Born to Learn

My Road to Certification: Meet Fredrik Nilsson

2013-05-14T14:00:00Z

MCP: 7882935
Location: Sweden
Twitter: @FredrikNilsson_
Blog: moln1

I actually started my Microsoft certification journey in October 2010 while I was employed at HP in Sweden. I was working within the Enterprise Services division with the Server Virtualization Solutions. The HP/Microsoft alliance manager asked a colleague and me if we had any interest in attending a Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Virtualization class. This class was my first real contact with Hyper-V and Microsoft Server virtualization.

A few weeks after attending the class, I decided to give the Hyper-V exam 70-659 a shot, and I passed. In the second quarter of 2011, after doing some self-study, I passed the Desktop exam 70-669; followed by the PRO exam 70-693. At that point, I added the title MCITP Virtualization Administrator to my resume.

My experience from Windows Server and Presentation Virtualization Solutions helped me out quite a bit, but my biggest help came from a site in Portuguese by Daniel Donda: MCSE Solution. I don’t speak Portuguese but, luckily, the web translation service does! After translating the site to English, I discovered some really valuable information on the exam topics and key resources for my studies.

Later that year, I attended Microsoft TechEd in Atlanta, where I met some awesome people, The Krewe, and really learned the value of the technical community. In 2012, I got involved in The Krewe community and joined the 60 Days to MCSE challenge. I was a bit too certain that I would pass the exams as easily as I did with my previous ones and, unfortunately, I failed to get my MCSE. I can tell you: it was painful to fail the exams. I had already passed exams from other vendors, and I had never failed exams before. I actually licked my wounds for six months before I got myself back on the horse.

I currently work at Lumagate in Sweden, a company focusing on System Center and I’m studying for the System Center Private Cloud exams 70-246 and 70-247. It’s been really great to build a training schedule and a lab that covers both exams.

The next step in my education plan is to study for the MCITP/MCSA upgrade exam 70-417. Since I don’t have a lot of experience with Windows Server topics, like Active Directory, I’ll be studying hard to make sure I’m prepared for the questions. The 90 Days to MCSA challenge will be a great help in preparing for that certification exam.

Fredrik’s Tips:

1) Set the date for the exam now. It’s a great strategy for getting yourself mentally prepared for the exam.

2) Create a training schedule. If you’re attending a trainer-led class, be sure to pencil in time for additional study. If you’re following a self-study plan, create a schedule that allows for a study-free day before your exam.

3) Build a lab environment and try different scenarios. You can usually employ scenarios from your day-to-day work or find some at TechNet Test Lab Guides, which is a great resource I use.

If you have any questions, please connect with me. See you around in the binary space!

My Road to Certification: Meet Marius Sandbu

2013-05-13T14:00:00Z

MC ID: 6859838
Location: Norway
Twitter: @msandbu
Blog: Sandbu-Blog

I was working part-time at a helpdesk when I began my path to certification. It was 2008 and I attended a Microsoft Vista client training course in Norway. After the course, the instructor asked if I wanted to give the certification a try, and I figured “why not?”. I trained for a couple of weeks and aced the exam. As someone who doesn’t have a college degree, it felt good knowing that I had achieved these skills.

After my first exam, I investigated other Microsoft certifications. After passing two more Windows Server exams, I got a new job as a system engineer working with infrastructure management.

Currently, I have taken more than 30 certification exams with Microsoft, Citrix, Cisco, EXIN and Comptia and I know there are more to come.

I feel fortunate because certification has provided me with new opportunities. I’ve had the pleasure of working part-time at Microsoft as an infrastructure ranger. Currently, I work as a technical advisor and a Microsoft Trainer. My current work allows me to incorporate everything I’ve learned through certification, as well as my on-the-job experience. Nothing feels wasted.

Why am I am going to continue with certification? Certification allows me to keep my knowledge up-to-date and I like playing around with technology. Why not take the exam and demonstrate my expertise with the technology?

Marius’s Tips:

1) Find someone who has similar goals as you and become study partners. It’s always easier to study for an exam if you have someone to discuss ideas with.

2) If you are studying for a particular exam, use the Microsoft study guides. Don’t rely solely on hands-on experience to prepare you for your exam. Most of the Microsoft exams already have a study guide available. TrainSignal or CBT Nuggets also have good training books and videos.

3) Find a topic that interests you! If you don’t, your training will take a lot more time because you won’t be truly engaged. Microsoft has a wide range of resources to help you find the IT certification that suits your interests.

