Microsoft certifications study guide
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
broadly refers to all Microsoft certifications. But it can also refer to an individual who completes any exam within the program (subject to some exclusions).
The MCP program offers multiple certifications, based on different areas of technical expertise. To attain these certifications, a candidate must pass a series of exams within the program. The current generation of certifications are Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), the Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Popular previous generation certifications (Previous generation certifications are still supported) include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).
Each exam costs approximately $125 USD. Exams usually take between 2 and 3 hours to complete and consist of between 45 and 90 multiple choice, drag and drop, solution building questions and simulated content within exams where students are required to perform certain common administrative tasks appropriate for the topic at hand.
Some employers require or prefer certain MCP certifications for specific jobs that involve Microsoft products and technologies. Other vendors have their own certification programs such as the Sun Certified Professional program, the Red Hat Certification Program, the Oracle Certification Program, the Cisco Career Certifications program, the Ubuntu Certified Professional program and the Apple Certification Program.
Latest MCP Certifications
Microsoft has released a new three-tiered certification hierarchy. It consists of three series and four credentials that introduce an entry-level Technology Series composed of the “Technology Specialist” credential, a Professional Series composed of the “IT Professional” and “Professional Developer” credentials, and the Master Series composed of the “Master” credential. There also exists a new Architect Series composed of the “Microsoft Certified Architect” program which consists of a Review Board interview.
Technology Series (MCTS)
The Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies, and are generally the first step toward the Professional-level certifications. There are currently 20 MCTS certifications which can be roughly grouped into the following specializations, each requiring certain examinations to be passed:
Office Specializations
Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
70-632 Exam: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects
Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
70-633 Exam: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects
Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
70-557 Exam: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration
70-630 Exam: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring
Office SharePoint Server 2007, Application Development
70-542 Exam: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development
.NET Framework Specializations
.NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
70-528 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
70-536 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
70-526 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development
70-536 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications
70-529 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Distributed Application Development
70-536 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
.NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications
70-536 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-562 Exam: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Applications
70-536 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-502 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Applications
70-536 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-503 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – Windows Communication Foundation Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Workflow Foundation Applications
70-536 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-504 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – Windows Workflow Foundation Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Applications
70-536 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-505 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
.NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Applications
70-536 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
70-561 Exam: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development
SQL Server Specializations
SQL Server 2005
70-431 Exam: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
Exam 70-445: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance
Business Intelligence Specializations
BizTalk Server 2006
Exam 70-235: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server
Live Communications Server 2005
Exam 70-262: Office Live Communications Server 2005-Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Configuration
Exam 70-236: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring
Windows Specializations
Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications
Exam 70-540: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 – Application Development
Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
Exam 70-500: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Application Development
Exam 70-541: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development
Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuration
Exam 70-631: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring
Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
Exam 70-624: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
Windows Vista Configuration
Exam 70-620: Windows Vista, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
Exam 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
Exam 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration
Exam 70-643: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
Upgrading from Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specializations
Exam 70-648: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring and Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring: upgrade of Windows Server 2003 to Server 2008 for the two above aforementioned MCTS credentials consisting parts of exams 70-640 and 70-642
Windows 7 Configuration
Exam 70-680: Windows 7, Configuring
Professional Series
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
These certifications are designed for .NET software developers and are based around .NET 3.5, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2005/2008.
Windows Developer 3.5
Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-505: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
Exam 70-563 (PRO): Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
ASP .NET Developer 3.5
Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-562: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
Exam 70-564 (PRO): Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
Web Developer, Visual Studio 2005
Exam 70-528: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development
Exam 70-536: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation
Exam 70-547 (PRO): Designing and Developing Web Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
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Enterprise Applications Developer 3.5
Exam 70-503: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Communication Foundation Application Development
Exam 70-505: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, Windows Forms Application Development
Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework – Application Development Foundation – applicable to both .NET 2.0 and .NET 3.5
Exam 70-561: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development
Exam 70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
Exam 70-565 (PRO): Designing and Developing Enterprise Applications using Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (available soon)
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credential is the leading certification for Microsoft. It provides widely recognized, objective validation of your ability to perform critical, current IT job roles by using Microsoft technologies to their best advantage[2].
