush2112, don't feel bad. I got the invite, took the assessments on the Microsoft site (did better than most apparently, but still did crappy), hesitated and by the time I talked myself back into taking them the vouchers were gone.
Best of luck on 270, Rush and 224, JB.
Cheers,
TB | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-16, 4:29 pm |
| Thanks for the vote of confidence Tarzanboy. I have been working on 224 for a long time, with as much hands on as possible. I have built numerous Exchange servers, both 2000 and 5.5, upgrades, ADC, etc. Looking forward to the test, just got to wait for payday to afford it! | |
| RUSH2112 2003-06-16, 4:50 pm |
| quote:
Originally posted by RUSH2112
I am taking 70-270 in an hour, so I am doing some "last minute" crapping of my pants.....
Turns out I ended up crapping my pants for nothing. XP was a very easy exam, with only slight differences to the 2000 exam. Chalk another one up for me............ | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-16, 9:01 pm |
| Congrats! | |
|
| I just got a reply from Prometric regarding my exam experience. They are giving me a free test. I think this is great. I did not pay for the Beta Exam so I was not overly concerned about my wait time. However, I am glad that they are giving me a free exam because this shows they are concerned about their customers. Now I can sign up for the 218.  | |
| enforcer 2003-06-25, 8:07 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by JoniF
I just got a reply from Prometric regarding my exam experience. They are giving me a free test. I think this is great. I did not pay for the Beta Exam so I was not overly concerned about my wait time. However, I am glad that they are giving me a free exam because this shows they are concerned about their customers. Now I can sign up for the 218.
I take it you complained to prometric then. maybe I should have done that when I did my 76-210 and 76-215 because both times I had to wait ages past my start time while they were downloading. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-25, 8:07 am |
| Thats great! At least it shows they are willing to take the hard look in the mirror and do the right thing. I hope it works out better for you. It will be good for you to find a comfortable place to test, since your old test center closed. Good luck on 218! | |
|
| Enforcer,
I sent them email the day after I took my test. I had acutally forgotten about it cause it was a beta exam. So my complaint did work. Sometimes it does pay to complain. | |
| enforcer 2003-06-25, 8:24 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by JoniF
Enforcer,
I sent them email the day after I took my test. I had acutally forgotten about it cause it was a beta exam. So my complaint did work. Sometimes it does pay to complain.
took mine end of May, so's I guess it's too late to complain (especially as I passed both anyway)  | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-25, 1:39 pm |
| It is good to hear that they are attempting to take care of their customers.
I've been exceedingly lucky thusfar, as I have never waited to take an exam, even when I was 30+ minutes early. I suppose that is one the benefits of having a group of testing centers nearby.
Speaking of which, I need to reschedule...
Cheers,
TB | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-25, 1:41 pm |
| And it looks like I get to call....
Scheduled Exams for...
You have no current exam registrations to reschedule or cancel.
---
Exam Date/Time Status
27-Jun-2003 9:00 AM No Show
---
JB, did you borrow my DeLorean again?
Cheers,
TB | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-25, 2:23 pm |
| Much better....
Exam Date/Time Exam Status
11-Jul-2003 9:00 AM Pending
Cheers,
TB | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-06-25, 3:45 pm |
| I did wash it and put in some gas. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-06-25, 4:56 pm |
| Rock on... gas at the 3 stations within a block on my apartment is $1.59, $1.62 and $1.64. Thanks for helping save the environment and my wallet.
Cheers,
TB | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-07-09, 2:07 pm |
| Exam Date/
Time Test Center Exam Name Client/
Exam Number Exam Status
11-Jul-2003
9:00 AM NEW HORIZONS SECURITY+ CERTIFICATION EXAM CompTIA
SY0-101 No Show
*sigh*
Stop borrowing the damned DeLorean.
Cheers,
TB | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-07-09, 6:32 pm |
| Geez, what happened? They are 'no showing' you 3 days in advance again? Lends a whole new meaning to new horizons, huh?
Guess you have to REALLY hurry up to take that exam. | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-07-09, 7:41 pm |
| No kidding... must... motivate... self...
Although if I was a motivated person, I would have been a bit disappointed when I got to the testing center and they didn't have me listed. :|
Well, it took me half of my lunch hour on the phone, but got a new confirmation and "assurances" that this would not happen again.
Weeeeeeeeeeee!
Cheers,
TB | |
| isles1 2003-07-18, 7:24 pm |
| Hey guys...this appears to be valid for anyone since I was able to sign up and the e-mail was not sent directly to me. Exam code is 71-297:
Beta Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active
Directory and Network Infrastructure
You are invited to Exam 70-297 in its beta version. As a benefit to you
for demonstrating your expertise by passing specific Microsoft
certification exams or by other means, this beta exam is offered to you free.
This beta exam will not be offered to the general public. A passing
score on this beta exam counts as a core credit toward the Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 certification.
By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the
MCP program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to
development of exams in their released version. We depend on the
contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually
improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.
