Hello there and thanks for reading my progress journal to become a MCSE. I passed the 70-271 'Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System' exam yesterday at a Prometric test center. The exam was not difficult but I did read each question twice carefully to analysis the information given and the question being asked. I can't give out too much details on the exam because of the Non-Disclosure agreement.
The materials I've used to pass the 70-271 exam was:
- MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit
- Microsoft Press Readiness Review Suite (included with the above textbook)
- Experience with Microsoft XP Professional
- Technet
The difficulty level of the exam didn't warrant a purchase of an exam simulation software like Self Test Software, Measureup, Boson, or Transcender. I did purchase the MCDST Self-Paced Training Kit book on Amazon.com because the libraries didn't carry it. The same book is now being shipped out to a MCDST candidate in the east coast.
The next exam 70-272 was scheduled for May 9th but I decided to reschedule it for tomorrow!
My road to becoming a MCSA by the end of the year is not out of reach after all.
MCDST to MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician
Found a listing on eBay for a Prometric voucher to register for the upgrade exam and purchased it for more than 50% off the regular Microsoft exam fee. The upgrade exam path allows any MCDST to upgrade the credential to earn both the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Vista – Configuration and the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Support Technician certifications for Windows Vista.
Yeah it is confusing with new additions of Microsoft exams and certifications after introducing the new lineup of their softwares.
The exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support is scheduled for June 2008 because I want to have enough time to prepare for the 70-290 Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment exam in the month of May. For your information, the 70-621 upgrade exam is not in the MCSA/MCSE curriculum. The 70-620 TS: Windows Vista, Configuring is a core client exam for both MCSA/MCSE and that exam will be scheduled in the same month as the 70-621. I'll bring you guys another upgrade next month.