My Road to Certification: Meet Neal McFee

2013-05-10T22:00:00Z

MC ID: 3724854
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Twitter: @sharepointmcts
Blog: http://www.sharepointfeed.com/

I remember my first certification exam. It was 2006 and I was just a few years into my IT career. I started with an IT Pro exam for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. I took the exam because I wanted to use Microsoft certification to validate my skills to myself as well as to my current employer.

I found the exam experience to be very rewarding and passing this exam allowed me to be promoted to a more senior position.

Since my first exam, I’ve passed 14 additional exams and achieved 5 certifications. These certifications have provided me with the opportunity to rapidly advance in my career and gain exposure to new opportunities. It’s also confirmed my belief that Microsoft certification is an ongoing measure of my experience and technical ability. In fact, certification has been so rewarding that I decided to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer to help others with their journey toward Microsoft certification.

I’m currently studying for my next certification, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert – Private Cloud.To train, I’m using Microsoft Virtual Academy, which is a great resource and provides the most current information, directly from Microsoft, on a variety of technical subjects. This current certification relates directly to my job as I have started implementing a private cloud environment for my employer and it also allows me to continue my Microsoft certification journey.

Neal’s Tips:

1) Relax. If you haven’t taken a Microsoft certification exam yet, it may feel like a daunting experience. Remember that you have prepared yourself and this is your chance to show what you know.

2) Reference the “Exam Details” page that Microsoft Learning publishes for each exam. This page is very valuable and will help you understand what you need to study for the exam.

3) Find a buddy in the IT community to study with. I will expand your focus: you not only learn the topics you’re focusing on but gain additional knowledge from the topics your peer is focusing on, while helping each other achieve certification.

Don't Do This: Part 2

2013-05-06T16:00:00Z

Let’s continue our discussion of ways to unintentionally violate our Exam Agreement (found here). A couple of months ago I talked about discussing the exam answers. To clarify, I want to make the distinction between studying with colleagues and friends before the exam, and divulging information you learned after having taken the exam. The first is perfectly fine—assuming you’re not revealing confidential information, which is what violates our agreement. Discussing what is on the test itself once you’ve taken the test is the behavior that could get one into trouble. I think everyone understands that.

Now, for example number two of ways to unintentionally violate our NDA.

Example 2: Using unauthorized materials in an attempt to satisfy Exam requirements (this includes using brain-dump material and/or unauthorized publication of Exam questions with or without answers)

Everyone knows not to bring cheat sheets into a testing environment. (Well, they should.) This is why at the testing center, you may be asked to empty your pockets, submit to a security wanding, and asked to put all your items in a locker. It’s pretty difficult to argue having answers or notes on you during the test is okay.

But what not be as clear as a violation is what one uses to study. I’ve talked about brain dumps before and how confusing they may be as legitimate study materials. Unfortunately people do use them to study for the test, not realizing to do so is a violation of our exam policy. I know this because sometimes I get inquiries from those who failed, wondering why they didn’t pass, because they studied using “[X] brain dump site.” Again, it’s just a matter of making sure everyone understands that using such sites is an actual violation, not just a poor study practice.

The same is true for materials obtained from anyone who attempts to sell or give away answers or questions to the test, no matter how they procured them. Using those materials violates our policy.

Interestingly, I sometimes get mails from folks who recognized answers on a test and they want to let me know. They didn’t realize they were studying from a disreputable source until they sat for the test and realized the answers were the same. Recognizing that this is an issue, they’ll let me know, and sometimes have even asked to re-test so that they can legitimately pass. This speaks to the integrity of our examinees, and I appreciate such tips so I can take action against those sites.

Got a tip for me? Let me know at mlsecure@microsoft.com.

Second Shot Ends Soon – Don’t miss your chance for a free retake

2013-05-01T15:24:00Z

There are many reasons to gain a Microsoft Certification - prepare for a new job, get ahead in your career, or to gain recognition by peers and managers. Whatever your reason, Microsoft’s reinvented certifications, announced in early 2012, have evolved to focus on technology solutions, and validates the breadth and depth of skills required to manage cloud, on-premise, and hybrid technology solutions.

While obtaining Microsoft certification is a measurable sign of achievement, earning your certification requires a great deal of time, energy, and commitment. You may already be taking the necessary steps to upgrade your certification to a MCSE: Server Infrastructure, MCSA: Windows Server 2012, or a MCSD: Web Applications certification or another distinguished certification. Prepare for your future by registering for your certification packs before May 31, 2013. By doing so, you will receive 15% off your certification, free exam retakes, plus you will have until December 31, 2013 to complete your initial exams and your free retakes.

