UPDATED: 12/20/10 08:19 PT --- And we're back - registration code is working now. Good luck!
Best, Stephanie
------- Original Post ---------------
You are invited to take beta exam 71-169, Pro: TS: Windows Small Business Server 7, Configuring.
If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification 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.
If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.
Availability
Registration: Now Open
Beta exam period runs: December 22, 2010– January 14, 2011
Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis – we recommend that you register immediately. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.
Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions). All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.
Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China
Registration Information
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam. Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: SBSS
Responding to this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately.
To register in North America, please call:
· Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:
· Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp
Test Information and Support
You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge. You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.
The online version of the exam prep guide will be available shortly – until then, please see the version of the prep guide included at the end of this blog post.
More Information
For Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) help and information, you may log in to the MCP Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp /or contact your Regional Service Center: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/worldsites.asp .
Prep Guide for Exam 70-169:
TS: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuring
About this Exam
This exam is designed for information technology (IT) professionals who work in or consult with small businesses that use Windows Small Business Server Standard 2011.
Audience Profile
This credential is designed for information technology (IT) professionals who work in or consult with small businesses that use Windows Small Business Server (SBS) Standard 2011. The MCTS candidate for this exam should have at least one year of experience deploying and managing network solutions in an environment that has the following characteristics:
• Up to 75 devices
• Company networks with Internet connectivity
• Individual users or user groups that connect to the company network from remote locations
Credit toward Certification
When you pass Exam 70-169: TS: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):
MCTS: 70-169: Microsoft Small Business Server Standard 2011, Configuring
Note: This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being Measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Installing and Setting Up Windows Small Business Server (SBS) Standard 2011
• Prepare for migration.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: run Windows SBS Best Practice Analyzer (BPA), DNS cleanup, domain cleanup, run preparation tool, create an answer file for migration)
• Install and migrate to Windows SBS Standard 2011.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: from Windows SBS 2003, from Windows SBS 2008, Migration Wizard tasks, configure a new installation of Windows SBS
• Configure connectivity.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure Internet domain, configure DNS name resolution (internal and external)
• Configure network infrastructure.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: ports, protocols, inbound or outbound rules, enable outbound popup and logging, install and configure a gateway appliance/firewall for common Windows SBS services, configure and maintain WAN/LAN/NAT for email/web/ActiveSync (e.g., IP addressing, network hardware configuration)
Configuring Remote Access
• Configure remote client access to internal resources.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: VPN
• Configure Remote Web Access
o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure the Windows SBS server, e.g., to admin console, to computers, to shared folders; configure RWW to use Remote Desktop Server server; configure client computers
• Configure Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure RemoteApp applications, configure RD Session Host, RD Web, RD Gateway
Configuring and Managing Messaging and Collaboration
• Configure email.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: Exchange Server, POP3 Connector, configure email client protocols [POP3 (on client side), SMTP, RPC/HTTPS (also known as Outlook Anywhere), IMAP], configure Microsoft Outlook settings, configure a smart host
• Manage Microsoft Exchange Server.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: maintain logging; db management, e.g., defragment db; quota management, add additional email domains, redirect email, configure mobile device Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
• Configure folder shares.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: using Windows SBS console, using native tools (Quota console, File and Server Resource Manager, file screen, reports), shared folders, SMB permissions vs. NTFS permissions
• Configure storage.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: using Move Data Wizards, add additional storage, configure folder redirection policy
• Configure Microsoft SharePoint
o This objective may include but is not limited to: create and modify SharePoint sites (e.g., new team sites, blog sites, wiki sites), assign user permissions, configure document upload and handling
Managing Users, Computers, and Printers
• Create and manage user accounts.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: create, edit, and delete user accounts, assign permissions to users, assign users to computers, configure user RWW access using Windows SBS console, properties and native tools
• Create and manage user roles.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: change user roles, assign users to a role, assign groups to a role, assign quota policy
• Create and manage groups.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: create a distribution group, create a security group, add/edit/delete users to/from a group, mail enabled vs. not mail enabled; archived vs. not archived, OU structures
• Join computers to the domain.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: client and server computers, join an additional server, Connect Wizard, manage user permissions for domain computers (local admin vs. standard user, remote access), migrate local user profiles
• Create and configure shared devices.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: fax and printers, add a network printer, add drivers for 32 bit, configure user permissions for a device
Managing Health and Security
• Configure Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure client exclusions, server security updates, maintain health and security, maintain server/client WSUS patching, change software update and schedule settings
• Manage monitoring and reporting.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: client (including update compliancy, client computer firewall, antivirus status), server (including core services; low disk space; success or fail)
• Configure backup and restore data on the server.
• Configure SSL certificates.
o This objective may include but is not limited to: configure a trusted certificate, self-signed certificates, Including manage certificate packages, import and export during setup for migration
Preparation Tools and Resources
To help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" section.
