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Self-Assessment
Self-Assessment
A Self-Assessment is included in this Exam Cram 2 book to help you evaluate your readiness to tackle Microsoft certifications. It should also help you understand what you need to know to master the topic of this book—namely, Exam 70-293 Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. Before you tackle this Self-Assessment, however, continue reading about concerns you might face when pursuing the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 credential.
MCSEs in the Real World
The next section describes an ideal MCSE candidate, even though only a few candidates meet this ideal. In fact, this description of that ideal candidate might seem downright scary, especially with the changes made to the program to support the new Windows Server 2003 platform, which is being touted as Windows Server System. But take heart: Although the requirements to obtain an MCSE might seem formidable, they are by no means impossible to meet. However, be keenly aware that it does take time, involves some expense, and requires real effort to get through the process.
Increasing numbers of people are attaining Microsoft certifications, so the goal is within reach. You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before, so you will be able to follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to obtain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take—and pass—all the certification tests needed for the MCSA or MCSE.
Besides MCSE, other Microsoft certifications include those described in the next section.
Current Microsoft Certification Tracks
The current makeup of the Microsoft certification tracks is explained in the following sections.
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
To become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), you need to sign up for and pass one of the available exams, which includes just about any of the current or recently retired exams. Some exams are currently retired and others are slated for retirement. A retired exam is no longer offered at testing centers, but usually it does not mean that candidates need to retake new exams to retain their certification. For example, if you have taken and passed Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 and used it as an elective for your MCSE on W2K certification, you do not need to take another exam to replace it now that it is retired; you would still be an MCSE on W2K.
The Microsoft certification program has been making an ongoing effort to remain current with technology advancements, which obviously means that exams are retired on a regular basis. In most cases, there is no impact on candidates' requirements to retain their certification, but it is always best to take a look at the Exams Scheduled for Discontinuation table at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/status/examstoretire.asp to see whether any of the discontinuations affect your certification status.
You can find information on retired exams at the Microsoft Web site http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/status/examsretired.asp. For information about discontinuing exams, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/status/retired.asp.
Quite a few certification exams are currently slated for retirement on June 30, 2004, according to information on the Microsoft Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/status/examstoretire.asp).
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2000
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2000, you need to sign up for and pass three core exams (one client operating system and two networking) and one elective exam, for a total of four exams.
For the core exams/client operating system requirement of one required exam, you need to pass one of these two exams:
Exam 70–210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
For the core exams/networking system requirement of two required exams, you need to pass both of these exams:
Exam 70–215: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Exam 70–218: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment
For the one elective exam requirement, you need to take and pass one of the exams in the following list:
Exam 70–081: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
Exam 70–086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Exam 70–088: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0
Exam 70–214: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network
Exam 70–216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70–224: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
Exam 70–227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Exam 70–228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70–244: Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network
Also, in place of these electives, you can substitute any of the following third-party certifications or certification combinations:
CompTIA Security+ (This single certification can be substituted for any of the listed electives.)
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ (Both certifications are required as a substitution for any of the listed electives.)
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ (Both certifications are required as a substitution for any of the listed electives.)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security (MCSA: Security) on Windows 2000
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security (MCSA: Security) on Windows 2000, you need to sign up for and pass three core exams and two security specialization exams, for a total of five exams.
For the core exams/client operating system requirement of one required exam, you need to pass one of these two exams:
Exam 70–210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
For the core exams/networking system requirement of two required exams, you need to pass both of these two exams:
Exam 70–215: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Exam 70–218: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment
For the two security specialization exams requirement, you need to take and pass this exam:
Also, you need to take and pass one of the following two exams (passing both is not required):
Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2003
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows 2003, you need to sign up for and pass three core exams (one client operating system and two networking) and one elective exam, for a total of four exams.
For the core exams/client operating system requirement of one required exam, you need to pass one of these two exams:
Exam 70–210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
For the core exams/networking system requirement of two required exams, you need to pass both of these exams:
Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
For the one elective exam requirement, you need to take and pass one of the exams from the following list:
Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Ser-ver 2003
Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
This is the most up-to-date list of electives at the time of this writing. It is safe to assume that as more exams become available on the 2003 track, they will be listed on the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/.