In the Windows Server 2003 design exams, Microsoft has enhanced the
case study and related design exam question types in order to provide a
better user experience. These exam question types present a more
realistic visual representation of the products and design tasks candidates are
being tested on so the exam experience more consistently reflects
design tasks candidates might perform on the job. Like all innovative
question types, the case study and associated design exam question types have
undergone rigorous usability testing by certification customers,
usability engineers, and others.
**Registration Information**
Note: You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please
plan accordingly.
Testing is held at Prometric and Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide,
although this exam may not be available in all countries. You must
register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam. Because of the new
question types being introduced in this exam, some testing centers may not
yet have the capabilities to offer this beta, so contact your exam
provider for seat availability. (Please note: all testing centers will have
the capability to offer this exam in its live version.)
Please read carefully the following registration information as the
schedules vary depending on which testing center you choose:
Registration begins:
At Prometric: available now
At Pearson VUE: August 8, 2003
Beta exam period runs:
At Prometric: August 7-15, 2003
At Pearson VUE: August 11-15, 2003
Please use the following promotional code when registering for the
exam: DSMWSN
These beta periods are subject to change; please check the exam
preparation guides for the most up-to-date information:
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-297.asp
To register for this exam or for information about testing centers in
your area, call:
. Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
. VUE: 800 TEST REGistration (800-837-8734) | |
| oddduck 2003-07-18, 7:59 pm |
| I got that same email too, which I though was odd. Originially I was under the impression that you need to have written a previous version of the exams being offered to you, but I guess that is not the case. Has anyone who did not recieve this email tried to register with that promo code?
Marianne/oddduck | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-07-19, 4:13 am |
| Apparently Isles was able to register without an invite.
I feel bad for anyone that gets left out, because of stuff like this.
Cheers,
TB | |
| isles1 2003-07-19, 9:02 am |
| quote:
Originally posted by Tarzanboy
Apparently Isles was able to register without an invite.
I feel bad for anyone that gets left out, because of stuff like this.
Cheers,
TB
I hope no one gets left out either, but I was just trying to help guys out with a possible free exam for your MCSE.
The same post is already out on numerous deal forums. At least people here will put the experience to good use.
No harm was intended. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-07-19, 9:37 am |
| At Microsoft, they have computers and everything. They will figure out that people who did not get an invite, are signing up for the beta tests. If they don't want it to happen, they will fix it so that it does not happen. I'm sure there is some compensation from Microsoft to the test vendors for the beta tests. It is pretty easy to get legitemate invitation. | |
| ghaouf 2003-07-20, 1:25 pm |
| what subject or what is the email from
when they send you an invitation for a beta exam.
i recive the MCP news flash but i could not find any invitation | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-07-20, 1:45 pm |
| You probably did not get one, as the email invitation that they send is pretty obvious. | |
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| jeff_j_black 2003-07-20, 1:56 pm |
| It's funny how many times they refer to 'selected', 'qualified' and 'by invitation'. Do you think that is what they intended?
To ensure that individuals taking beta versions of Microsoft certification exams represent the appropriate candidate population, the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program offers beta exams to selected qualified candidates by invitation only. Selection is based on experience working with the corresponding product or a previous version of the product.
Experience is demonstrated by passing exams for previous versions of the product, participation as a Rapid Deployment Partner or Joint Development Partner, and other criteria. As a benefit to candidates who have demonstrated expertise with Microsoft products and technologies, Microsoft offers beta exams to invited candidates free of charge.
Offering beta exams only to qualified candidates helps the MCP program team ensure that the final versions of the released exams precisely and accurately measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the corresponding certification. Limiting the beta exams to selected candidates is one of several significant changes Microsoft is making to retain the validity and value of Microsoft certification. Other changes are a higher experience level expected for successful candidates and sophisticated exam item types that provide greater exam integrity.
Invitations to selected candidates will be sent by e-mail to subscribers of the monthly e-newsletter MCP NewsFlash. The invitation will provide a promotional code that will allow you to register for the specific beta exam. Your current e-mail address must be in our database. Subscribe now to MCP NewsFlash. To update your e-mail address, use the Profile Editor in the secured MCP Web site. | |
| jeff_j_black 2003-07-20, 3:07 pm |
| I hate to say it, but I think it is rather short sighted and selfish for people to be using this copied invitation to circumvent the intention of the beta exam process from being an evaluation of the exam to being a free test that anyone can take.
I used to feel that it was something special to get to be a part of the beta exam process, but now if anyone and everyone who has the mere ability to follow a hyperlink can participate side by side with those who are actually considered as qualified, it pretty much taints the whole thing.
Finally here is a chance for a few people to rise above and maybe get a credential that is untouched by braindumps and cheaters and someone throws open the gates and lets them in.
If you want just post your MCP ID, passport and VUE Credentials and someone here can take the exam for you as well. Won't that be special? | |
| Tarzanboy 2003-07-20, 4:09 pm |
| Some people can't see past the free part.
Personally I see 297 as a challenge and possibly as a prep for 219 and 221 since I have contemplated taking them.
Cheers,
TB |
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