MS 70-652 and 70-403

Claymoore · 07-09-2009, 02:02 PM

So Microsoft has this Virtualization partner compentency that requires the 652 and 403 exams.

https://partner.microsoft.com/us/40108153
TS: Windows Server Virtualization, Configuring
TS: System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008, Configuring

I have some free time right now and free Hyper-V e-learning that expires in a couple of weeks, so I thought I would take a serious look at Hyper-V and the exams. I already picked up the Sybex 652 study guide and a Hyper-V book, plus there is the free downloadable MS Virtualization book, but MS Press finally released the 70-652 MS Training Kit. The MSTK arrived yesterday and to my surprise, right there on the front cover it says it includes coverage of the MCTS 70-403 exam! I would say it's two training kits for the price of one, but the book has a $70 list price so it's more like two kits for the price of two.

These two exams, plus a possible VCP class in August, and my oft-delayed BCMSN exam for CCNA renewal should finish out the year cert-wise.

dynamik · 07-09-2009, 03:24 PM

You'll find 652 to be a breeze. I struggled with the SCVMM portion of it since I never used it (or even read about it), so if you're studying for that concurrently, you should be fine. Good luck!

stupidboy · 07-09-2009, 05:42 PM

I have had to delay my 70-652 attempt (planned for today) until next Thursday (too much work).

I have the MS e-Learning and the Sybex book. The Sybex good is an easy read (I seem to be motoring though it which is unusual for me) and although dull the MS e-Learning is useful and informative.

I have recently also seen the partner competency and have been contemplating the 70-403 in a month or so (as CBT Nuggets is due for release Q3), so any information on route would be a great help

dynamik · 07-09-2009, 05:45 PM

This was about all I used, with a little hands-on: 71-652 Notes

You two geniuses shouldn't have any problem with all those resources.

stupidboy · 07-09-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamik

This was about all I used, with a little hands-on: 71-652 Notes

You two geniuses shouldn't have any problem with all those resources.

No genius here (long way from it) just a lucky monkey

I need all the help I can get ... and bananas ... yeah lots of bananas

astorrs · 07-09-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stupidboy

No genius here (long way from it) just a lucky monkey

I need all the help I can get ... and bananas ... yeah lots of bananas

You should be all set now to pass that exam...

stupidboy · 07-09-2009, 07:16 PM

ROFL! All out of excuses now thanks astorrs

Hyper-Me · 07-10-2009, 12:56 AM

Its an easy exam.

stupidboy · 07-16-2009, 10:50 AM

Perhaps I should have finished eating all those bananas, I managed a 871

but the exam seemed harder that I had anticipated. I am glad this one is over and I can take a break from the MS exams for a while (I think)

Claymoore · 07-16-2009, 02:03 PM

Nice job!

I almost scheduled the 652 this week, but I decided on next Wednesday before I go on vacation. That way I will definitely take some time off after this exam.

stupidboy · 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claymoore

Nice job!

I almost scheduled the 652 this week, but I decided on next Wednesday before I go on vacation. That way I will definitely take some time off after this exam.

Thanks.

Good luck with the exam, let us know how you fair.

Good plan on the timing, I did my 70-649 before I went away for a week. Passing the exam made the time away even better

Claymoore · 07-22-2009, 04:00 PM

Passed 652 this morning with an 828. Disappointed with the score as I only had to think about a few questions and there were only a couple that I wasn't sure about. Throughout my studies I never found the material particularly challenging and I didn't think the test was challenging. Either I am missing some key knowledge or I started skimming questions and fell victim to a couple of tricks - or both. I have to admit that my heart wasn't in this one and my preparation wasn't up to my usual standards with only 3 weeks between exams. Oh well, a pass is a pass.

I used the 70-652 MSTK, and it confusingly contains material for the 70-403 exam as well. The 403 material is mixed in with the 652 material, so unless you continually check the skills mapping section at the front of the book you never know which lesson applies to which exam. That makes it confusing if you are only preparing for 652 but it's nice to include 403 material for the same price.

There have been rumors about a Virtualization MCITP, but nothing definitive yet on MS Learning. In the introduction for this book, it states that it also includes material for the 70-693 Windows Server Virtualization Administrator exam. 70-693 isn't listed on the MS learning site yet, but I'm betting that will be the Pro exam for the MCITP.

Up next - a break. That's 7 MS exams so far this year and it's time for a break from Microsoft. I'm taking some vacation time for my wedding and honeymoon first, and then I'll either take the rest of the summer off from cert studies or finish up the BCMSN to renew my CCNA before it expires.

stupidboy · 07-22-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claymoore

Passed 652 this morning with an 828. Disappointed with the score as I only had to think about a few questions and there were only a couple that I wasn't sure about. Throughout my studies I never found the material particularly challenging and I didn't think the test was challenging. Either I am missing some key knowledge or I started skimming questions and fell victim to a couple of tricks - or both. I have to admit that my heart wasn't in this one and my preparation wasn't up to my usual standards with only 3 weeks between exams. Oh well, a pass is a pass.

Congratulations

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claymoore

I used the 70-652 MSTK, and it confusingly contains material for the 70-403 exam as well. The 403 material is mixed in with the 652 material, so unless you continually check the skills mapping section at the front of the book you never know which lesson applies to which exam. That makes it confusing if you are only preparing for 652 but it's nice to include 403 material for the same price.

Are you going to do the 403 exam at a later date?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claymoore

There have been rumors about a Virtualization MCITP, but nothing definitive yet on MS Learning. In the introduction for this book, it states that it also includes material for the 70-693 Windows Server Virtualization Administrator exam. 70-693 isn't listed on the MS learning site yet, but I'm betting that will be the Pro exam for the MCITP.

That's very interesting, I think I have to keep an eye out on this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claymoore

Up next - a break. That's 7 MS exams so far this year and it's time for a break from Microsoft. I'm taking some vacation time for my wedding and honeymoon first, and then I'll either take the rest of the summer off from cert studies or finish up the BCMSN to renew my CCNA before it expires.

Enjoy your break, mine disappeared when I heard Windows 7 is ready for the taking