Also, in place of the listed electives, you can substitute any of the following third-party certifications or certification combinations:
Exam SY0-101: CompTIA Security+ (This single certification can be substituted for any of the listed electives.)
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ (Both of these certifications are required as a substitution for any of the listed electives.)
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Server+ (Both of these certifications are required as a substitution for any of the listed electives.)
Candidates that are already MCSA-certified on Windows 2000 can take Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000 upgrade exam, as there are no additional core or elective exams required for an MCSA on Windows 2000 who passes Exam 70-292.
Exam 70-292 is required for an MCSA on W2K to upgrade to MCSA on Windows 2003, short of taking a mixture of the four exams, as just outlined.
Exam 70-292 is a standard exam, in that it is paid for at testing centers and can be retaken if the examinee does not pass it.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows 2000
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows 2000, you need to sign up for and pass five core exams total; four are operating system exams (one client operating system and three networking system) and one is a design exam. Two additional elective exams are also required, bringing the total exams needed for the full certification to seven.
You can find more information and details at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/requirements.asp. However, the following lists are offered as a summary of the requirements. For the four required operating system exams, candidates need to take and pass the following exams:
Core exams/client operating system— One of the following two is required:
Core exams/networking system— All three of the following are required:
Examinees who took and passed Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option to take Exam 70-240 (Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0) when it was active. If they passed the 70-240 exam, they are not required to take and pass the individual core/client operating system and networking system exams listed previously. Exam 70-240 is no longer available.
For the core exams/design exam requirement, you need to take and pass one of the exams from the following list:
Exam 70-219: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure
Exam 70-220: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network
Exam 70-221: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-226: Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies
Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
For the elective exam requirement, you need to take and pass two of the exams from the following list:
Exam 70-019: Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0
Exam 70-029: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0
Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Exam 70-214: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network
Exam 70-218: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Environment
Exam 70-219: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure
Exam 70-220: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network
Exam 70-221: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-222: Migrating from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 to Microsoft Windows 2000
Exam 70-223: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Clustering Services by Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Exam 70-224: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
Exam 70-225: Designing and Deploying a Messaging Infrastructure with Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
Exam 70-226: Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies
Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-230: Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-232: Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000
Exam 70-234: Designing and Implementing Solutions with Microsoft Commerce Server 2000
Exam 70-244: Supporting and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Network
This is the most up-to-date list of electives at the time of this writing.
Also, in place of one of these electives, you can substitute the following third-party certification:
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security (MCSE: Security) on Windows 2000
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security (MCSE: Security) on Windows 2000, you need to sign up for and pass four core exams and three security specialization exams, for a total of seven exams. You can find full information and details at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsesecurity/windows2000.asp. The following information is offered as a summary:
For the four required operating system exams, candidates need to take and pass the following exams:
Core exams/client operating system— One of the following two is required:
Core exams/networking system— All three of the following are required:
Examinees who took and passed Windows NT 4.0 Exams 70-067, 70-068, and 70-073 had the option to take Exam 70-240 (Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0) when it was active. If they passed the 70-240 exam, they are not required to take and pass the individual core/client operating system and networking system exams listed previously. Exam 70-240 is no longer available.
For the Security Specialization: Core Design exam requirement, currently only one exam is used:
For the two Security Specialization: Core Security exams requirement, you need to take and pass this exam:
Also, you need to take and pass one of the following exams (passing both is not required):
Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows 2003
To become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows 2003, you need to sign up for and pass four networking system exams, one client operating system exam, one design exam, and one elective exam. You can find full information and details at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/windows2003/, but the following list offers a summary:
For the four required core exams/networking system exams, candidates need to take and pass all four of the following exams:
Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
For the core exams/client operating system exam requirement, one of these two exams is required:
Exam 70–210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
For the core exams/design exam requirement, you need to take and pass one of the exams from the following list:
Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
For the elective exam requirement, you need to take and pass one of the exams from the following list:
Exam 70-086: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Exam 70-232: Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000
Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Ser-ver 2003
Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
This is the most up-to-date list of electives at the time of this writing.
