How to Upgrade Your MCSE 2003 to MCITP

Step One: Pass Microsoft Exam (70-649) Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

Step Two: Pass Microsoft Exam (70-646) Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator to become a MCITP Server Administrator

By following those first two steps, you’ll become an MCITP Server Administrator.

An alternative is to shoot for the MCITP Enterprise Administrator.

Step Two (Alternate): Pass Microsoft Exam (70-647) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator

AND

Pass Microsoft Exam (70-624) Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

or

Pass Microsoft Exam (70-620) Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client

By following this path, you can become an MCITP Enterprise Administrator

How to Upgrade Your MCSA 2003 to MCITP

Step One: Pass Microsoft Exam (70-648) Upgrading from Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008

Step Two: Pass Microsoft Exam (70-643) Configuring Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure

Step Three: Pass Microsoft Exam (70-646) Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator to become a MCITP Server Administrator.

Alternately, you can go another route to become an MCITP Enterprise Administrator

Pass Microsoft Exam (70-647) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator

AND

Pass Microsoft Exam (70-624) Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

or

Pass Microsoft Exam (70-620) Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client.

Do that, and you’ll become an MCITP Enterprise Administrator.

Here’s some facts I’ve dug up about these exams:

The Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator exam is a challenging test of a candidate’s ability to administer a complex network infrastructure with less than 200 computers and users accounts.

On this exam, the exam will test in depth concepts, such as the following six subjects specifically targeted by Microsoft:

• Managing the server operating system, file, and directory services

• Software distribution and updates

• Profiling and monitoring assigned servers

• Troubleshooting The official objectives for this exam are:

• Planning for Server Deployment

• Planning for Server Management

• Monitoring and Maintaining Servers

• Planning Application and Data Provisioning

• Planning for Business Continuity and High Availability

The 70-620 exam is a multiple choice, computer based test that will certify a candidate as a Microsoft technology specialist on Windows Vista Desktop Support and analysis. This exam and certification replace the older Microsoft MCDST (Microsoft certified desktop support technician) certification that was available in a two exam format.

The 70-620 exam will ask a varied number of questions that will challenge a candidate’s understanding of Windows Vista and its differences between Windows XP. Additionally, candidates will be expected to understand many of the new features and important aspects of the new Vista features, such as optimization, the Aero desktop, and mobile computing. The official domains of this exam are:

• Installing and Upgrading Windows Vista

• Configuring and Troubleshooting Post-Installation System Settings

• Configuring Windows Security Features

• Configuring Network Connectivity

• Configuring Applications Included with Windows Vista

• Maintaining and Optimizing Systems That Run Windows Vista

• Configuring and Troubleshooting Mobile Computing

For people who already have an MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification, they created Exam (70-649). It’s meant for technology people that currently work in advanced computing environments for medium-sized to larger businesses and companies. You’ve got to have your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 before you can take this exam. They’ll still give you credit for passing the test if you take it without an MCSE, but they won’t give you credit for any certifications. So you only want to take it if you’ve got your MCSE 2003 already. Exam (70-648) is kind of like a mash-up of two individual Microsoft exams, the (70-640) and the (70-642). Exam (70-648) covers the skills about core technology features and function of Windows Server 2008, from the stuff you already know as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003.

Finding training for these exams is tricky, since so much of the material is composite material.  The best way to do this is with an all-inclusive training package that gives you all of the training for many different exams. PrepLogic has the Unlimited Access collection that works kind of like Netflix. With this approach, you could get the training for each of source exams and use that to prepare.  This way you wouldn’t be stuck with any extra titles or duplicate content. The point of upgrading your existing certification and not starting from scratch is to save money.  Server 2003 is going to be around for awhile, so there’s no immediate need to upgrade, but soon enough companies are going to find the money in their budgets to upgrade to Server 2008.  For more information visit PrepLogic online at www.preplogic.com or call us at 1-800-418-6789