Classroom Training There is no classroom training currently available.
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests There are no practice tests currently available.
Other Questions?
For advice about training and certification, connect with peers:
• Visit the training and certification forum
For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP):
• Visit our MCP newsgroups
To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
• Visit the Microsoft Learning community
Hi guys
It's me, Inspector Gadget. :-)
In the past few weeks, I've been searching the net for information about Microsoft Certifications. Let's call it a microsoft Certification Inspection. I'm somewhat surprised at the amount of misinformation that is out there. No wonder it all seems so confusing at times.
I was hoping you guys could help me out a little.
First, I'd like to gather a list of web pages that contain wrong or ourdated information about our certs. (Grant it, I know we can't catch every single website... but it's worth correcting the "big" ones".
Second, I'd like to "clean them up" a little.
If you happen to fall on such misinformation, and think we can change it, send me the link.
I'm looking for things like:
Here a re a few examples of page where we need to correct information:
Thoughts?
You are invited to take beta exam 71-665: PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
71-665: PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator counts as credit towards the following certification(s).
· MCITP: Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Administrator
Registration begins December 20.
Beta exam period runs: December 30, 2010 – January 20, 2010
Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta. We recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.Please use the following promotional codes when registering for the exam: UCPROJ
Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta. We recommend that you register immediately.
•
Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)
Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp
You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-665
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about beta exams here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam-dev-release.aspx#tab2
For Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) help and information, you may log in to the MCP Web site at http://mcp.microsoft.com/ or contact your Regional Service Center: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/help/assisted-support.aspx
You are invited to take beta exam 71-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
71-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring counts as credit towards the following certification(s).
· MCTS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuration
Registration begins December 13.
Beta exam period runs: December 22, 2010 – January 14, 2010
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.Please use the following promotional codes when registering for the exam: UCTSJ
You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-664
Exploring the possibilities with cloud-based applications and Windows Azure? You and your team don’t want to miss this free live training course. “Developing Cloud Applications with Windows Azure” will be delivered via virtual classroom on December 15, 16, and 17, 2010 from 12:00-4:00pm PST and will include hands-on labs, real-world examples, and new content from the Windows Azure team. This course is designed for advanced Application Developers, Software Engineers, Application & Solutions Architects, Software Product Managers, CTOs and Enterprise Architects; and will be team taught by two of the most respected technologists in the field.
Dave Platt is a developer, consultant, author, and “.NET Professor” at Harvard University. He’s written nearly a dozen Microsoft Press books on web services and various aspects of programming, and is an accomplished instructor and presenter. Dave was named by Microsoft as a Software Legend in 2002.
Manu Cohen‐Yashar is a leading global expert in Microsoft Cloud technologies, Distributed Systems and Application Security. Through hands-on engagement with enterprise customers and his position as professor at SELA Technical College in Tel Aviv, Manu brings a uniquely pragmatic approach to software development. He is author to many courses and is a top-rated speaker at Microsoft TechEd & Metro Early Adoption Programs.
Register now for all three sessions!Session 1 | Dec. 15, 2010 from 12pm-4pm PSTSession 2 | Dec. 16, 2010 from 12pm-4pm PSTSession 3 | Dec. 17, 2010 from 12pm-4pm PST
Spread the Word! Retweet: FREE training "Developing Cloud Apps w/ Windows Azure" Dave Platt & Manu Cohen-Yashar http://bit.ly/gmAI63 #azure #cloud @MSLearning
On June 30, 2011 (formerly March 31, 2011), we will be retiring exams 271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System and 272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Windows XP Operating System. While mainstream support ended for Windows XP in April 2009, we continued to support the product due to continual market use. With the recent shift to Windows 7, we have determined it is now the time to retire the 271 and 272 exams.
While the 271 and 272 exams will retire, those individuals that have passed both exams and have achieved the MCDST certification will still see the MCDST certification on their transcript. Once you have achieved your MCDST, you may take one exam (70-682) and achieve two Windows 7 certifications - MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician Windows 7 and MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration. Find out more here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsclient.aspx#tab5
Secure a Second Shot for your Microsoft Certification exam (Prometric.com)
The Second Shot offer (regular exam price plus 15 percent) allows you to retake a Microsoft IT professional, developer, or Microsoft Dynamics exam if you do not pass it on the first attempt.
View the entire list of exams that will be retiring here - http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam-dev.aspx#tab4. Check back often as dates and exams may change.
Questions? Contact your nearest Regional Service Center.
Recently I was trying to look up the results for my Microsoft Excel 2010 beta exam. (In case you’re wondering—I passed!) I found the Excel 2010 results by using the MC ID on the printout that I received after taking the exam. However, I noticed that the results from other exams I have taken were NOT THERE. “Dude, where’s my certs?” I thought. I dug through my old e-mail and found the confirmation from one of the other exams—and it had a different Microsoft Certification ID (MC ID).
