New MCSE seeks advice

Discussion in 'MCAD / MCSD / MCPD' started by arkane78, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. arkane78

    arkane78 New Member

    5
    0
    18
    Hey all,

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

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

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

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

    Thanks

    Ark
     
    Certifications: MCSA/MCSE 2K3, MCTS: Windows 7
    WIP: MCTS: Server 2K8, MCITP: SA+EA
  2. JonnyMX

    JonnyMX Petabyte Poster

    5,257
    220
    236
    Mate, if you're an MCSE it really shouldn't give you much of a headache! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: MCT, MCTS, i-Net+, CIW CI, Prince2, MSP, MCSD
  3. Rich165

    Rich165 Bit Poster

    30
    0
    24
    ....I'd passed my MCSE and was thinking the same, except I had no book! The weather forecast said the weekend was set for rain (I remember it oh so well), I gathered a fresh supply of tea and custard cream biscuits and set to my challenge. This was to upgrade by taking two exams which would leave me with Enterprise Admin 2008 and a headache...or so I thought.
    I spent saturday morning on Microsoft's website having downloaded a trial version of 2008 server, by Saturday afternoon I was feeling confident....probably over confident, but I passed. That was too easy, the second exam must be solid.
    Saturday evening I was back in microsoft.com and the custard creams were running low. Sunday morning came round, and again I was confident (and no custard creams remaining), all that was left was to take the exam!....I passed.
    I just couldn't believe it, not a bad result for a packet of biscuits and a rainy weekend :D :D
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP Server 08 & Exch07, CCNA, CCNA Sec
    WIP: ...everything else!!
  4. arkane78

    arkane78 New Member

    5
    0
    18
    So, is it really that easy?

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

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

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

    Thanks,

    Ark
     
    Certifications: MCSA/MCSE 2K3, MCTS: Windows 7
    WIP: MCTS: Server 2K8, MCITP: SA+EA
  5. Rich165

    Rich165 Bit Poster

    30
    0
    24
    My feeling is these exams just build upon the MCSE. If you spend time studying the differences and get some hands on experience then you should be ok. I was just highly motivated that weekend and did nothing but read and practice.
    Just be sure you know where they've moved some functionality, just trying editing a GPO and you'll see what I mean, or even deleting an OU ;)
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP Server 08 & Exch07, CCNA, CCNA Sec
    WIP: ...everything else!!
  6. arkane78

    arkane78 New Member

    5
    0
    18
    Aha - I'm guessing alot of these differences are probably laid out in 649 and then in 646/647 it's more about how you'd do it in light of the differences and new features.

    Interesting - thanks :)

    Ark
     
    Certifications: MCSA/MCSE 2K3, MCTS: Windows 7
    WIP: MCTS: Server 2K8, MCITP: SA+EA
  7. UKDarkstar
    Honorary Member

    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

    3,477
    121
    184
    You have an exam centre that opens Sunday as well as Saturdays ?! Wow !
     
    Certifications: BA (Hons), MBCS, CITP, MInstLM, ITIL v3 Fdn, PTLLS, CELTA
    WIP: CMALT (about to submit), DTLLS (on hold until 2012)
  8. Rich165

    Rich165 Bit Poster

    30
    0
    24
    Oh yes! Confession time, one of the many reasons I moved to where I am is because there is a Prometric and Pearson test centre 10 min walk from my house...and it's open evenings and weekends!:rolleyes:
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP Server 08 & Exch07, CCNA, CCNA Sec
    WIP: ...everything else!!
  9. UKDarkstar
    Honorary Member

    UKDarkstar Terabyte Poster

    3,477
    121
    184
    Don't tell craigie ! You'll never get him out of there ! :p
     
    Certifications: BA (Hons), MBCS, CITP, MInstLM, ITIL v3 Fdn, PTLLS, CELTA
    WIP: CMALT (about to submit), DTLLS (on hold until 2012)
  10. Rich165

    Rich165 Bit Poster

    30
    0
    24
    ...did I mention the pub that's within 20ft of the front door of the center :D
    You just need to make sure you visit them in the correct order :blink
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP Server 08 & Exch07, CCNA, CCNA Sec
    WIP: ...everything else!!

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.