Introduction to Microsoft Certification DECUS Anaheim ...

Slide 1:Introduction toMicrosoft Certification

DECUS Anaheim - November 1997 Ryan Maley HP Professional

Slide 2:Presentation available at http://www.maley.org/ryan

Contact me! ryan@maley.org

Slide 3:Be sure to use View Notes for more information !

Slide 4:Why Get Certified ?

Prove a certain level of knowledge on a product Professional development Benefits from Microsoft Benefits to your employer The point of a certification exam is to prove a certain level of knowledge on a particular product. This does not guarantee you are a genius. Rather, think of it as an indicator. When choosing between two candidates for a job, which is likely to be chosen? All other things being equal, the certified person will be selected. Having certifications can open career doors and increase your salary. Some positions now require certifications. If you are considering a job change, being certified may give you access to new opportunities. Additionally, some companies pay bonuses or increase salary for exams passed. Benefits from Microsoft are provided to certified professionals. Primarily, use of logos and access to Technet and other products. These can be very useful for keeping your skills sharp. Having certified people on staff can help your employer attain status as Microsoft Solutions Provider or Authorized Technology Education Center. The point of a certification exam is to prove a certain level of knowledge on a particular product. This does not guarantee you are a genius. Rather, think of it as an indicator. When choosing between two candidates for a job, which is likely to be chosen? All other things being equal, the certified person will be selected. Having certifications can open career doors and increase your salary. Some positions now require certifications. If you are considering a job change, being certified may give you access to new opportunities. Additionally, some companies pay bonuses or increase salary for exams passed. Benefits from Microsoft are provided to certified professionals. Primarily, use of logos and access to Technet and other products. These can be very useful for keeping your skills sharp. Having certified people on staff can help your employer attain status as Microsoft Solutions Provider or Authorized Technology Education Center.

Slide 5:Question Time !

You constantly work with several other operating systems and networks. Which of the following support long file names?

Slide 6:Choices:

A. Client for Netware Networks B. Client for Microsoft Networks C. Windows NT 3.1 D. Windows for Workgroups 3.1

Slide 7:Answer

A. Client for Netware Networks B. Client for Microsoft Networks Explanation: Protected mode network clients support long filenames. NT 3.1 and WfW do not. This Q & A is part of the Windows 95 test from Transcender. Reach transcender at www.transcender.com This Q & A is part of the Windows 95 test from Transcender. Reach transcender at www.transcender.com

Slide 8:Microsoft Certification Types

Certified Professional Certified Systems Engineer Certified Solution Developer Certified Trainer Certified Professional: Specialist - Internet

Slide 9:Certifications by Type

Total: 72,200 137,916 91 percent (+65,716) MCPS: 58,900 106,933 82 percent (+48,033) MCSE: 11,100 25,756 132 percent (+14,656) MCSD: 2,200 5,056 130 percent (+2,856) MCT: 5,600 9,024 61 percent (+3,424) Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Sep/Oct 1997 Total: 72,200 137,916 91 percent (+65,716) MCPS: 58,900 106,933 82 percent (+48,033) MCSE: 11,100 25,756 132 percent (+14,656) MCSD: 2,200 5,056 130 percent (+2,856) MCT: 5,600 9,024 61 percent (+3,424) Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Sep/Oct 1997

Slide 10:Certified Professional

Must pass one operating system exam

Slide 11:MCP Benefits

Use of the MCP logo Access to secure web site Single copy of TechNet MCP Certificate Subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine The MCP logo is shown on the previous slide. Microsoft offers a secure web site for MCPs at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp This site contains electronic logos, certification news, Developer�s Network on-line and other features. It replaces some online forums on the Microsoft Network. It is still in development, but seems to be the focus for new offering to the certified community. Technet is Microsoft�s support offering. Published monthly, it contains a snapshot of the Microsoft Knowledge base (http://www.microsoft.com/kb/default.asp) and updated drivers, patches and service packs. A single copy is provided to MCP. The MCP certificate is not suitable for framing (at least mine wasn�t). It is suitable for proving your status. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine is an excellent resource for staying on top of certification news. Features include reviews of new tests, salary surveys and reviews of training material. Their web site is http://www.mcpmag.com The MCP logo is shown on the previous slide. Microsoft offers a secure web site for MCPs at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp This site contains electronic logos, certification news, Developer�s Network on-line and other features. It replaces some online forums on the Microsoft Network. It is still in development, but seems to be the focus for new offering to the certified community. Technet is Microsoft�s support offering. Published monthly, it contains a snapshot of the Microsoft Knowledge base (http://www.microsoft.com/kb/default.asp) and updated drivers, patches and service packs. A single copy is provided to MCP. The MCP certificate is not suitable for framing (at least mine wasn�t). It is suitable for proving your status. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine is an excellent resource for staying on top of certification news. Features include reviews of new tests, salary surveys and reviews of training material. Their web site is http://www.mcpmag.com

