Passed first exam of Windows Server 2008!

Passed Microsoft Exam 70-640 with 925/1000 marks. Feeling great, however, father of Lary Page must have scolded me and asked, "Where are the remaining 75?" Used the uCertify preparatory kit for preparation. I am giving these IT exams since NT4.0 days. I was surprised to see one question on BIND secondaries. I remember that this question was there in 70-067 exam too that I wrote back in 1997. Now I can proudly use the MCTS logo... Yesss!!!

What is Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)?

The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is a new entry-level certification from Cisco that certifies the skills of entry level networking professionals in installing, operating, and troubleshooting small enterprise branch networks, including basic networking security implementation. The CCENT certification can help you achieve the more advanced CCNA certification, which is a requirement for expert level certifications such as CCNP and CCIE.

What are the job roles for CCENT certified professionals?

The job roles for CCENT Certified Professionals typically include: Network administrator, System Analyst, and Network Support Professional.

What are the requirements for becoming CCENT?

There is no specific requirement for the CCENT certification. It is targeted towards IT professionals with experience in network administration and support. There are no prerequisites for this certification. You have to take just one exam (640-822 ICND1) to achieve the CCENT credential.

What are the benefits of having the CCENT certification?

The CCENT certification validates your skills in installing and managing small enterprise networks. Professional having the CCENT certification can get appropriate jobs easily, as they get the recognition of their skills by Cisco, the leader in networking technologies. This certification is the first step toward achieving the more advanced CCNA certification. CCENT certified professionals get more salary and preference in promotions.

How does this certification help employers?

It helps employers in hiring the right candidates for their organization. Hiring job candidates with CCENT credentials assures employers that they are employing qualified professionals with proven proficiency in Cisco products and technologies.

New Microsoft Certifications on Windows Server 2008

With the advent of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has announced the following exams in Windows Server 2008:

 

Technology Specialists
70-640	TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
70-642	TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
70-643	TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
Professional Series
70-646	PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
70-647	PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
Upgrades from Windows Server 2003
70-648	TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist
70-649	TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist

Microsoft introduces two types of certification

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications

The MCTS certifications are designed to validate a candidates skills on the features and functionality of key technology areas in Windows Server 2008.According to the latest information available with Microsoft official site there three Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications on Windows Server 2008 demonstrate an IT professional's in-depth, current skills on Active Directory, network infrastructure, or applications infrastructure. These certifications are:

• MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
• MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
• MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration

These certifications can be achieved by passing the following exams:

Passing Microsoft exam 70-640 TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring will earn you MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration certification.

Passing Microsoft exam 70-642 TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring will earn you MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration certification.

Passing Microsoft exam 70-643 TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring will earn you MCTS - Windows Server 2008 Application Infrastructure Configuration.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

The MCITP credential is the ideal way to demonstrate a candidate's ability to use Windows Server 2008 to excel in a specific, real-world job role. There are following two certifications in this category:

• MCITP: Server Administrator

Focuses on day-to-day operations and management

 

• MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

Validates your skills focused on Windows infrastructure design

MCITP Server Administrator - In order to earn this certification, a candidate needs to pass the following Microsoft exams:

• Exam 70-640
• Exam 70-642
• Exam 70-646

Note: Exam 70-646 is a professional series exam of Windows Server 2008 track.

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator - In order to earn this certification, a candidate needs to pass the following Microsoft exams:

• Exam 70-640
• Exam 70-642
• Exam 70-643
• Exam 70-620 OR Exam 70-624
• Exam 70-647

 Note:

• You can choose between exams 70-620 and 70-624.
• Exam 70-647 is a professional series exam of Windows Server 2008 track.

 Upgrades from Windows Server 2003

 MCSEs and MCSAs on Windows Server 2003 have transition paths towards MCITP certifications.

From MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator

To earn MCITP: Server Administrator certification, MCSAs on Windows Server 2003 require to pass the following two Microsoft exams:

• Exam 70-648
• Exam 70-646

From MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

To earn MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification, MCSAs on Windows Server 2003 require to pass the following four Microsoft exams:

• Exam 70-648
• Exam 70-643
• Exam 70-620 OR Exam 70-624
• Exam 70-647

From MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Server Administrator

To earn MCITP: Server Administrator certification, MCSEs on Windows Server 2003 require to pass the following two Microsoft exams:

·         Exam 70-649

·         Exam 70-646

 From MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

 To earn MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification, MCSEs on Windows Server 2003 require to pass the following three Microsoft exams:

  ·         Exam 70-649

·         Exam 70-620 OR Exam 70-624

·         Exam 70-647

 Note: Exams 70-620 and 70-624 are Microsoft Vista exams.

  ·         Exam 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client

·         Exam 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops