There are now a total of four exams scheduled until June 2008. The first two are the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician exams which are 070-271 and the 070-272 exam. Passing both exams grants the MCDST credential.

The two scheduled exams for May 2008 are 070-620 TS: Windows Vista, Configuring and the 070-290 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment. The Windows Vista exam is a core client exam for the operating system and a core requirement for both the MCSE and the MCSA. I have three weeks gap between the two exams and I'm going to start studying for the 070-290 exam as soon as the study guides become available at the library. I've managed to reserve several study guides for the Vista and Server 2003 exam.

I read online that the Vista client exam is not as challenging as the other Microsoft exams so two weeks should be enough for the preparation. But the 070-290 exam will not be a walk in the park. Planning to spend everyday on all the study materials I can get my hands on: Microsoft Press Training Kit (ordered the MCSE Training Kit set), Sybex books, Measureup simulation software, and much more. Microsoft is offering a second-chance voucher to use during the exam registration which allows the candidate to get a second chance to pass the exam without paying for the retake. This offer expires on June 30, 2008 so I few weeks to master the material.


New Goal!
I'm going all out and aiming for the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential! As mentioned on the MCSA blog entry, the MCSE requires a total of seven exams and five (or six) of the exams have to do with the Microsoft Server 2003 operating system. This new endeavor is one of my goals to become an IT professional and who knows where this may lead me down the career path. After all, with both the MCSE and the MCSA along with other credentials, I can venture into a new industry if needed.