Slide 12:MCP Qualification Tests

Windows 95 Windows NT Workstation 4.02 or 3.51 Windows NT Server 4.0 or 3.51 Windows Architecture I or II Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Windows 3.1 Any Windows operating system or Windows Architecture exam qualifies for MCP status. The Windows Architecture tests are oriented towards developers. If you are in a quandary how to get started, pick the product with which you are most familiar. Try to pick the newest product, so your certification stays valid for as long as possible.Any Windows operating system or Windows Architecture exam qualifies for MCP status. The Windows Architecture tests are oriented towards developers. If you are in a quandary how to get started, pick the product with which you are most familiar. Try to pick the newest product, so your certification stays valid for as long as possible.

Slide 13:MCP OS Compensation

Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997

Slide 14:Question Time !

Rebecca�s computer is not a member of the COMPANY domain, but she needs to log on to that domain to access the network printers. How can she log onto the domain?

Slide 15:Choices:

A. She cannot. The computer must join the domain first. B. She can select the COMPANY domain in the From box in the log on dialog box. C. She can use the Connect As box in the Print Manger to supply a domain User ID and Password. D. She can just log on normally.

Slide 16:Answer

A. She cannot. The computer must join the domain first. Explanation: The computer must be a member of the domain before it can access the domain�s security database. This Q & A are part of the a Transcender demonstration test available at http://www.transcender.com This Q & A are part of the a Transcender demonstration test available at http://www.transcender.com

Slide 17:Certified Systems Engineer

Must pass three operating systems exams Must pass two elective exams Must pass Networking Essentials exam The MCSE certification is designed to show proficiency in Microsoft operating system, networking and BackOffice technologies. It requires six tests.The MCSE certification is designed to show proficiency in Microsoft operating system, networking and BackOffice technologies. It requires six tests.

Slide 18:MCSE Benefits

Use of the MCSE logo Access to secure web site One year subscription to TechNet One year subscription to MS Beta program MCSE Certificate Subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine The MCSE logo is shown on the previous slide. Microsoft offers a secure web site for MCPs at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp This site is described on a previous slide. Technet is Microsoft�s support offering. A description is on a previous slide. MCSEs receive a full year�s subscription. Issues are published monthly. The Beta Program delivers all the current products in the beta cycle. This is a great way to get familiar with new versions and for developers to check their products against Microsoft�s. The MCSE certificate is not suitable for framing (at least mine wasn�t). It is suitable for proving your status. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine is an excellent resource for staying on top of certification news. Features include reviews of new tests, salary surveys and reviews of training material. Their web site is http://www.mcpmag.com The MCSE logo is shown on the previous slide. Microsoft offers a secure web site for MCPs at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp This site is described on a previous slide. Technet is Microsoft�s support offering. A description is on a previous slide. MCSEs receive a full year�s subscription. Issues are published monthly. The Beta Program delivers all the current products in the beta cycle. This is a great way to get familiar with new versions and for developers to check their products against Microsoft�s. The MCSE certificate is not suitable for framing (at least mine wasn�t). It is suitable for proving your status. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine is an excellent resource for staying on top of certification news. Features include reviews of new tests, salary surveys and reviews of training material. Their web site is http://www.mcpmag.com

Slide 19:MCSE Tracks

3.5 track focuses on NT 3.5x 4.0 track focuses on NT 4.0 The two MCSE tracks developed when Microsoft released NT 4.0. Microsoft wanted to make the 4.0 certification geared more toward the large enterprise.The two MCSE tracks developed when Microsoft released NT 4.0. Microsoft wanted to make the 4.0 certification geared more toward the large enterprise.

Slide 20:MCSE 3.5x OS Track Tests

Windows NT Server 3.51 Windows NT Workstation 3.51 Windows desktop exam: Windows 95 - or - Windows for Workgroups 3.11 - or - Windows 3.1 The 3.51 track requires knowledge of both NT Workstation and Server. Also required is an OS exam for the client or desktop side of the network.The 3.51 track requires knowledge of both NT Workstation and Server. Also required is an OS exam for the client or desktop side of the network.