Whether you are scheduling a MOS exam, a TS exam, or a Pro exam, it is really easy to end up with more than one MC ID. I should have known better, and it happened to me anyway. It may be more effort to find your MC ID when you are scheduling an exam than it is to just create a new MC ID. But the consequence of not putting in the extra effort to find your MC ID is that when you need to see all the Microsoft Certifications you’ve earned all in one place—such as when you want to share your online transcript with your boss—your complete history won’t be there.
If you discover that you have more than one MC ID, you can contact your local Regional Service Center (RSC), and an agent can consolidate your MC IDs for you.
You can prevent this from happening to you! When you are registering for your exam, consider whether or not you already have an MC ID. If you think you have one, take a couple minutes to look for it before you create a new one. A couple suggestions for where to look:
If I've missed any methose of MC ID lookup, feel free to add them in the comments.
Mainstream product support ends for both SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 (.NET 2.0) on April 15, 2011. Mainstream product support for BizTalk Server 2006 and BizTalk Server 2006 R2 end on July 12, 2011. We will be retiring the SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and BizTalk Server 2006 exams shown below on June 30, 2011. In other words, you won’t be able to take these exams after June 30th.
If you’re in the middle of pursuing one of these certifications, don't panic. You still have time to finish it up. The table below has a link to each exam's page on our web site. The third tab on each exam's page provides a list of resources to help you prepare, as well as a link to the Learning Plan for that exam. Consider signing up for a Microsoft Certification Exam Pack With Second Shot if you will need to take more than one exam to complete your chosen path.
If you haven’t started to pursue the .NET 2.0 certifications yet, you might want to consider certifying on a newer version instead. The Visual Studio 2010 (.NET 4.0) exams are now available, giving you the opportunity to validate your skills on the latest version.
The exams below do not appear on our exam retirement page yet, but you’ll see that update reflected soon. For answers to frequently asked questions about exam retirement, see this page.
SQL Server 2005 exams to retire on June 30, 2011
TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
Visual Studio 2005/.NET 2.0 exams to retire on June 30, 2011*
PRO: Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
*Note that Exam 70-536 will remain available to support the requirements for the Visual Studio 2008 (.NET 3.5) exams.
BizTalk Server 2006 exams to retire on June 30, 2011
Thanks for all the great questions to the original post! I did have to use other people's brains to answer most of the questions, though, and am still waiting for answers to some of the questions. Here's what I (well, "we" may be more appropriate) can answer now. Note that I modified your questions a bit for conciseness in this post; if I changed the intent of your question, let me know. I will find an answer and tell you what I can!
Q: Is Microsoft making plans to completely move away from the multiple choice/selection based exams to more exams of the 'virtual lab' type? If so, when do you expect this to happen? Will there be more exams like 83-640?
A: The one question I can answer! As some of you know, we had some delivery problems with lab based exams in some parts of the world. As a result, we decided to remove these items from market while investigating root causes and identified solutions. We are pilot testing the use of this item type on a smaller scale as we make improvements and re-evaluate the scalability (i.e., ability to deliver worldwide) of these item types. To learn more about this decision, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam-dev-release.aspx#tab4
We are exploring other item types that will increase the real world/relevance of our exams. Some of these item types include other forms of performance based testing, while others are variations of item types that we use today. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but I promise some fun (psychometrically speaking) stuff is on the horizon. I'll be blogging about that soon!
By the way, one of the people asking about 83-640 mentioned a learning disability that prevented him from finishing the exam in the time allotted. Microsoft is dedicated to developing technology that is usable by and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If you are unable to take a Microsoft Certification exam, either using standard testing equipment or within the standard exam duration, the Microsoft Certification program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to accommodate you. To learn more, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/exam-policies.aspx#tab5
A: (Provided by Joe Sack) Regarding the new format, the only program to have this announced change is the Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 program. The Advanced Certifications program will certainly keep track of the success of this new program; however, any potential future changes to other programs will be based on the needs of that particular program and also the needs of that particular product community (including customer & partner feedback).
Q: I've been staring and comparing at the differences between the MCSA Security and the MCSE (standard) tracks, trying to determine which to go for next. In the MCSA Security Track, you can use 70-299 "Implementing and Administering Security" in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network but not 70-298 "Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network" as an elective. In the MCSE (standard) track you can use 70-298 but not 70-299 for the design core component. Why are you not be able to use 70-298 in the MCSA Security Track?
A: (Provided by J Seymour) 70-298 is a design exam while 70-299 is focused on security implementation and administration; as a result, 70-299 cannot be used to meet the design requirement for the standard MSCE track. Because design is considered a higher level task than implementation/administration, 70-298 is a more appropriate for the MCSE credential, which is considered a higher level certification, than it is for the MCSA Security credential, which is a lower level certification focused on administration (so an administration exam makes more sense for a certification focused on administration). Both 298 and 299 could be used for MCSE Security (one required, one as an elective).