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These certifications are designed for IT professionals including administrators and support personnel in addition to database specialists (both administrators and developers).
Business Intelligence Developer
MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence
Exam 70-446 (PRO): Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Consumer Support Technician
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MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration
Exam 70-623 (PRO): Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians
Database Developer
MCTS: SQL Server 2005
Exam 70-441 (PRO): Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Open License 6.0
Exam 70-442 (PRO): Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Database Administrator
MCTS: SQL Server 2005
Exam 70-443 (PRO): Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Exam 70-444 (PRO): Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Enterprise Messaging Administrator
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MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 Configuration
Exam 70-237 (PRO): Designing Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
Exam 70-238 (PRO): Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
MCTS: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
MCTS: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
Exam 70-634 (PRO): Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects and Programs
Enterprise Support Technician
MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration
Exam 70-622 (PRO): Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Microsoft Windows Vista Client for Enterprise Support Technicians
Server Administrator
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
Exam 70-646 (PRO): Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
Enterprise Administrator
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration
MCTS: Windows Vista Configuration OR MCTS: Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops, Deploying and Maintaining
Exam 70-647 (PRO): Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Master Series
The Master series certification enables senior-level IT professionals to demonstrate and validate their technical expertise on Microsoft server products and is a prerequisite for the Architect Series
MCM: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
MCM: Microsoft SQL Server 2008
MCM: Windows Server 2008: Directory
MCM: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007
MCM: Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007
Architect Series
The Architect Series is completely different from the Technology Specialist and Professional series, composed of a five-week training session, at a cost of $25,000. Candidates are paired with an existing Microsoft Certified Architect for the duration of the program who mentor and provide guidance to complete a series of tasks. At the conclusion the candidate must submit a report and pass a Review Board interview.[citation needed]
The Architect Series is very similar to other industry professional certification programs, such as the Certified Practicing Engineer (CPEng) offered by Engineers Australia.[citation needed]
There are two primary tracks in the Architect Program:
Technology-based Architecture
There are two MCA Certifications in the Technology-based Architecture track:
Messaging (Microsoft Exchange Server)
Database (Microsoft SQL Server focused on OLTP)
Broad Architecture
This track is designed for professionals that use a variety of Microsoft and non-Microsoft technologies to deliver customer solutions. Again there are two primary tracks:
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Infrastructure certifications
Solutions certifications
Previous MCP Certifications
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) is one of the best-known and premiere Microsoft certification for Windows Server NT4, 2000 or 2003. The most efficient way to obtain an MCSE is through a Boot Camp type instruction where the information is presented over longer days and the Certification can be obtained in approximately two weeks. It qualifies an individual as being able to analyze the business requirements for information systems solutions, and design and implement the infrastructure required. Certification is available for the Windows Server 2003 technology, and was previously offered in Windows Server 2000 and Windows NT 4.0.
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For the MCSE 2003, candidates must pass six core design exams (Four networking exams, one client operating system and one design exam) and one elective exam, for a total of seven exams. For the MCSE 2000, a candidate needed to pass five Core Exams (Four operating system exams, one design exam) and two electives. Most of these exams have been retired. For the MCSE NT 4.0 (retired), a candidate needed to pass four Core Exams (Networking Essentials, (Windows NT Workstation or Windows 98), Windows NT Server and Windows NT Server in the Enterprise) and two electives. These exams have been retired.
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The topic of these exams include network security, computer networking infrastructure, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and other topics of both general networking interest as well as specific Microsoft products.
There are also specializations available for the MCSE’s along different tracks. For 2003 these tracks were MCSE Security, and Messaging. To obtain these specializations it was required that you do an associated Elective, design and then an extra core exam.[4] The denotation that is usually used for these on resumes etc is MCSE:Security, and MCSE:Messaging.