Second Shot exam retakes are also available for single vouchers, if you have registered for a single exam voucher online or through a Microsoft Learning Partner, these vouchers, including free retakes, must be used by May 31, 2013. Sorry, no exceptions or extensions can be made.

Get the Second Shot Details at: http://aka.ms/SecondShot

If you are preparing to schedule your exams, keep in mind that ALL exam registrations are subject to seat availability at testing centers. Reserve your seat early if you plan to take your exam(s) (including retakes) by the deadlines:

Single exams or exam packs received from a Learning Partner – DEADLINE: May 31,2013
Exam packs for 3 or more registered online – DEADLINE: December 31, 2013
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) second shot vouchers – DEADLINE: June 30, 2013

Don’t let your vouchers go unused. Register and take advantage of great SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 resources to give you the extra boost you need to pass your exams.

Microsoft Prepares Veterans for Transition to IT Job Market

2013-04-29T17:00:00Z

This week, President Obama’s Administration announced the IT Training and Certification Program, a partnership which will enable thousands of service members to earn industry-recognized information technology certifications before they transition from military service.

As part of this initiative, Microsoft Corporation has partnered with Global Knowledge and Prometric to define learning paths for several IT Professional roles that map to military occupation specialties, and donate instructor-led classes and exam vouchers to the first wave of transitioning service members who are participating in the pilot phase of the program.

These training resources will help service members meet the criteria and pass the exams to achieve industry-recognized Microsoft Certificated Solutions Associate (MCSA) credentials in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012. By earning a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential, service members will attain the technical skills and credentials needed to get hired in today’s competitive IT job market, while also gaining access to the MCP member site and associated benefits.

In addition to helping land their first IT industry positions, the MCSA credential will put service members well on their way to future career advancement by earning the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credential in cloud-related areas of Desktop/Server Infrastructure, Private Cloud, Communication, Messaging, and SharePoint.

If you are a transitioning service member and want to learn more about the IT Training and Certification Program and associated Microsoft official skills training, please contact your branch of service training officer. A downloadable fact sheet is also available below.

To review related news on this training program, please visit:

- White House announcement

- Global Knowledge announcement

- Mashable article

- Washington Post article

- Huffington Post article

A thing or two on taking your MCSA certification exams...

2013-04-23T13:00:00Z

Greetings True Believers!

So it's been a while since I've checked in via a blog post. It's great to see many of you joining the conversation on twitter as well as on the Server Certification Group forums on Born to learn.

So what have I been up to? Well, I passed the 70-410 exam and had begun my path towards 70-411 when I got a curve ball. Between work and family, I had to reschedule my exam. Unfortunately, my options for test taking are limited, and the only available date for the exam was after my scheduled 70-412 exam. So I am in the process of re-working my plan so that I can study for both exams in tandem. I hope to have this available to share with you in the near future.

One helpful thing for my studies will be the recent release of the 70-411 and 70-412 by TrainSignal. If you haven’t signed up for the free video training from TrainSignal, check it out here. Along with the TrainSignal videos, I am using the 70-417 Exam Prep book by J.C. Mackin to prepare. While the book is designed for MCSA's upgrading from 2008 to 2012, all of the chapters map to the exam objectives for 410, 411, and 412. So I would recommend checking it out along with the wiki resources for each exam.

So the focus of today’s post will be exam taking strategies. I reached out to folks at MS Learning and TrainSignal, and they provide me with some resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Ask The Certification Experts: This is a great series of videos by the Microsoft’s certification team. While they don’t give you exam specific information, you will get some great insight into the exam framework.
Next is a great blog post by Ashraf Al-Dabbas on the different exam question types. This will provide you good insight into the type of questions you will see throughout your exams.

A little something on My Test Taking Strategy….

As a veteran of multiple certification exams and an MCT responsible for helping students with their exams skills, I want to share my test day strategy. Hopefully, you can take some tips from it to improve your test day results!

I always schedule my exams for a 12:30-1:30 start time. That is normally the time of day when I’m “on my game” mentally. Also, this leaves me the morning to do some last minute preparation and I’m not rushed.
I make sure to get a good night’s sleep. If you prepared properly, should not have to do a late night cram session for your exam.
Make sure I have two forms of ID and any other requirements per exam. As a college instructor, I can take the academic versions of the exams. These require a college ID so I make sure I have that as well.
I find a quiet coffee shop (or noise cancelling head phones), and review my materials. I like to run through the areas that are my sticking points. Also, I will run through 10-20 practice questions at the end of my review session to get me in the test-taking mode.
Have a light lunch and try to relax. Depending on your caffeine tolerance, you may or may not wish the forgo caffeine prior to the exam.
I arrive to the test location 15 minutes early so I can check in and use the bathroom (or water closet for those across the pondJ). You won’t be able to use the restroom during your exam so keep that in mind with lunch as well. The exam reminder recommends 30 minutes, but my test site is never busy so I’ve never had a problem with 15 before. When I have arrived 30 prior, I’ve always started early.
Unless I bring a coat or a bag, I leave my cell phone in the car. You won’t be able to bring it into the exam room. At my last exam, they included watches and any items in your pockets. I did sneak in a piece of gum though:)
You'll recieve a laminated writing page with a dry-erase pen. Use this to write down any important information prior to the exam and as you go through it. For example, 70-410 covers subnetting so I wrote down all the common CIDR blocks as a reference for any subnetting-related questions that might have been on the exam.
Once into the exam, I have a specific strategy for each question that I will explain below.
The length of the exam should be posted with the exam information. If so, you know how much time you have for each question. Use this time as part of your preparation. Most practice exams allow you to input the time limit and # of questions. Simulate the exam day experience during your study and it will help you be more comfortable on exam day.
1. If I have 2 minutes per question, I set a limit of 2 minutes I will take on a question before moving to the next question
Once I have completed all questions and run through my review, the moment of truth is here. You are a few clicks away from success or failure. This can be nerve-wracking the first couple of times you take an exam as you wait for the system to tell you whether you passed or failed.
Once you complete your exam, you’ll be provided a copy of your exam report with your score.

Mike’s Exam Question Strategy

Here’s my strategy for each Question

Read the entire question end to end without going down to the answers. You need to familiarize yourself with what the question is looking for.
Review the answers provided but try not to answer the question unless you are 110% positive you know the answer. At this point, many test takers get into trouble. We have been taught that we should go with our “first Impression”. While this is often a correct method, it can lead you into an incorrect answer. The reason is that exam questions are designed to be a bit tricky. You will have answers provided that may be correct for some situations, but not the one you are dealing with in the question. We want to get rid of these answers.
1. I will mark my “first impression” answer at this time just in case I hit my time limit and need to move onto the next question. An answered question has a possibility of being right but an unanswered question is always wrong.
Now run through the question again. This time you know the provided answers and can match those answers to the information provided in the question.
1. Often times, there is information in a scenario that is not necessary, so use your knowledge of the subject matter to weed out this information.
Based on the information gleaned through the second pass through of the question and using the information that is relevant, I try to weed out some of the answers.
1. For example, if the question is asking for you to export DNS zones from AD and they provide you different command line tools to do it, you should be able to get rid of utilities you know cannot perform the task.
2. The goal is to get down to 2 answers to choose from. But even if you only get rid of one answer out of four, that’s changing your odds to 1:3. I’d take those in Vegas in a heartbeat!
3. If you are unable to come up with a definitive, go with your first impression answer or your “best” answer based on the question, and move on to the next question
4. If you are not definitive on the question, mark it for review and comeback to it after going through all of the questions. In regards to marking questions for review, I mark all questions that I am not 100% on, and I want to go back to them
After running through the questions the first time, I go to the review section which allows you to go through just the questions marked for review. This is helpful since it will only give you the questions you want to go over again
1. During this pass, I repeat the same process as above. One thing I make sure to do is count up the number of reviewed questions and determines how much time I have left based on the exam countdown clock.
That’s it! By the end of step 6, I am ready click the submit button!

The key to successfully completing a certification exam is providing answers to ALL questions to the best of your ability. That’s why we use the review option to comeback to questions you are unsure of. I can guarantee there are questions you could spend 10-15 minutes on, and you would still not have an answer. In that same time period, you may be able to cover 5-7 questions you do know the answers to. You need to get to the “low hanging fruit” questions and come back to the ones requiring more time. But always…ALWAYS…enter an answer for the question before moving to the next question. This ensures you have an answer for every question should your time run out.

Until next time…Excelsior!

Mike

How to Get Certified @ TechEd at 50% Off!

2013-04-17T21:07:00Z

Hey! Veronica here. I've just scheduled my pre-TechEd hair appointment, which already makes me more prepared this year than last. But let's talk about YOU.

Do you need another reason to register for and attend TechEd in New Orleans or Madrid this year? For thousands of current and prospective Microsoft Certified Professionals, TechEd is *the* opportunity to access a variety of exam prep resources and to connect with other MCPs and MCTs (trainers).

As just announced by the TechEd event team (North America | Europe), Certification Central will be back at TechEd 2013! In both New Orleans and Madrid, you will find:

Free practice tests
Free on-demand training, courtesy of MVA
Free e-learning courses
Free exam prep sessions, led by Microsoft Certified Trainers
50% MCP and MTA exams onsite!

So how do you take advantage of all this? What can you do now?

Pre-register for an exam time - Go to the page for your TechEd: North America or Europe (Note the unique test location codes and discount codes for each event!)
- Yes, you can register onsite, too, but seats are limited, so why not book it now?
Add exam prep sessions in your Schedule Builder.
- Get tips from Rick Claus and Joey Snow on using the Schedule Builder to get the most out of TechEd. Watch episode 2 of the Countdown Show.
Want to get a head start? Check out the free resources for "90 Days to MCSA" (for Windows Server 2012 and SQL Server 2012), or in our online study groups before you go.

Consider this: a shiny new certification could help you get that next job, promotion or raise, and will certainly outlast any trinket from a vendor booth. Coworker: "How was TechEd? What did you do?" You: "Oh, it was awesome! Tons of learning, great networking, and I even got certified!"

Are you already an MCP? Talk to your colleagues and fellow attendees about the benefits of certification. Share this blog post with them now. If you use Twitter, don't forget to mention @MSLearning, plus #msTechEd (for New Orleans) or #TEE13 (for Madrid)!

You don't have to just take my word for it. Get the real story from two of your favorite Technical Evangelists, Rick and Joey, in the video below. See you at TechEd soon!

Help a Superhero Out! We Need Your Tips & Tricks for Exam Preparation

2013-04-17T15:18:02Z

So, did the title of this post grab your attention? I hope so! Briana Roberts and I are launching ACE Chronicles soon, and we need your help! In ACE Chronicles, we reveal our superhero alter egos, but the only way we can to do this is with your help. Throughout this series, we will be investigating candidate questions about exams (from design to development to skills measured to preparation) and Microsoft's certification program and asking for your help along the way. We're hoping you'll come along for the ride and occasionally play our plucky side kick.

Our first mission--yes, we chose to accept it--is to find the best tips and tricks that candidates use to prepare for exams. Briana blogged about this on the ACE blog, but we've only gotten a few responses. Although we have some tips and suggestions that are based on the design and vision of the program (e.g., get hands on experience with the technology), we'd love to include some tried and true, practical, and specific tips beyond the 'practice, practice, practice' mantra. What else do you do to prepare for an exam? Do you watch people performing the tasks? Do you take training? Is it instructor led, online, or self-study? Do you read a book, white paper, TechNet articles? What has worked? What hasn't? I'm really curious about that one!

Imagine that you're new to the program... do you remember what it was like? Wasn't it overwhelming and a little scary? What would you tell yourself about preparing for an exam?

Please post your suggestions here or you can email to mslcd@microsoft.com. Help a superhero, and a future MCP, out! Share some of your lessons learned about exam preparation, and make the launch of ACE Chronicles amazing--because that's what I know you're waiting for... 'something amazing, I guess' [for those of you who know me...name that movie ].

Change and a New 'Born to Learn' Blogger

2013-04-10T18:07:00Z

For many, change is disruptive. While others look at change as an opportunity, change is either viewed as positive or negative and very seldom neutral. Over the past two years, Microsoft Learning has reached out to industry groups, trainers, partners, IT professionals and developers to get their thoughts, direction and feedback on the future of technology learning. These discussions were highly valuable helping us understand the changes that we needed to make as a company to better support the technology learning needs of our customers.

From our discussions and research completed last year, we introduced a new vision of how current or new technology professionals can gain one of the most credible certification in the industry. This vision pushed us to create a simpler certification path so those who want a credible industry certification would start with basic technology knowledge and for those who are seasoned technology professionals, they can upgrade their current Microsoft certification to our newest certifications. Microsoft Learning also put back into place several of our most valued certifications into the market, MCSE and MCSD that set the expertise bar for those technology professionals who possess the experience and knowledge to be called an expert.