Also, in place of one of the previously listed electives, you can substitute the following third-party certification:
Candidates who are already MCSE-certified on Windows 2000 can take Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000 upgrade exam, along with Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000, as no additional core or elective exams are required for an MCSA on Windows 2000 who passes Exam 70-292 and Exam 70-296. Both exams are required for an MCSE on W2K to upgrade to MCSE on Windows 2003, short of taking a mixture of the seven exams as outlined previously.
Exams 70-292 and 70-296 are standard exams, in that they are paid for at the testing centers and can be retaken if examinees do not pass them.
This is the most up-to-date list of electives at the time of this writing. It is safe to assume that as more exams become available on the 2003 track, they will be listed on the Microsoft Web site http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcse/windows2003/.
The Ideal MCSE Candidate
The Windows Server 2003 MCSE certification exams are aimed at the current IT professional with at least two years of hands-on networking experience with Windows Server and client operating systems. His or her experience should involve implementing and administering these systems and designing a network infrastructure, and the candidate should have a moderate knowledge of Windows Server 2003.
As with any certification exam, Microsoft or other, more knowledge is required than can be gathered from any single source, whether it's a textbox, on-the-job experience, test prep, and so forth. The 70-293 Exam: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure measures your ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Windows Server 2003 in a networked capacity.
Your two years of hands-on experience working with the product should include a minimum of one year of experience in an environment consisting of more than 250 users in three or more physical locations. To get a full understanding of what this exam encompasses, your experience should also include dealing with and understanding how to administer network services and resources from file and print servers to proxy servers, how to implement firewalling techniques, how to configure Internet, intranet, and remote access connections, and how to manage client systems.
Put Yourself to the Test
The following series of questions and observations is designed to help you figure out how much work you must do to pursue Microsoft certification and what kinds of resources you should consult on your quest. Be absolutely honest in your answers; otherwise, you'll end up wasting money on exams you're not yet ready to take. There are no right or wrong answers, only steps along the path to certification. Only you can decide where you belong in the broad spectrum of aspiring candidates.
Hands-on experience with Microsoft products and technologies is an essential ingredient to Microsoft certification success. |
Educational Background
Have you taken any classes on computer operating systems? [Yes or No]
If Yes, you can probably handle the general information pertaining to planning, implementing, and maintaining the Window Server 2003 operating system. If you're rusty, brush up on basic operating system concepts and general computer security topics.
If No, consider some basic reading in this area. One of the best places to look up general information is right in the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 help files on any system. They are also available online at http://www.microsoft.com.
Have you taken any Microsoft Official Curriculum classes at a Certified Training and Education Center (CTEC) or a community college that sponsors an IT Academy? [Yes or No]
If Yes, you can probably handle Microsoft terminology, concepts, and technologies (but brace yourself for frequent departures from normal usage and from what you see on the job).
If No, you might want to read one or two books in this topic area.
Have you taken a practice exam on your chosen test subject? [Yes or No]
If Yes, and you scored 80% or better on the first run through the practice questions, you're probably ready to tackle the real thing. If your score isn't above that threshold, keep at it with different question pools until you break that barrier.
If No, obtain all the free and low-budget practice tests you can find and get to work. Keep at it until you can break the passing threshold comfortably.
Hands-on Experience
The most important key to success on all Microsoft tests is hands-on experience. If I leave you with only one realization after taking this self-assessment, it should be that there's no substitute for time spent digging in with the product. Your experience can be in a test lab or on the job, and a mix of both is actually best.
Although there is no substitute for on-the-job training, your job and day-to-day responsibilities might not fully expose you to everything you need to know to pass a certification exam, no matter how long you have been working with a product. I know many NT 4 administrators with five years of experience who could not pass all the NT 4 MCSE exams now, even if they were still being offered, simply because the scope of their jobs is not broad enough to expose them to everything they would need to know to pass the exams. This is why a small home lab with a few used systems goes a long way. Many older Pentium II 400MHz systems with 192MB of RAM or more and 8 or 12GB hard drives can be found at depot centers for less than $75.00; I know because I spent that much (each) on six of them, and they all handled Windows Server 2003 just fine. I have two installed as domain controllers.