Slide 21:MCSE 4.0 OS Track Tests

Windows NT Server 4.0 Windows NT Server in the Enterprise 4.0 Windows desktop exam: Windows 95 - or - Windows NT Workstation 4.0 - or - Windows for Workgroups 3.11 - or - Windows 3.1 The 4.0 track focuses on larger enterprises. The Server in the Enterprise exam addresses issues such as domains and trusts. In the 4.0 track, NT Workstation 4.0 also qualifies as the desktop exam. This may leave a gap in knowledge regarding the lower end Windows products.The 4.0 track focuses on larger enterprises. The Server in the Enterprise exam addresses issues such as domains and trusts. In the 4.0 track, NT Workstation 4.0 also qualifies as the desktop exam. This may leave a gap in knowledge regarding the lower end Windows products.

Slide 22:MCSE Networking Essentials

Introduces basic networking concepts and OSI model Test is waived for Novell and Banyan certified professionals: CNEs, Master CNEs, CNI, CBSs or CBEs

Slide 23:MCSE Elective Tests

SNA Server 3.0 or 4.0 Systems Management Server 1.2 Database Design on SQL Server 6.5 System Administration on SQL Server 6.5 Internetworking with TCP/IP on NT 3.5 or 4.0 Electives are your choice. You should probably pick whatever product you know best. Some of the more �prestigious� (read �hard�) electives are TCP/IP, Exchange and SMS.Electives are your choice. You should probably pick whatever product you know best. Some of the more �prestigious� (read �hard�) electives are TCP/IP, Exchange and SMS.

Slide 24:MCSE Elective Tests

Proxy Server 1.0 or 2.0 Exchange Server 4.0 or 5.0 Internet Information Server 3.0 and Index Server 1.1 MS Mail for PC Networks 3.2

Slide 25:MCSE Compensation

Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997

Slide 26:Question Time !

In the OSI model, to which layer does the X.400 protocol apply?

Slide 27:Choices:

A. the Application layer B. the Network layer C. the Session layer D. the Transport layer

Slide 28:Answer

A. the Application layer Explanation: The three top layers of the OSI model involve the OS and applications. The bottom four layers determine how networks interconnect. I have no idea where this question came from. I snagged it off the MCSE mailing list. Bonus Question: Name the seven layers of the OSI model: Application Presentation Session Transport Network Data Link Physical I have no idea where this question came from. I snagged it off the MCSE mailing list. Bonus Question: Name the seven layers of the OSI model: Application Presentation Session Transport Network Data Link Physical

Slide 29:Certified Solutions Developer

Must pass two �core technology� exams Must pass two elective exams The MCSD certification is designed to show proficiency in Microsoft software development technologies such as ActiveX and DCOM. It requires four tests.The MCSD certification is designed to show proficiency in Microsoft software development technologies such as ActiveX and DCOM. It requires four tests.

Slide 30:MCSD Benefits

Use of the MCSD logo & MCSD certificate Access to secure web site One year subscription to Developer�s Network One year subscription to MS Beta program Subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine The Developer�s Network program sends disks containing the latest documentation, papers and programming examples. It is published quarterly.The Developer�s Network program sends disks containing the latest documentation, papers and programming examples. It is published quarterly.

Slide 31:MCSD Core Technology Tests

Windows Architecture I Windows Architecture II The core technology tests address fundamental issues of Windows software development. It covers topics such as Component Object Model (COM), ActiveX, Object Linking Environment (OLE), Remote Data Objects (RDO, etc...The core technology tests address fundamental issues of Windows software development. It covers topics such as Component Object Model (COM), ActiveX, Object Linking Environment (OLE), Remote Data Objects (RDO, etc...

Slide 32:MCSD Elective Tests

Database Design on SQL Server 6.5 Developing Apps w/ C++ and MFC Visual Basic 4.0 or 5.0 Access 2.0 or Access 95 The �prestigious� (read �hard�) test for the MCSD is Microsoft Foundation Classes.The �prestigious� (read �hard�) test for the MCSD is Microsoft Foundation Classes.

Slide 33:MCSD Elective Tests

Developing Apps w/ Excel 5.0 using Visual Basic for Applications Visual FoxPro 3.0 Implementing OLE in MFC Applications

Slide 34:MCSD Compensation

Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997

Slide 35:Question Time !

Which type of thread synchronization is used when a program wants only one thread at a time to access a section of code?

