- Tips on Passing 70-410 Exam Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
- Tips on Passing 70-411 Exam Administering Windows Server 2012
- Tips on Passing 70-412 Exam Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services
Before I jump into the good stuff, allow me to provide some background info on why you’re reading this. I decided last year that I would go for MCSE: SharePoint (2013), as I’ve been completely bypassing Microsoft certifications for many years. Most IT Pros have similar reasons for avoiding the MS certs as I did, so I won’t bore you with the details. In short, more credence has been placed on 3rd party product/technology certifications in my industry, therefore I haven’t even really seriously considered an MS cert since I was taking the ancient MCSA 2000 courses! I have two reasons for pursuing the cert at this time. One, I’d like to help my employer maintain a silver or gold competency. Two, I’ve been working with and evangelizing on Microsoft SharePoint technology for many years, so why not just pass the exams? After all, I know all this stuff! Or do I?
If you’re familiar with Microsoft certifications, the aforementioned MCSE moniker should be pretty familiar to you. What may not be familiar, is that there is an MCSE certification specifically for SharePoint. This new certification is part of a larger effort by Microsoft to create more focused certifications based on core competencies. The new MCSE certifications are also a bit more simplified to understand, as the prerequisite is essentially the relevant MCSA certification.ย Before I go any further, it’s important to note that MCSE is no longer called Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. It’s called Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. MCSA has also been changed, swapping out Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate. These naming conventions more accurately describe the competency gained after completion.
The below list summarizes all exams required to get the MCSE: SharePoint certification. You need to pass all five exams below to gain the MCSE: SharePoint certification. After passing the first three exams below, you will have achieved MCSA for Windows Server 2012.
MCSA Prereq Exams:
MCSE: SharePoint Prereq Exams:
The purpose of this post is to shed some light on passing the first exam, 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012. I’ve used some awesome study resources as well as some not-so awesome ones, which will hopefully allow me to provide you with some tangible tips for successfully passing the exam. Before I go any further, I just want to say that I in no way recommend nor condone the sole use of brain dumps for quickly passing these exams. Are they free and readily available? Yes! Will you actually learn something and prove your skills by using them? Probably not. Save yourself and your company the embarrassment of finding out that you really don’t know the material by dedicating some time to learning it. Ok, enough pep talk.
Microsoft has begun incorporating Windows Server 2012 R2 questions into the exam. The fundamentals are the same as previous iterations, but you should understand what’s new in 2012 R2 before taking the exam.Study Resources:
- Study Guide – Unfortunately I didn’t find a suitable study guide that I really liked, so I would recommend using the beastly Windows Server 2012 Inside Out book. It clocks in at over 1,500 pages, and it literally has everything you need to know about Windows Server 2012. Sure it’s overkill, but you can use this for all the MCSA exams and as a general desk reference. If you’re still interested in a true study guide for this exam, there are two somewhat decent ones out there. See them here and here. Just be forewarned that some readers have pointed out inconsistencies and flat out errors in those two guides.
- CBT Nuggets – If you’re serious about learning the material and passing the exam, then I highly recommend these videos. CBT Nuggets has been providing these great learning videos for a very long time, and they nailed it with the new videos for 70-410. The trainer, James Conrad, is very engaging and you won’t regret spending some time with them. If you watched everything, you’d be committing 16 hours of your time. In my opinion, this is time well spent.
- Practice Exams – Don’t walk into the test center without having at least one go at a practice exam. There are so many practice exam providers out there, that it can be difficult to get an idea of which provider is the best. One key thing to look for is whether or not the provider will guarantee that you pass your exam. This at least gives you added value, so you can get your money back under certain circumstances, assuming that you didn’t pass the exam on the first take. I am a fan of Transcender, and I would recommend starting there. You can also try MeasureUp and Boson.
Below is a list of notable topics to be aware of. As someone who hasn’t been in a general Windows Server admin role for quite some time, I found the need to really brush up on topics like these before taking the exam.
- New GUI Features – It’s important to know the key differences available in Windows Server 2012 in regards to the server graphical shell, and how that relates to the Core edition of Windows Server 2012.
- PowerShell – If you’re a SharePoint admin, PowerShell should not be new to you. But it may very well be new to you for general Windows Server administrative tasks. PowerShell is fully integrated now, and you need to begin learning how to use PowerShell cmdlets for general tasks like managing AD objects or adding/removing Windows features.
- Active Directory – One of the big topics of this exam is understanding the fundamentals of Active Directory. If you’ve been in technology for years, I’m sure you know a lot of about AD. The problem is answering the basic questions that are often taken for granted like how to automate user accounts and knowing the relationships between users, groups and OUs.