Hello my name is Thomas Dawkins, I am a part of this new technical learning vision at Microsoft. I am a Sr. Certification Product Manager and have been with Microsoft for almost 15 years. I have over 30 years in the IT industry with a diverse background holding roles as a programmer, auditor and IT manager. Before coming to Microsoft, I was a MCSE and became a MCT to help others become experts in their field. Over the next several months, I will talk about the changes we've made to the Microsoft Learning certification program and how technology professionals, Microsoft Partners, recruiters and business owners are already seeing value in our certification program today. I will also be announcing new certifications, updates and retirements as a part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to keep you informed.

I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Global Knowledge 2013 Skills & Salary Report - the results are in!

2013-04-04T13:00:00Z

The 6^th annual Global Knowledge and Windows IT Pro IT Skills & Salary Report is now available—and this year’s report is well worth your attention. More than 12,000 North American IT Pros responded—the largest survey of its kind in the industry—revealing the impact that training and certification has on one’s career path.

Here are just a few of the insightful findings in the report:

Training and certification make a difference in compensation. The survey reflects that, through skills training and certification, IT pros took on new job responsibilities, and as a result of their expanded role and duties, they also earned more.

More than 80% of the respondents claimed that training was a positive factor for their career path and, more times than not, new skills also meant more money.
Respondents who engaged in training were twice more likely than the average to see a raise of 11% or higher.
Those who had achieved a certification within the last 12 months were likely to receive even more significant raises.

Want a raise? Salary increases are more likely in such roles as front-line IT managers, analysts, systems architects, and engineers, and those in applications and development, security, servers, and storages—roles that also map to certification paths.

Project managers who gain additional training make an average of $6,300 more than those who don’t. Support technicians who achieve certification make 16% more than their counterparts who aren’t certified.

IT Pros are pursuing certification. Respondents have a tendency to make certification a practice because of its financial and career benefits.

Half of the IT respondents have earned a new certification within the past two years.
Two-thirds reporting say that they are currently pursuing certification or have plans to do so in the next 12 months.
This trend is even more pronounced for those who have already gained certification within the last two years.

Get the complete IT salary survey report now.

For those of you considering certification for the first time, the findings can provide the incentive to take the first step-- visit 90 Days to MCSA for an action plan to get trained and certified, and give your career the boost you deserve.

Security and Testing Centers

2013-04-01T20:52:00Z

Exam security starts with preparation (i.e., ensuring that candidates are using legitimate materials and resources to prepare; training candidates to recognize those that may not be on the up and up), but this is only part of the security story. What happens at the test center matters, too. Microsoft’s exams are delivered through independent exam delivery providers worldwide. We rely on the practices of these testing centers to provide a fair and secure environment for all of our test-takers.

The testing centers are provided with security policies that must be enforced in order to acquire and maintain testing center status. Ongoing inspections ensure that each testing center maintains the security outlined by Microsoft and the exam delivery provider. In addition, proctors at testing centers are authorized to immediately take appropriate measures against candidates who violate testing rules.

You should expect that your ID will be verified, that you will sign a log-in sheet, your registration for the exam confirmed, and a locker provided for your possessions. You will not be allowed to take anything into the exam room with you except your ID and locker key. You will be asked to empty your pockets. (I was even asked to unzip my boots at one test!) Some testing centers may ask for biometric identification or pass a metal-detecting wand over your body, depending on the exam. In certain countries you may be asked to verify proof of residence, in accordance with our Out of Country Testing Policy. Mobile sites, academic sites, and event testing may have additional requirements. You should verify the testing experience with the exam delivery provider prior to your test, so that you know what to expect.

Knowing what to expect can help you identify if a testing center is not acting in accordance with these security policies. Testing center administrators act inappropriately when they fail to follow any security policies of Microsoft or the exam delivery provider. Examples could include, but are not limited to, overlooking inappropriate candidate identification; failing to ask for an ID from each candidate; failing to conduct periodic walkthroughs; failing to keep partitions between testing stations; overlooking the presence of crib sheets or electronic devices; providing answers or aid in any form with regard to any exam item; and allowing the release of Microsoft intellectual property in any form.

You have the right to a secure testing environment. If you have a concern about the security of your exam experience, please send an email message to mlsecure@microsoft.com.

If Microsoft determines that a testing center has acted improperly or fraudulently, Microsoft has the right to cease delivery of all exams at that center.