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) [5] certification certifies a user’s knowledge in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems and is generally simpler than, but not a subset of, the MCSE. The Windows Server 2003 MCSA is achieved upon passing 2 networking system exams, a client operating system exam, and an elective exam. The Windows Server 2000 MCSA title is granted after taking 3 core exams and one elective. Meeting the current requirements for the MCSE designation will almost certainly meet the requirements for MCSA.
Whereas the MCSE is supposed to certify a person’s ability to “plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures in medium- to large-sized companies”, the MCSA certifies a holder’s ability to “implement, manage, and maintain the typically complex computing environment of medium- to large-sized companies”.
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Like the MCSE, the MCSA is available as “MCSA on Windows 2000″ and “MCSA on Windows 2003″ as of 2005. There exist two specializations for both tracks: Messaging and Security.
As an alternative to the electives on the MCSA electives table, certifications or certification combinations may substitute for an MCSA elective. For example, CompTIA A+ and Network+ together or CompTIA A+ and Server+ together can be credited and substituted for an elective through a Microsoft and CompTIA partnership agreement. One may also substitute Security+ alone which counts for the elective and one of two exams for the “Security Specialization.” Security+ counts for MCSA 2003 and MCSE 2003. This is just one cost effective way to earning an MCSA if candidates are already certified in other areas.
Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) [6] certification is the mid level programming certification offered by Microsoft, leading to the MCSD. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of three exams (two core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focused towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification.
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Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification is the highest level programming certification offered by Microsoft. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of five exams (four core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Some of the core exams are also requirements for the MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer). Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focused towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification.
This certification retired in 2009 and the replacement for this certification is MCTS/MCPD.
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) credential is for database administrators, who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. The certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure SQL Server. This certification requires passing three core exams, and one elective exam. According to Microsoft, people who operate SQL Server 2005 should apply for other certifications such as the MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) or MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), rather than the MCDBA. Complete course lasts 250 hours.
Update: The SQL 2000 exams have now been retired and can no longer be taken. They have been replaced by the latest versions of SQL Server 2005 & 2008. Please refer to MCTS for these exams.
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Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) demonstrates a technician can competently support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running Microsoft Windows XP operating systems. MCDST candidates are required to pass exams 70-271 and 70-272.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), previously named Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) is a certification for using the Microsoft Office suite of business applications. While listed under the MCP Certification Programs, it is not officially an MCP Certification. The MOS exams are managed by a third party company, Certiport.
It appears (January 2007) that a new set of qualifications will replace the MOS/MOUS certifications for Office 2007. The direct application specific skills are the “Microsoft Certified Application Specialist” (“MCAS”) for each Office 2007 Application. And, a new “Microsoft Certified Application Professional” (“MCAP”) based on how to complete more common business tasks. While these qualification exams will be managed by Certiport it appears other exam providers may also become involved.
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Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) certification is for individuals who intend to train users wanting to obtain any of the other certifications. They must have some type of certification out of the Microsoft Course, they must also prove their instructional presentation skills, obtain a “Metrics that Matter” ID, and apply and pay to become a MCT. In Australia, many MCT’s have a diploma or degree in teaching either primary school or secondary education. It is also a requirement by many training companies, especially Microsoft Gold Partners to have MCT’s with a degree in teaching.
Current Upgrade Paths
With the exception of Obsolete Certifications, Microsoft generally offers upgrade paths which allow a person holding a previous generation certification to upgrade to the current generation paths by sitting upgrade exams. Typically this is a single normal exam, usually consisting of a mixture of questions from the composite exams making up the current certification path. Using this upgrade feature, professionals in the field can maintain their certification standards without having to start from scratch every few years.