- Group Policy – As with Active Directory, Group Policy is a really important facet of Windows Server 2012. Know how GPOs are created and linked, as well as how templates can be used to expedite the creation of GPOs.
- IPv4 Subnetting – Unfortunately, you need to be pretty familiar with IPv4 subnets. Some of this is straight memorization to be honest, but you need to be aware of the fundamentals. Things that you need to know are the basics of communication on different subnets as well as the amount of IP addresses per subnet.
- IPv6 – Yes, it’s time that you deal with that hole in your IT knowledge called IPv6. If you’re watching the CBT Nuggets videos, then there’s a great video dedicated to this subject that walks you through the basics of IPv6, as well as some key areas that you should know for the exam. You will no longer have anything to fear when you see that long string of letters, numbers and colons when running an ipconfig /all!
- Managing VMs with Hyper-V – Familiarize yourself with the various settings that are available for hosting virtual machines with Hyper-V. Understand the functionality available to you in Hyper-V as it applies to managing different types of virtual environments. You should create a few VMs with different settings, so that you know exactly how the various settings affect the virtual environment. Understand exactly where to configure specific settings like resource metering and NUMA, as well as what they do.
- Printer Management – Don’t ask me why, but Microsoft really wants to make sure you get printer management. Read up on printer pooling and branch office direct printing.
If you’re thinking about taking the 70-410 exam, I hope this information has been useful to you. I can’t stress enough how important it is to really prepare for this exam and NOT rely solely on brain dumps to quickly pass the exam. By learning the material properly and passing the exam confidently, you will greatly enhance your marketability to your current and future employers.
Watch this space for upcoming posts on passing the other exams required for MCSE: SharePoint. If you’ve already passed the exam and would like to share your tips, feel free to post them below.
**7/8/13 Update** Microsoft recently announced planned updates to the exams for the upcoming Windows Server 2012 R2 release. Read more here.
Thanks a lot Mike. This was really helpful.
I’ll be earning the MCSA Server 2012 Certification very soon. It was nice to read your article.
Cliff – I’m glad the information was useful for you! Good luck on your quest to get the exam. I’ll be sure to post follow up posts for 411 and 412 as soon as I can. Thanks for stopping by.
Mike – I’ve started out on the same road as yourself – I hope to achieve the Sharepoint MCSE by the end of the year. I took 70-410 at the weekend and passed with 731/1000.
I found some useful resources here :
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/server/default.aspx#fbid=9yOfbg5XfhQ
And this looks perfect – if only it were in English ๐
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/core-solutions-of-microsoft-sharepoint-server-2013-exame-70-331
Good luck !
Paul
Thanks for the comment! I can’t stress enough how I enjoyed the CBT Nuggets for this course. I highly recommend it as a supplement to traditional practice exams.
Good luck!
Great read, going to undertake the 70-410 recently bought the Microsoft reference book but I think the nuggets are the way to go,
Dear Mike,
I have small doubt about the reference materials, some people recommend “Insalling and configuring server 2012 Training Guide” By Mitch Tulloch and some people tell me “Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 – Exam Ref 70-410” by Craig Zacker. I don;t know what is the correct one. Please advise to me……..
Nuwan
Nuwan,
Both books unfortunately have some errors and omissions. I wouldn’t rely on either solely, but I would probably go with the Mitch Tulloch book first. If you’re looking for a great all around desk reference for everything 2012 (and one that should get you through all 3 exams) try Windows 2012 Inside and Out by William Stanek. http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-2012-Inside-Out/dp/0735666318/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t
I have both books and if you bought them after April 2013 you would have the latest revisions provided you bought them from Orielly (Microsoft Press’s partner for this series).
There were many errors and omitted sentences and lots of syntax errors in the PowerShell especially, but they were recitified.
Check your cover of the book you own and it will say ‘X Printing’ refering to the revision as well as the date.
Hope that helps anyone
Great tip thanks for sharing! I’m glad the errors have been corrected already.
Can you please send me the link of URL of E book with ‘X Printing’
Tks
Wow, this is really helpful. I’ll try myself in two weeks (second time ๐ ). I’ll post here my success!
I’ve all 3 books, Inside and Out, Exam Ref 70-410 and Training Kit.
Eating books, lol.
Thx Mike.
[…] Excellent additional resource link here โ> http://mikeferrara.com/2013/05/passing-70-410-exam-installing-and-configuring-windows-server-2012/ […]
Hello All,
just wanted to say thank you for sharing this information. This will be very helpful for me since I just moved up to network admin. I been in support for the last couple of years. I have an idea what I need to study for and get. We have access to the CBT site so I will check out the videos. I spoke with a MS Cert agent and he said to get this book.
http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0790145369826.do What do you guys think about this or is there other books you guys think for someone just starting on this quest?
thanks again
Hi Louie,
Thanks for the comment. I think the book is more than likely a pretty good resource. But as I mentioned in the post, a lot of these ref guides in print end up having a ton of errors in them. So I would absolutely supplement this with the CBTs and practice exams.