For specific information about the expectations for candidates, please contact the exam delivery provider, either Prometric or Certiport.

Got a tip for me? Let me know at mlsecure@microsoft.com.

Six Reasons Why I Certify

2013-03-26T17:00:00Z

Guest post by MCP community member Steven R. McEvoy, Systems Analyst @ Christie Digital Systems

I was recently asked why I keep my certifications up to date. I work for a company I love; I enjoy my job and my boss and up through the chain. I get to play with all sorts of technology and since 2007 I have written 39 certification exams. The breakdown is as follows:

31 Microsoft Exams
6 CompTIA Exams
3 Apple Exams

Across those exams I now hold over 30 designations. So when a former professor and a few friends asked why I continue to update my credentials it got me thinking. Why do I write certification exams? And the more I thought about it the more I realized there is no easy answer, but there are a number of different reasons:

I love to learn.
To stay current.
Because of new responsibilities at work.
Because of new technologies I manage.
Because if I do not plan on writing the exam I won’t get around to it.
For fun.

I am going to expand upon each of those points and hope it will provide some insight into why I certify and why you should consider doing so also. I spent almost 20 years in university and college both full and part time. In fact, if I won the lottery I would go back to school full time. I love learning, reading and studying; in fact it is one of my favorite things to do.

The second reason is to stay current; I have been privileged to have been offered Beta exams from more than one organization. What I loved about those opportunities I have accepted is that you need to work hard from just the list of exam objectives and figure out the new generation of technology. Also outside of the beta exam option, the upgrade paths are always easier for me than waiting and starting over again. I know people who still proudly state that they are MCSE but what they do not say is that it was Windows NT or Windows 2000. What happens if for some reason their career path changes? Their designations are so out of date they cannot upgrade even if they want to. So it is always in your best interest to keep your credentials current.

The third and fourth reasons I pursue certification is new responsibilities at work. A good example is SQL Server, for both the 2005 and 2008 version of this technology. I wrote the first exam and then because I did not directly manage any SQL servers, never went further. It was always on my ‘to do list’ to go back and finish my SQL certification but I never got around to it. Then after a change in roles last year I was all of a sudden managing 12 SQL servers across different tiers for staging, development and production for different technologies. I really wish I had stuck with the plan and spent more time on SQL before I was primary for supporting it!

For the fifth reason: ties back to the two above. I find that if I buy the voucher and have 1 year to write the exam or exams if a pack is bought, then it forces me to spend the time. If I do not use the voucher and it expires, it is wasted money. Spending the money will kick-start the studying and push the commitment.

Finally, I find studying fun. I like being in learning mode. I like playing with new technology. This past year I have loved playing with Windows 8 and Server 2012 and learning both. On a side note, one of my professors, Jason Eckert, wrote a sheet for Certification Exam Preparation. With his permission I posted it a few years back but I still post it near my desk when in Certification mode.

Now I am also blessed in that my last few employers have compensated for exams once passed. So staying up to date does not have a big out of pocket cost to me. It was the commitment to time and effort. And for the last few years, part of my annual performance review goals has been at least 1 certification exam relevant to my role and responsibilities.

So now you know why I study and certify. And hopefully it will spur your own thinking as to why you do also, or if you do not, why not? Would love your feedback either way!

In case you’re interested, the designations I currently hold are:

Microsoft

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate

Windows Server 2012
Windows 8
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Enterprise Desktop Administrator Windows 7
Server Administrator Windows Server 2008
Enterprise Administrator Windows Server 2008
Enterprise Desktop Support Technician Windows 7
Consumer Support Technician Windows Vista
Enterprise Support Technician Windows Vista

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

Windows 7 Configuration
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 Configuration
SQL Server 2005
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
Business Desktop Deployment
Microsoft Windows Vista Configuration

Microsoft Office Certified Specialist

Word 2002
Excel 2002
PowerPoint 2002
Access 2002
Outlook 2002

Windows Server 2003

Microsoft Certified System Administrator: Security
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security
Microsoft Certified System Administrator: Messaging
Microsoft Certified System Engineer
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

Microsoft Certified Professional (Legacy)

CompTIA

A+ IT Technician
A+ Depot Technical
A+ Remote Support Technician
Network+
Security+

Apple

Apple Certified Technical Coordinator 10.6
Apple Certified Support Professional 10.6
Apple Certified Associate Mac Integration 10.6

And if all goes well I will be adding 3 or 4 more before the end of the year. But you can read more about that in my last certification update - Inner Geek - Updated December 2012.