With the introduction of the Professional Series the MCTS, MCITP, or MCPD certifications will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology. Typically, mainstream support is discontinued 7 to 10 years after the initial product release. When support ends, the related certification will retire. [9]
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Microsoft’s initial communications about the Professional Series certifications, was announced that a “refresh” or recertification of the MCITP and MCPD credentials would be required within three years. This policy has changed. To address the needs of the worldwide customer base, the updated policy is to retire a certification when mainstream support for the related technology retires. There is no action required if a Professional Series certification was earned before the policy change; the updated policy applies to the certification, which will be valid until mainstream support for the related technology retires.
Technology Specialist Series (MCTS) Upgrades
There are 5 upgrade paths that lead only to an MCTS certification. All prior certification paths lead to either an MCPD or MCITP certification, which will indirectly confer the relevant prerequisite MCTS certification on the successful candidate.
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Professional Developer (MCPD) Upgrades
The upgrade paths for the Professional Developer series require that candidates have a minimum existing Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification, although since this is a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer series, this also qualifies. Generally candidates who specialised in Windows Forms development in the MCAD would upgrade to the MCPD: Windows Developer, Web developers would take the MCPD: Web Developer path, and MCSD holders would upgrade to the MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer. However, there is no actual restriction enforced and a candidate holding any variant of the MCAD three MCAD to MCPD paths, and an MCSD can take any of the four MCSD to MCAD paths.
MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Web Developer This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCAD/MCSD to MCPD: Windows Developer This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-552: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCAD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
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Exam 70-551: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Web Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
Exam 70-552: UPGRADE: MCAD Skills to MCPD: Windows Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework
MCSD to MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer This certification requires that one pass the following examinations:
Exam 70-553: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 1
Exam 70-554: UPGRADE: MCSD Microsoft .NET Skills to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework: Part 2
IT Professional (MCITP) Upgrades
MCDST to MCITP: Enterprise Support This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support
MCDBA to MCITP: Database Administrator This certification requires that one pass the following examination:
Prerequisite: MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
Exam 70-417: UPGRADE: MCDBA Skills to MCITP Database Administrator by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
MCSA and MCSE Transitions
MCSA and MCSE certifications will not be retired. Microsoft has introduced a transition path to allow MCSA/MCSE holders to obtain MCITP certification. Both certifications require a transitional exam. To upgrade a MCSA, the 70-648 exam is required as well as one additional exam for MCITP: Server Administrator and three additional exams for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator. To upgrade a MCSE the 70-649 is required as well as one additional exam for MCITP: Server Administrator and two additional exams for the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator. .
Microsoft Certification Resources
There are several courses, boot camps and practice tests from different vendors offering preparation material for Microsoft certification exams. Bootcamps normally provide residential program that includes food and lodging. These courses are meant for busy professionals who do not have enough time for self preparation or wish to get trained by professional trainers. Microsoft Press provides several books towards Microsoft certification exams preparation. Books are normally the first place to explore Microsoft certification options, and preparation. Apart from Microsoft Press books, there are other reputed publishers like Sybex, and others. In addition to books, Microsoft Learning also offers courses for each of the exams.
Apart from books, there are several practice tests vendors that offer pre-certification exams. These mock exams almost mimic actual exams, and normally priced much less than the actual exam. Several user forums are available for certification preparation where most questions are answered by other forum users.
Experts and past candidates recommend not only reading more than one book, but spending a good amount of time practicing the concepts on computers on a test environment. After practicing and reading, it’s also recommended to take sample exams before taking the Microsoft exam.
Many vendors, usually Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, such as New Horizons Computer Learning Center, have instructor-led, formal classroom courses using Microsoft IT Academy source materials including Microsoft Official Courseware (MOC). For instance: MCSE Windows 2000 Server used MOC Courses: 2151, 2152, 2153, & 2154; and MOC 2072 Administering a Microsoft SQL 2000 Server Database. http://www.microsoft.com/education/MSITAcademy/benefits/curriculum.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/start/goldctec.mspx