Q: Are there books in the works to cover the Server 2008 R2 question additions in the 70-640 series exams?
A: (Provided by J Seymour) Windows Server 2008 courseware has been updated for R2, and books are in process of being updated and/or written to cover this new functionality.
Q: What is the status of the virtualized exams, will they be coming back?
A: (Provided by J Seymour) The Virtualization Administrator TK bundle as well as the individual exams (659/669/693) are available. Prep guides and associated learning materials can be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exam.aspx?ID=70-659&locale=en-us
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exam.aspx?ID=70-669&locale=en-us
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exam.aspx?ID=70-693&locale=en-us
To learn more about the virtualization certification, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-virtualization.aspx
Q: Is there any news about the delayed/cancelled exam for Forefront Threat Management Gateway?
A: (Provided by J Seymour) We will not be developing this exam. We are developing a Forefront exam (70-162) that covers FEP, FPE, FPSP instead.
Q: Can you give us any news about 70-402 PRO: Microsoft System Center, Data Center Administrator and 70-404 TS: System Center Service Manager 2010, Configuring? They have been listed on the Partner sites forever, but all I get is silence when I ask about them.
A: (Provided by J Seymour) We are currently planning to beging development on the System Center learning products in the first half of 2011.
Q: Will training books soon contain virtual machines on DVD with the right configuration? When I train for an exam, I review the prep guide, and try to perform the tasks. Or, if I read a book I try to do the tasks as I read about them, but I spend a lot of time downloading software.
A: (Provided by J Seymour) We occassionally include VMs in books, but licensing is a huge issue. Trial software has to be used, or you're buying the OS. Keep in mind that our exams are intended to validate real skills. The absolute best way to study for an exam is to download the software and play with it even if it takes time to download it. It's great that you downloaded and installed systems center! That's what you should do! Keep playing with it, and take the test!
If I didn't answer your question here, I'm still looking for an answer. I'll post a follow up with those answers in the new year. See, I really do want to know what's on your mind and will find the answers to your questions. So ask away! What other questions do you have?
Happy Holidays from all of Microsoft Learning!
This is the third in a series of blog posts authored by members of the IT Manager Advisory Council. We've asked them to share their insights and opinions on topics they are passionate about related to hiring & managing employees, and maintaining skills on their teams. If you agree or disagree and have a different perspective - chime in and contribute your views.
Goalposts, they never move, right? Well, if you’re a professional athlete they don’t, you go out on the pitch and there they are at either end, waiting for you to score. In the IT industry however, as most of you are aware, they move all the time and that, my friends, is where the problems start.
My name is Simon Davis, I work for a smallish company called Remsdaq in the UK and I think it’s fair to say that as a manager of a small team of developers, one of the biggest challenges that I face is keeping on schedule when requirements are changing and money is tight. So when NumberOfHoursWork > NumberOfHoursToDeadline, we have to battle through with what we have, hoping that the team will pull through to meet the deadlines, whilst still keeping everyone happy and not damaging or destroying relationships!
We manage -- just -- but remember those goal posts? More and more I’m finding that we, as a team, are falling behind with our knowledge of the "new stuff," products and technologies that we could be using, products and technologies that we should be using -- from WPF through to the Entity Framework with a liberal scattering of SQL Server in between. I have developers who have dabbled, but not much more, and certainly not enough to consider for mainstream development.
We have further pressure this year caused by the changing requirements of the MS Partner Network. Remsdaq is currently a Gold partner holding both ISV and Custom Software competencies. Now, in order to retain this level of "recognition," we need to master the advanced versions of the new competencies. Easy you may say, not so easy I say, due primarily to the additional certified developer requirements.
What this means to me is that by May 2011, I need to have 2 more of my development team MCPD certified, that’s 3 exams/certifications that need to be passed per developer all whilst maintaining a tight development schedule.
So how do I go about addressing these problems? This is a discussion that I have had on a number of occasions with my line manager. We have considered introducing "personal development days," time set aside in the development schedule to allow a developer to learn about the new technologies and prepare for certification exams. Whilst a great idea on paper, this was vetoed by a higher level, primarily because of costs. Two days a month doesn’t sound like much until you start to add up the cost over a year (2*12*8=192 days in a 12-month period) that’s virtually the same as taking a developer out of the team for the year.
We have previously had success with the carrot approach. Taking advantage of the exam facilities at TechEd NA allowed us to dangle "A week in Orlando, Florida at a Microsoft Conference" to a couple of developers with the proviso that they must prepare for the exams in their own time prior to the event. This worked; it got us the certified developers that we needed for our Gold Partner status, but I wouldn’t recommend it as the pressures it put on the developers concerned were too great.