Hey Mike, I am looking at doing the MCSA Windows Server 2012 exam and I am wondering if the book you mentioned here, http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-2012-Inside-Out/dp/0735666318/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t, is still worthwhile getting even though we are now on W2K12 R2? BTW your website is a great resource. Thanks
Hi Derek,
Thanks for the comment and good question. If you’re looking to get your exams done soon, then I would recommend getting the book. As a reference, the book is still very useful, as there will no doubt still be many times that you’ll encounter plain 2012 servers. The same author has an updated version of the book for R2 coming out at the end of Feb 2014. So it would be a great supplement once it’s comes out. http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-2012-Inside-Configuration/dp/0735682674/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1383527755&sr=8-6&keywords=windows+server+2012+r2
Hey Mike, much appreciated. I was hoping to get the 470-010 exam down before XMAS but I am only starting to get into the W2K12 stuff now so I am probably pushing it a bit. Think I will buy the old book and then get the new one when it comes out in February so at least I will have both basis covered.
Cheers
Derek.
Is there any date that has been announced as to when the MS exams will be updated with Server 2012 R2 questions?
@Kris
Microsoft has announced that the certification tests starting in January 2014 will reflect the additional Windows Server 2012 R2 content.
What’s a little frustrating for me is that I am on pace to take one test (70-411)in January and the next one (70-412) in Feb but no one seems to be releasing any training materials covering the R2 information befor March.
Looks like I’ll be 100% dependent on TechNet…
[…] Tips on Passing 70-410 Exam Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 […]
Very helpful and to the point.
Hi Mike!
Thanks a lot for posting this helpful information. Having finished my CCNA in both R&S and Security, I am looking forward for my MCSA. I was searching the web looking for recommendations on good resources and found your blog to be a valuable one.
Thanks for posting the info. Regarding actual lab practice (using VMware etc), what did you use for your practice labs? did you use any lab manual that gives you various server 2012 setup lab scenarios to practice. such as this one maybe? => http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118511581.html
Thanks
Nimal – thanks for reading and glad it was useful to you.
As for labs, I actually built my own from scratch. I’ve been working with Windows servers for so long, that I just felt like doing it myself. However, if you or your employer invests in CBT Nuggets/Train Signal (now Plural Sight), then there are labs available to you there. If you’re looking for a cost effective solution, I would start with Plural Sight. I’ve started using their service now, and it’s a fantastic resource for IT people from all walks of life.
The first set of videos for 70-410 goes through a basic setup of 2012, and they have a good amount of hands on learning in their videos. The other thing that’s nice about Plural Sight is that the videos are much shorter and focused on a particular task. You can quickly load up a video to brush up on a particular setup/configuration/setting, rather than having to watch a whole video.
Hope this helps.
Thanks again for replying so soon. As I don’t have much experience with Server 2012(yet), I might find it hard to build up my own lab scenarios to practice. I’ll definitely checkout those resources you mentioned.
Even with CCNA I found that reading the theory is fine, but it’s actually when you do the labs a few times that you really absorb those concepts..especially when you don’t have much experience with the technology prior to learning. For me anyway, I now know that’s definitely the method to learn.
Good luck to us all!..
Cheers
Hi Mike, totally agree with your view on braindumps! If it’s of any use to your readers, I’ve created a free practice test for 70-410, loads of good questions, and absolutely no braindumps.
Please take a look if you’ve got a minute..
http://www.accelerated-ideas.com/free-70410-practice-test.aspx
What happened to the MS Learning site? The links on this article are not working. It seems every MS link to MS Certification information points the Learning site and it is not available.
Kinda makes it difficult to figure out what you need to know, to write the exams…LOL
I just went through each link and they are working properly. Try again, as they should be working. Thanks for the heads up.
Hey, Mike. Thanks for the great tips you dropped up there. Honestly, I’m taking the MCSA course for the first time. My third step to become the IT professional I’m pursuing (finished CCNA & red hat) . actually I’ve started recently with cbtnuggets “by james conrad” and the (Exam Ref 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012) you mentioned above. What made me pass by your post “Thank god” is that I’m not totally convinced and satisfied by what’s given in that book; any IT guy who reads it might notice that it’s not a reliable source so far in my opinion.
My question is, do you think that the “Windows Inside out” with CBT nuggets are enough ?? any other recommendations? do you think that MSCA with ccna & red hat certs are pretty enough??