You can download objectives, practice exams, and other data about Microsoft exams from the Training and Certification page at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/. Use the Microsoft Certifications link to find specific exam information. If you have the funds, or your employer will pay your way, consider taking a class at a Certified Training and Education Center (CTEC). In addition to classroom exposure to the topic of your choice, you usually get a copy of the software that is the focus of your course, along with a trial version of whatever operating system it needs, with the training materials for that class. Not all CTECs are the same. You might assume that there's not much difference in accredited schools, but there is, so be sure to look around at different ones in your area and spend your or your company's money wisely. |
Before you even think about taking any Microsoft exam, make sure you've spent enough time with the related software to understand how it is installed, configured, and used. This knowledge will help you in the exam—and in real life!
Testing Your Exam-Readiness
Whether you attend a formal class on a specific topic to get ready for an exam or use written materials to study on your own, some preparation for the Microsoft certification exams is essential. At $125 a try (whether you pass or fail), you want to do everything you can to pass on your first try. That's where studying comes in.
This book offers a self-assessment section so that you can evaluate your current knowledge of the material and get an indication of where you currently stand. Also, each chapter includes some practice questions, and the accompanying CD offers two 60-question practice exams. You can find a wealth of additional study guides and test preps from different authors and sources at the Exam Cram Web site http://www.informit.com/examcram2/index.asp.
For any subject, consider taking a class if you've tackled self-study materials, taken the test, and failed anyway. The opportunity to interact with an instructor and fellow students can make all the difference in the world, if you can afford the class. For information about Microsoft classes, visit the Training and Certification page at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/training/default.asp for a link to find training from Microsoft Certified Education Centers.
If you can't afford to take a class, you should still visit the Training page at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/training/find/default.asp because it offers pointers to free practice exams and to MCP-approved study guides and other self-study tools. Even if you can't afford to spend much, you should still invest in some low-cost practice exams from commercial vendors.
What's Next?
After you've assessed your readiness, undertaken the right background studies, obtained the hands-on experience that will help you understand the products and technologies at work, and reviewed the many sources of information to help you prepare for a test, you'll be ready to take a round of practice tests. When your scores come back positive enough to get you through the exam, you're ready to go after the real thing. If you follow the assessment regimen, you'll not only know what you need to study, but also when you're ready to make a test date at Prometric (http://www.prometric.com) or Virtual University Enterprises (VUE; http://www.vue.com). In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) and by Prometric:
Pearson VUE— You can sign up for a test through the company's Web site at http://www.vue.com/ms/ or by phone at 800-837-8734. If you live outside the United States and Canada, you need to check the company's Web site at http://www.vue.com/contact/ms/ for the applicable phone number.
Prometric— You can sign up for a test through the company's Web site at http://www.prometric.com or by phone at 800-755-3926. If you live outside the United States and Canada, you need to check the company's Web site for the applicable phone number.
To cancel or reschedule any exam you've signed up for, you need to call before 7:00 p.m. eastern standard time the day before the scheduled test time, or you might be charged the fee.
When you want to schedule a test, you need to have the following information ready:
Your full name and mailing address.
Your Microsoft Test ID. (In the United States, it's your Social Security number; for other countries, you need to call ahead to find out what type of identification number is required to register for a test.)
The name and number of the exam you want to take.
A method of payment, such as a credit card or voucher.
After you sign up to take the test, you'll choose a testing center nearest your home or work, and choose a time and date available at the center. Most centers test from 9-to-5 hours during the day, although a few have testing times available on Saturdays and after 5:00 p.m.
On the day of your exam, you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early with two forms of identification. One form must be a photo ID, such as a valid driver's license, and the other can be a birth certificate or a credit card, for example. (Check with your testing center ahead of time to make sure you have the correct forms of ID.)
Good luck!
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