*All Students* Dreamspark Offer. MCTS Exam Voucher

Applied for my code, which test would be most worthwhile?

I was thinking about doing the Windows 7 Configuring one, but would it be worth it?

I could try and do the Windows Apps Development with the .Net Framework 4
 
The instructions are abit crap. I click the link and no where do I see a start button or a get started section?

Also are these online tests or at a centre? Is there a way of looking at the location of the centres without filling in lots of stuff?

Cheers
 
I think you apply for the code on the dreamspark site and then take it to a microsoft affiliated site and enter it in there.
It will then promt you for a location and test you want to sit.
Choose a date and there you go. (I think thats the process)
 
A slight bump with a question attached!

I'm in a dilemma of choosing which exam to go for.

I could sit the XP support exam, but that getting phased out so wont be able to get the full qualification.

Currently studying the 70-680 configuring win 7 but iv just started and wont be finished by the time the exam has to be taken by (june 30th)

Question, should I just do the XP one and hopefully pass, or take the windows 7 one and possibly fail and just use it as a practise as iv never sat a ms exam before?

I could skim the textbook and maybe fluke a pass but I doubt it lol

Thanks :)

Em
 
Hmm, I'm not doing a computing degree at all, but I do quite enjoy messing about with computers, only reason I didn't go into an IT related degree was that so many other people were doing them that I figured my job prospects weren't too good. But a free exam? Would give me something to do over summer!

So, as someone with no actual background in IT as a subject, what would be an interesting exam to take that would be somewhat useful with general computer usage, rather than massive networking for large companies?
 
iviv said:
Hmm, I'm not doing a computing degree at all, but I do quite enjoy messing about with computers, only reason I didn't go into an IT related degree was that so many other people were doing them that I figured my job prospects weren't too good. But a free exam? Would give me something to do over summer!

So, as someone with no actual background in IT as a subject, what would be an interesting exam to take that would be somewhat useful with general computer usage, rather than massive networking for large companies?
Click to expand...

Its definately worth a go, especially for free, it gives you something else above jsut a regular degree as well.

Im wondering what happens if you fail, do you get to retake it for free or have to pay for a retest?
 
Gtiracer said:
Its definately worth a go, especially for free, it gives you something else above jsut a regular degree as well.

Im wondering what happens if you fail, do you get to retake it for free or have to pay for a retest?
Click to expand...

I doubt you'd get free resits, you'd have to pay for that. Trying to draw people in with the free exam, they almost pass, and they catch you with fees for the resit? I don't know.

Having a look through some of those exams, I'm thinking of either:
Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
or
TS: Windows 7, Preinstalling for OEMs

The second one seems really simple. I mean, installing windows 7? The technician exam requires AD knowledge, which I have none at all, but its deffinately going to be a better mark on my CV than just being able to install it, so it may be worth the effort to learn AD. How simple is that?
 
AD is a massive subject. Ideally you'd need to learn the bits that fit into the exam rather than trying to learn AD in it's entirity. For the 680 exam you need to know about Group Policy, Networking, DNS and predominently the new features such as Bitlocker, etc. For the OEM I'd imagine you'd need to learn about technologies such as Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK), Sysprep, etc. but this is just a guess.



M.
 
I'd do the Windows 7 exam with the expectation, if you haven't read the book properly and done the exercises, you'll fail. But it's good experience because you'll get to know how Microsoft ask questions. If it's cheap / free to take it though you may do the exam and pass so it would be a plus.

Windows XP is not worth doing IMHO.


M.
 
Thanks for you advice mate,

I'm thinking to myself, Do the XP exam (70-272 Supporting User and Desktop Applications) and get a MS cert for my CV, this is the course I have mostly learnt in a college course,
or,
Just use it for experience on the Windows 7 (70-680 - Win 7 Configuration) exam, who know maybe fluke it.


Would having an XP cert on my CV give me any leverage on job prospect? Coming from college I need to get into the industry.

Thanks again!
 
Well - depends on really the job you're going for - the technologies are changing and quite a few organisations are moving on to Windows 7. I certainly wouldn't see the relevance. Also Microsoft are implementing a three year lifecycle for there certificates so, in my opinion, I'd be looking to do the exams I can quickly get certified with and have the longest life.

Overall I'd say any certification is better than no certification and it might just get you the interview. I'd say the newer the cert and the more you have of them are on a sliding scale the more likely you'd get a relevant interview.


M.
 
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