Hmmm, where next?
In terms of training, I'll flag it as a critical requirement after our next release. We will identify a Microsoft Learning Partner that can come up with a custom course covering the materials that we require and deliver it at our offices. This has worked well before and although disruptive in terms of losing the entire team for a week, it provides excellent value for the money and a big hit of knowledge impartation. (Here's the link to find a certified learning partner, if you want it)
Certification? I really don’t know. By hook or by crook we need those certified developers. So, we may end up with the boot camp approach where we select the “most likely to succeed” developers and send them to one of these courses where they learn for a number of days and take the exam. This seems like a good option for us because it's intense, then it's done.
I’m sure that there are many of you out there in a similar position with one or more training, knowledge, or certification requirements for your team and I would love to hear how you have tackled these issues.
· How have you been successful in keeping your team’s knowledge up to date?
· What are you thinking about trying next?
· How have you coped with time lost to training?
· Any creative ideas about how to balance training needs with the extra workload for your staff?
Thanks for reading
/SiD
Microsoft User Research would like to hear from Microsoft Certified Professionals across the nation in an upcoming research study. If you’ve received your latest certification in the past four years, this would be a great opportunity to share your experiences and ideas with Microsoft usability researchers and help make the Microsoft Certified Professional website more valuable and easier to use.
This study will be one hour long, and will be held over the internet and telephone. Study sessions can be chosen any day between Tuesday, January 18 and Friday, January 21. And in appreciation for your time, you’ll be offer you a choice of Microsoft hardware, software or games, with a value ranging from $49 to $999.
If you’re interested, please respond with the following information in an email titled “MCP” to uccoord@microsoft.com
1.) Name & Phone Number
2.) Job Title & Company
3.) City & State
4.) Do you have a Microsoft certification? Which one(s)?
5.) When did you receive your latest Microsoft certification?
6.) On a scale from 1-7 (1 = not interested and 7 = extremely interested) how interested are you in obtaining additional Microsoft certifications?
To enroll in future Microsoft User Research studies specifically for IT professionals, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/usability/itpro.htm
Also, be sure to check out Microsoft User Research on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/msftur
Calling all Access 2010 Experts for the Beta Exam!
Use Access 2010 and want to get certified? Already MOS certified in Access 2007? We need your help. The Access 2010 beta is coming and we need participants.
The beta will be open from December 7 to December 20. Below are some of the participating test centers, and new test centers sign up daily. Interested but don't see a nearby test center? Please email Certiport's beta coordinator, Stacey Tilley, at betacoordinator@certiport.com.
Please note the beta exam is in English only.
Testing Center
Location
Contact
Holiday Schedule
New Horizons - Anaheim
Anaheim, CA
714-221-3100
New Horizons - Burbank
Burbank, CA
818-333-4600
New Horizons - Culver City (Los Angeles)
Culver City, CA
310-342-3500
Antelope Valley Computer Learning Center
Lancaster, CA
j.callenback@avclc.com
NR Computer Learning Center (NRCLC)
Orange, CA
vazi@nrclc.com
New Horizons - Inland Empire
San Bernardino, CA
909-380-7970
New Horizons - San Deigo
San Diego, CA
858-880-2200
University of Denver, Daniels College of Business, School of Accountancy
Denver, CO
kedavisson@msn.com
Karen Todd Pickles CPI
Madison, FL
kpickles@gmail.com
Valencia Community College
Orlando, FL
SOlin@valenciacc.edu
Advanced Technology Group
Atlanta, GA
melody.ohare@atg.org
Dre' Von Software Training
Jonesboro, GA
ljordan@d-vonline.com
AAA PCITS2
Lawrenceville, GA
pamiliaevans@peoplepc.com
CierraTEC
Norcross, GA
cwade@cierratec.com
Dec 7-20 Open M-T 9:30am-3pm, 5-9pm; Sat 9am-4pm
Maple Tronics Computers
Goshen, IN
gmoser@emaple.net
Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette
Lafayette, IN
ssiovaila@ivytech.edu
Northwestern State University Dept of Mathematics
Natchitoches, LA
tarverm@nsula.edu
Closed Dec 16 - Jan 9
Sawyer Training & Technologies
Minneapolis, MN
msawyer@sti.st
Penobscot Community Health Care
Bangor, ME
jmcbee@pchcbangor.org
Focus:Hope Information Technologies Center
Detroit, MI
mitchel@focushope.edu
St. Clair County Community College
Port Huron, MI
crussell@sc4.edu
Global Information Technology
Lathrup Village, MI
Paula.artis@global-itech.com
Current River Career C enter
Doniphan, MO
dlathum@doniphanr1.k12.mo.us
Closed Dec 20 - Jan 3
New Horizons - Jackson MS
Jackson, MS
Danielle@nhjackson.com
Closed Dec 13
Southeastern Community College
Whiteville, NC
gcable@sccnc.edu
Central Community College
Columbus, NE
jdehaven@cccneb.edu
Closed Dec 23 - Jan 3
New York Business Institute
New York, NY
gmei@nybi.org
Ohio University, College of Business
Athens, OH
martel@ohio.edu
CS Technologies Plus
Seneca, PA
csmith@cstechplus.com
New Horizons CLC of South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD
susan.strandberg@newhorizonssd.com
Tennessee Technology Center at Harriman
Harriman, TN
kkruse@ttcharriman.edu
Testing open Dec 7-9, 13, and 14 Closed Dec 15 - Jan 2
New Horizons - Knoxville TN
Knoxville, TN
amillett@nhknoxville.com
Tennessee Technology Center at Nashville
Nashville, TN
nbutler@ttcnashville.edu
Closed Dec 17 - Jan 4. Available dates are: Dec 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15. Seating limited.