Peace and Strength!
Yours, learning to be
Steven R. McEvoy

You Have Questions...We Got Answers

2013-03-26T15:50:00Z

Every year, I update the FAQs related to exams on the Microsoft Learning website (did you know that we had these?). With the changes to the certification program and the redesign of the website, this year's changes were more substantial than most. In addition, I am often asked these types of questions...(hmmmm....maybe that's why they are called "frequently asked questions"), so I wanted to highlight the updates and remind everyone that these are the answers that they seek and they can be found on our website.

Want to know what that survey at the beginning of exams is all about?
Want to know how questions are scored?
How to request an additional 30 minutes if the exam is not available in your native language?
How to submit feedback about an exam?
What different questions types that might be on our exams?
How we update exams to reflect service packs/revisions?

You'll find answers to these questions and more here.

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to let me know what questions you have that I haven't answered here. I'm curious about what might be missing or where you'd like more information.

As always, I'm happy to answer any and all of the questions that I can (remember--there are some questions you have that I cannot answer, but I'll let you know if that's the case). Or, even if the answer is here and you just want to say 'hi,' I love those messages, too!

MVA Office Hours Live–life on the road part 1

2013-03-25T14:00:00Z

A little over a two weeks ago I blogged about Joey and I heading out across North America – and beyond. I thought it would be fun to write up a trip report and share it with you here on what we’ve accomplished so far, where we’ve visited and thank all the folks who have helped us along the way.

Before I do: Just a quick flash back and tip of the (green)hat to the first post (read it here) so you can see if we are headed to a city / country near you. New dates / registration links are being added as we get them confirmed.

I shot this photo out of the car window as Joey and I were driving off from the airport rental car parking lot. It will be a familiar sight to us over the next while – airports, rental cars, hotels and parking facilities (with possible weekend visits home to see the family).

A lot of people think traveling as part of your job is glamorous, you get to see lots of cities and lots of places, take in the sights and the culture as you are getting your job done. Actually, it’s not. In order to make the most of it - you have to make time for the important things to stay sane: Connecting and talking with REAL PEOPLE along the way – breaking bread with them and listening to them. Luckily – we worked this into the plan from the get-go so I get to check out local cuisine on this round as we’re meeting MCTs, MVPs, training center staff, college students, partners and consultants.

The secret formula we’re using is quite simple. Partner with an AWESOME Microsoft Learning Partner who can host us in their facility for these Office Hours Live events. Cross promote to get people interested in showing up and learning about Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012 when we are in town. Finally – during the 3 hr window of time we set aside for this activity – engage in meaningful conversations – answering questions, collecting product / scenario feedback on what’s going on with these customers and what issues they are facing – oh yeah, all this while taking copious amounts of notes. I have to take a moment to give a special SHOUT OUT to 5PE / New Horizons for stepping up to kickstart this whole process – it wouldn’t have been possible without them!

But it doesn’t stop there.

I mentioned some “extra” stuff we’re doing while out on the road – to keep our sanity. Personally, nothing is more daunting then having to go out an eat by ourselves while on the road. We decided to take it up a notch: if we’re coming to a city near you, we’re putting the offer out to connect over drinks / coffee / dinner (dutch of course as we’re on a budget) and just geek out talking tech, issues, beer, philosophy – whatever. So far three cities down and counting:

We’ve had appetizers and drinks with some System Integration partners and user group leaders in Dallas (thanks Quinn and Michael!)
Connected with #TheKrewe members Claudia (Houston), Aubrey (Kansas City), Tiffany (Dallas)
Local V-Team mates in the field who work for Microsoft and also do the Technical Evangelism thing (Matt Hester and Kevin Remde)

One other fun thing we get to do while out on the road and working with learning partners is connect with Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) in different geographies. We reach out to “regional leads” in advance to see what they’d like to setup for a get together. We had one recently in Kansas City were we delivered a custom “demo skills training” session to help hone their technical presentation delivery skills. It went over quite well – I’m looking forward to the next MCT meet up opportunity.

What’s a “life on the road” report without pictures? I’ve been snapping a few choice moments along the road and sharing them on my twitter feed. I thought I’d also take advantage of SkyDrive to make a quick little album of our travels. Check it out!

MVAOfficeHoursLive

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See you on the road – don’t forget to tweet @JoeySnow and @RicksterCDN if we’re in your local area so we can get together!