Registration still open for VS 2010 exams

As I write this post, I know that 71-515 is now full. However, it’s my understanding that there are still seats available for 511, 513, 516, 518, and 519. Check out this post from Gerry for the details about how to register.

How should I study?

Typically when registration for a beta exam opens, most training products for that technology are still in development. Which leads folks, understandably, to ask us how they should study for a beta exam. Usually we suggest that candidates look for relevant materials on TechNet or MSDN. Recently I started this discussion about beta preparation on the forums. Poll responses indicate that most people would prefer to have a central place where beta candidates can view and submit learning resources.

Pilot: Share prep resources with other beta candidates

For the Visual Studio 2010 beta exams, we’re piloting a way for you to share your beta preparation resources with other candidates. If you have completed the SME Profile survey, you can submit a resource by using the Feedback mechanism on the MSL Subject Matter Experts site on Microsoft Connect. You can also vote on the usefulness of resources that other candidates have submitted.

Here’s how to share a beta prep resource:

  1. Go to http://connect.microsoft.com/site862
  2. Sign in with your Windows Live ID.
  3. Click on the Feedback link in the left-hand pane.
  4. Read the instructions, then click the big orange Submit Feedback button. (Note: if you haven’t submitted a SME Profile, you should be able to see resources that others have submitted, but you won’t have access to the Submit Feedback button.)
  5. Select the appropriate exam link under the Suggestion Forms heading.
  6. Fill out the form and submit. Please include the exam number at the beginning of the Title Field to help people find resources for a specific exam.

Tell us what you think

If you submit a beta prep resource using the method described above, or if you just look at the list to find some materials to help you study, drop us a line at mslcd@microsoft.com and let us know what you think. Did you find it helpful? Is Connect a good platform for this? Or is it all too much fuss and bother? Your feedback will help us determine whether this pilot will become a more permanent fixture, will be adapted into some other solution, or will be dropped entirely.