The Turn Around Agenda/Technology and Education Center
Dallas, TX
vpelts@ocbfchurch.org
Salt Lake Community College-ACT
Draper, UT
Joe.Fox@slcc.edu
New Horizons - West Valley City
West Valley City, UT
Jake.woolstenhulme@nhslc.com
Testing open Monday - Friday 10AM- 2PM (starting times). Dec 16/ 17 filled.
Time Saving Solutions, LLC
Redmond, WA
lynn.landry@tssredmond.com
Acadamy of Learning - Higher Education (Postsecondary)
Hamilton, ON, CA
academy@cogeco.net
CCI Learning Solutions Inc.
Langley, BC, CA
dsweeney@ccilearning.com
Toronto Training Center For Information Technology and Business Accounting
Missassauga, ON, CA
musah_jo@hotmail.com
Prestariang Systems Sdn Bhd
Cyberjaya, Malaysia
caryn@prestariang.com.my
Twice IT Training
Driebergen, Netherlands
phoffman@twice.nl
COIN Internet Academy
Rockhampton, Queensland, AU
christine.edgar@rrc.qld.gov.au
Welkin Systems Limited
Central, Hong Kong
kitty.luk@welkin.com.hk
Fundacion-Jala
Cochabamba, Bolivia
mcari@caryglobal.com
Lytton High School
Gisborne, NZ
m.alford@clear.net.nz
Closed Dec 17 - 21
True Insight Training and Consulting
Bloemfontein, South Africa
trueinsight.consulting@gmail.com
Closed Dec 11 - Jan 5
Innovative Training & Database Solutions
Bridgetown, Barbados
cartermkc@caribsurf.com
Open until 12/22, 9:00am - 11:00 am and 12:00pm - 4:00 pm
Available dates: Dec 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15. Seating limited. Closed Dec 17 - Jan 4
Testing open Monday - Friday, 10AM- 2PM (starting times). Dec 16/17 filled.
Acadamy of Learning - Higher Education
stevelloydmct@gmail.com
Prodigy Learning UK Training Centers
UK
learning@prodigysolutions.com
Please contact Prodigy to find a local beta testing center
As 2010 comes to a close, I wanted to share a few more answers to your questions that I was able to track down.
Q: Will there be an different self-study book for 70-659 other than 'use the one for 70-652? A: (provided by Jeff Koch) No self-study book for 70-659 is planned.
Q: Will there be an different self-study book for 70-659 other than 'use the one for 70-652?
A: (provided by Jeff Koch) No self-study book for 70-659 is planned.
Q: When will the TKs and Windows Server 2008 books be updated with information related to Windows Server 2008 R2?
A: (provided by Jeff Koch) All of the books are currently being updated to R2 with the exception of the 648/649 upgrade combo book, which wasn’t affected by the R2 updates. The remaining 2008 TKs should be shipping around the end of June 2011.
Q: Do we give out VMs in the TKs or is it trial software?
A: (provided by Jeff Koch) Nothing like this is shipped with books, but we do include instructions for people to set up their own VMs/systems for labs covered in the books. In the past, we have included trial software, but I don't believe that we do anymore as everything is so readily available through the Microsoft download site.
Q: Any estimated dates / quarters for 70-162?
A: (provided by J Seymour) Beta should happen in March (be sure that you update your SME profile (or create one) if you want to participate in the beta!). The exam should be live in May.
Q: I'm surprised no TMG exam will be developed. There have been exams for each version of ISA since it was still called Proxy Server. The recent added functionlity to TMG would - in my opinion - warrant a new exam. Is this a clue as to the demise of TMG (in favor of UAG)?
A: (provided by J Seymour) The TMG exam (as well as the FIM/UAG and the RMS exams) were canceled due to BG funding reprioritization. At this time there are no plans to make a new TMG exam.
Q: About a year or two again, Prometric use to have this crazy (after discount code) price for an exam, $25. Will they ever be doing that again?