Looking forward to hearing from you.
I have once attempted this exam and failed at brutal hands of powershell. What Micfosoft is trying to do from my perspectives is do away with the GUI all together. This is the era once again of the the great “CLI”
TY Mike! My current goals ARE MCSE: SharePoint (via 70-410 and MCSA: Windows Server 2012 R2, of course). I will be back to “pick your brain” on insight and advice.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the very informative and great blog. I went through all posts on this blog and I found answers to my questions however I have one question to ask you and that is, is it better to buy volume 1 and 2 books of Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out Volume 1: Configuration, Storage, & Essentials AND Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out Volume 2: Services, Security, & Infrastructure by William Stanek? Or is it better to first buy Windows Server 2012 Inside Out by William Stanek and then buy volume 1 and 2 of R2 version? Really appreciate your time and efforts to respond to every post.
Hi Negash, At this point I would invest in the R2 books. Since the exams fully incorporate R2 questions, you’ll want to study from that perspective. Another great resource for R2 knowledge is “Mastering Windows Server 2012 R2”.
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Windows-Server-2012-R2/dp/1118289420/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412191025&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+server+2012+r2
Either way, you can’t go wrong with Stanek’s books, and I highly recommend them. Thanks for the comment!
Hi Mike, thank you in getting back to me and you have convinced me to purchase volume 1 and 2 books of Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out by William Stanek. Thank you again for the advise and all the best.
Hi guys I am also working on my 70-410 but I’m using the Don Poulton Cert guide. Its pretty good so far and I’m also using the nuggets. Hoping to test in 2 months. Good luck to you all!
Reaffirming what I didn’t want to hear (don’t take shortcuts). Just ordered the Windows Server 2012 Inside Out R2 (volume1?!!) book. Here I go!
Thank you for the info. I will study & keep you update of the outcome!
Hi guys, i need your advise. i dont have have any microsoft qualifications but i want to start learning. a friend convinced me to take on MCSA Windows Server 2012 but i am worried . i dont have any experience in servers or windows server 2008 will it be a good idea to take on msca server 2012 or start from mcitp windows server 2008 . i think it wiil be a waste of time cos its 6years old now.
Hi Prenith – I think that it makes more sense to go after a 2012 cert at this point. Although there certainly are many organizations still using 2008/R2 (and 2003 for that matter), for certification purposes I would invest in the track that has the longest benefit to your career. Although learning about the differences in 2008 is certainly worthwhile, I personally would not invest time getting certified on it at this point. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for your advise mike.
thanks a lot mr.Mike it was very use full for me..but still i am having some doubt about choosing a study material.i am going to give the mcse exam,as u mentioned in the above article either i have to choose CBT Nuggets or Windows Server 2012 Inside Out .even i buy this Windows Server 2012 Inside Out will it cover the all exams (410 TO 414).please help me to choose
thanks in advance.
seriously difficult test this is 410. Probably only those who ONLY work on windows servers will pass this, or people will end up taking 3-4 times to pass.
I am on 4th try.
@ruderoo9 don’t worry to much about it. I know it’s hard I myself have taken it twice and failed. I score has gone up. i just need to work on my active directory stuff more and lab. But I like to follow steps by step. That’s how i learn some of the books don’t have that.
But keep trying like i have. what material are you using for the exam?
Hi,
I`m starting off with the MCSA. I got the CBT Nuggets and the thesaurus (Microsoft Server 2012 Inside Out 2012 book). The nuggets are great, inline with the different exams, 70-410; 70-411 and 70-412.
I need some reference from the professionals here on the book. I` ve gone through the index to try and reference the book and chapters according to the 70-410 (I`m still going to write), then afterwards the 70-411 and so on, but I can`t get heads or tails. The book is in depth.
Should I just read the entire book then go write the exams, or can anyone help from experience, with referencing the chapters according to 70-410, 70-411 and 70-412?
Thanks
Good way to prepare for exam is to try ready questions&answers and realistic test simulation like https://exambraindumps.com/70-410.html so you can understand how difficult it is.
Recently I started creating a video series along with the 70-410 ExamRef book. The videos are free and open to everyone, I cover all of the topics on the 70-410 along with labs. I hope you find them useful and enjoy the video series. The videos can be found at http://www.youtube.com/networkedminds
Should we be using the Server 2012 R2 Vol 1 and 2 Inside Out instead now, or is the one linked above still good for the current 70-410 exam?
Hi all,
I just sharing some information. If anyone need 70-410 exam dumps then visit http://www.dumps4download.us/free-70-410/microsoft-question-answers.html this link. There is latest 70-410 exam dumps questions answers.