A: (provided by Ken Rosen) Never say never but not likely. Keep watching Born to Learn, though, because we announce significant promotions that readers will likely benefit from here.
Q: Whatever happen to those contests, answer some questions (not easy by any means), get them right, get a free voucher?
A: (I'm answering this one) I'm guessing that this is a reference to the contests that we did around the release of Windows 7 (I posted old Windows questions and the first person responding with the correct answer recieved a voucher.) Nothing is currently planned, but we usually have these ideas on the spur of the moment. So, to steal a little from the answer answer above, keep watching Born to Learn because if do something like this again, it will be on this blog.
The only question (unless you submit some more--please do!) outstanding is this one: When is my "MCTS - Windows 7 and Office 2010, Deployment - Charter Member" certificate going to show as that instead of "Windows 7, Deployment - Charter Member"? I know that this is being investigated to determine when the correction will take effect. I'll let you know when I get the answer.
You can now happily ring in the new year knowing that I continue to search for answers to your questions. By the way, keeping asking your questions. I'm learning a lot in the process!
Wishing you all the best in 2011!
In case you missed Shannon Bray's excellent Live Meeting, you can now view the recording on demand.
What Can SharePoint Do For You? Improve Productivity, Efficiency, Agility Microsoft SharePoint can help your company quickly respond to changing business needs. For IT managers, SharePoint 2010 helps you cut training and maintenance costs, save time and effort, and focus on higher business priorities. Learn about best practices for implementing Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and what you need to do in order to plan, deploy, manage, and support this product.
Watch Now.
I love the holiday season! I bake cookies for everyone on my team (they are delicious, by the way), sing loudly (and badly) along with the holiday songs on the radio, go crazy with the holiday lights (I seriously think you can see my house from outer space) and decorations, and love finding the perfect gift for my family and friends. In the spirit of the holidays, I want to find the perfect gift for all our loyal followers of Born to Learn. Because I can't give everyone an exam voucher, as much as I'd love to, I thought I'd share my brain. It's been awhile since we asked, so I want to know what's on your mind.
What would you like to know about our certifications, courseware, exams, and/or the program? What have you been wondering but didn't know who to ask? Here's your chance to demystify our certifications. Although some of your questions may require someone else's brain, I'll track down the answers and share what I can. Of course, our standard disclaimer applies...some stuff I can't tell you because doing so would impact the integrity of our program (e.g., exam specific content), but I'll certainly share what I can.
I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!
We're still looking for volunteers to help us with the development of a new Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)* exam covering Microsoft .NET fundamentals. So if you've taught introductory Developer courses in a high school, community college, or other learning environnment, we want you!
MTA is the first Microsoft certification targeted specifically at students who are new to IT. The exams validate the foundational knowledge needed to begin building a career by using Microsoft technologies. Candidates for these exams are expected to have some hands-on experience with the technology, but are not expected to have any work experience. MTA provides an ideal stepping stone to our professional MCTS certifications and to a career in IT.
Please e-mail me at amandaw@microsoft.com if you'd like to participate in developing this exam. If you know someone else who would be interested in volunteering, please send them a link to this post. We want to hear from as many people as possible.
*If this is the first you've heard about MTA, you can find out more about it here on Born to Learn. If you work for an academic institution, you can sign up for a free 45-day trial campus license here.
Whichever holiday you celebrate, and however you observe it—may yours be filled with peace, joy, and good will; and may the new year be one of good health, prosperity, and always learning.
Happy holidays from the staff of Born to Learn!
Some hopeful news just published over at Dice.com. Among the conclusions based on feedback from almost 850 hiring managers and tech recruiters:
Full story here. Are your companies increasing their hiring? Are you finding it harder to find qualified professionals? Let us know your take on the job market!
Response to the November 9 announcement of the new path to Microsoft Certified Master on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 has been really positive, with lots of people at SQL PASS talking about it, and favorable reviews in the press. Since then we’ve been working hard on the lab exam, and on the optional instructor-led courses that’ll help prospective MCMs prepare for the required exams. Here’s a quick recap:
Candidates for SQL Server MCM are required to pass these two new exams in this order, at selected Prometric test centers:
Exam 88-970: SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Knowledge Exam (4 hours, multiple choice, now available)
Exam 88-971: SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master: Lab Exam (6 hours, hands-on, available Q1 2011)
With the formerly mandatory 3-week training in Redmond discontinued, we’re developing four optional ILT courses: Three 3-day courses, one 4-day course. These are expected to be available in March, 2011, and will be offered by selected Learning Partners, and taught by qualified MCTs. We’ve got much more to share with MCTs who might want to teach these courses. Join us at 7:00 AM (Pacific Time) on December 16, 2010 for the Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 Briefing. Learning Partners who are interested in hearing more about the new MCM SQL Server 2008 program, and the training opportunities it presents, are invited to register for the Learning Competency Monthly Live Meeting on December 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time).
They say everyone has at least one book in them—maybe every trainer has at least once course in them, too!
Find out by downloading the new version of Microsoft Learning Content Development System (LCDS)—we just published version 2.6
What’s new in this release?
E-learning compatibility with Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.
Enhanced keyboard accessibility for all Silverlight interactive elements.
Two new templates: Sequencing Activity and Card Flip Game
LCDS 2.6 is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish—find the version that’s right for you here.
We’re excited to announce the availability of the Microsoft Certification Packs at a special MCT discount rate, which provides even more aggressive discounts and Second Shot for every exam in the pack. This is the highest discounting available and now you can in turn give your students a bigger discount.
As you may know, in August we launched the Microsoft Career Certification Exam Pack special offer. This offer provides significant discounts and value when students buy exams as a pack. Students who buy a 2-pack or 3-pack receive a 15% discount and those who purchase a 4-pack or 5-pack receive a 20% discount. Plus, Second Shots are included on each exam purchased in the pack.Today, we're happy to announce that as an exclusive benefit to MCTs, you can now provide an additional 5% discount to your students on the 2,3,4 and 5-pack Microsoft Career Certification Exam Packs. This offer, only available through Learning Rewards, increases the discount on the 2 and 3 exam packs to 20% and the discount on the 4 and 5 exam packs to 25%.
We launched this special offer to help Students pursue a new career in I.T., move from one job role to another, or help them become indispensible in their existing role. There are lots of resources that map to a host of different I.T and Developer related job roles. You can take advantage of the guidance to help your students move through these learning plans, get certified quicker or validate I.T./Developer skills. In addition to that, you can now offer them the Microsoft Career Certification Exam Packs, with additional discounts.
MCTs: If you are already a Learning Rewards member, simply click here to see this amazing discount for yourself and request vouchers.
Not a member yet, but interested to find out more? Register on the here using your MCT ID and become a member to take advantage of your reward benefits.
For Students interested in this special offer, please ask your Microsoft Certified Trainer or contact your local Microsoft Certified Learning Solutions partner.
We hope you take advantage of this early holiday present, from us to you!<-->
Do you have work experience with developing applications for Windows Phone 7? Want to help us create the first Windows Phone 7 exam? Here’s your chance! We are looking for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the following exam:
We’ll be using the MSL SME database to find participants for blueprinting as well as other phases of development for this exam. For your best chance of participating, create a SME profile by filling out the survey on the MSL SME site on Microsoft Connect. (See this post for complete instructions.)
Please note that if you already filled out your SME profile, you’ll need to go back and update it. We have changed the answer options for “Which technologies do you have work experience with?” to include Window Phone 7. We’ll be looking for folks who select Windows Phone 7 on this question to help develop these exams. If you filled out your SME profile awhile ago, this option was not available for you to select.
Another note from our friends at MIX - they're looking for speakers so if you want to participate, submit your proposal!
It would be quite cool to have a Born to Learn reader or an MCT be a speaker at MIX11 :)
Be a Presenter at MIX11
Do you have a topic you’d like to present at MIX11? Submit your session proposal by Friday, January 14, 2011. The MIX content team will select the best proposals, and the MIX community will vote to determine who will present. MIX11 registration opens in late January - join the MIX email newsletter for details.
Born to Learn readers stay up to date on training and certification announcements through this blog, and I'll bet a lot of you also subscribe to the MCP and/or MCT Flash newsletters for program-specific news. Now you can get additional and in-depth information about our products, services, and special offers by signing up for the Microsoft Learning mailing list!
When you sign up, you'll get occasional, single-topic emails highlighting specific learning resources and how you can take advantage of the latest special offers. While you're on the sign-up page, check out additional opportunities to stay connected and up to date by email. Check out the options and sign up today!
If you work for a "use it or lose it" organization, you may be scrambling to make sure you spend every dollar by December 31. Here's a last minute suggestion: Invest in Microsoft Certified team for 2011.
Purchase a Microsoft Certification exam voucher 10-pack now and you'll save 15% for your organization. Even better, complimentary retakes (Second Shots) are included for any failed exam. If your employee does not pass the Microsoft Certification exam on the first try, they can retake the same exam at no additional cost to you. The Microsoft Certification exam voucher pack is flexible and doesn't have to be used by one person, just by one organization. For instance, you can provide one voucher each to 10 employees or give multiple vouchers to put your employees on the path to an MCITP or MCPD certification. Just use your vouchers within one year from the date of purchase.
Certify Your Team. Learn More.
Need more convincing? A 2009 study1 showed that Microsoft Certification helped organizations improve performance:
1. Source: IDC, Impact of Training on Network Administration: Certification Leads to Operational Productivity, Doc # 220563, Nov 2009.