Slide 36:Choices:

A. semaphore B. mutex C. critical section D. event

Slide 37:Answer

B. mutex Explanation: Event synchronization revolves around blocking a thread. Semaphores allow a specified number of thread to access a section. A critical section can only be used by threads within the same process. This Q & A are part of the the Transcender WOSSA I exam available at www.transcender.com This Q & A are part of the the Transcender WOSSA I exam available at www.transcender.com

Slide 38:Certified Trainer

Must teach at Authorized Technology Education Center or Academic Training Program Must prove teaching skills Microsoft approved course Certified Technical Trainer certificate Must use Microsoft Official Courseware Must pass exam for class you are teaching The MCT certification is designed to show proficiency in teaching Microsoft courses. You must �prove� the ability to teach by taking a Microsoft approved course or getting the CTT (Certified Technical Trainer) certificate. The MCT status can only be used or promoted when teaching Microsoft courses with Microsoft teaching materials. The MCT certification is designed to show proficiency in teaching Microsoft courses. You must �prove� the ability to teach by taking a Microsoft approved course or getting the CTT (Certified Technical Trainer) certificate. The MCT status can only be used or promoted when teaching Microsoft courses with Microsoft teaching materials.

Slide 39:MCT Benefits

Any MCP or other benefits from passing exams Access to secure web site Certificate is �portable� to any Microsoft ATEC or AATP

Slide 40:MCT Compensation

Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997Compensation by Experience, in thousands of dollars. Source: Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, Jan/ Feb 1997

Slide 41:Certified Professional:Internet Specialist

Must pass Internet Information Server 3.0 Must pass Windows NT Server 4.0 Must pass Internetworking with TCP/IP and NT 4.0 Microsoft has created this MCP specialist certification to address the growing demand for qualified people to support the Internet. This certification addresses the core Internet technologies using a Microsoft solution. This does not mean you can suddenly design a web page or run a Unix web server.Microsoft has created this MCP specialist certification to address the growing demand for qualified people to support the Internet. This certification addresses the core Internet technologies using a Microsoft solution. This does not mean you can suddenly design a web page or run a Unix web server.

Slide 42:MCP Internet Benefits

Use of the MCP logo Access to secure web site Single copy of TechNet MCP Certificate Subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Internet specialist benefits are the same as MCP benefits.Internet specialist benefits are the same as MCP benefits.

Slide 43:Question Time !

You have an NT Server computer that is configured with 64M of memory. You run IIS and Microsoft SQL Server on that computer. You increase the IIS cache size to 50M. What is the result?

Slide 44:Choices:

A. Overall performance increases. B. Overall performance decreases. C. Overall performance won�t change. D. Overall performance of the SQL software increases.

Slide 45:Answer

B. Overall performance decreases. Windows NT 4.0 requires a minimum of 16M of memory. SQL Server guidelines suggest 32M of RAM for that software. If you were to increase the IIS cache size to 50M, leaving 14M of RAM for the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, the overall system performance would decrease greatly. This Q & A are are part of the Web-based MCSE exam software GITI WBT from GITI, 888-WWW-GITI or www.giti.com. This Q & A are are part of the Web-based MCSE exam software GITI WBT from GITI, 888-WWW-GITI or www.giti.com.

Slide 46:Paths to Certification

Authorized Technology Education Center (ATEC) or Authorized Academic Training Program (AATP) Online Training Self Study

Slide 47:ATEC

Technical training authorized by Microsoft Instructor led courses Uses Microsoft Official Curriculum Supporting Windows NT Server 4.0 Core Technologies - cost: $2,125 for 5 days ATECs are authorized by Microsoft. The get authorized by agreeing to use MCTs and Microsoft training materials. Course cost from Teknowlogy Education Center (http://www.teknowlogy.com).ATECs are authorized by Microsoft. The get authorized by agreeing to use MCTs and Microsoft training materials. Course cost from Teknowlogy Education Center (http://www.teknowlogy.com).

Slide 48:ATEC: Pros and Cons

Pros: Microsoft Certified Trainers Microsoft Official Curriculum Geared toward passing the test Cons: Expensive Geared toward passing test There is some debate about ATECs gearing classes to get people certified. Some ATECs make certification the point, some make knowledge the point. Before selecting a provider, ask for some references or to sit in on an afternoon�s class.There is some debate about ATECs gearing classes to get people certified. Some ATECs make certification the point, some make knowledge the point. Before selecting a provider, ask for some references or to sit in on an afternoon�s class.

Slide 49:Online Training

Classes last between 8 and 18 weeks Instruction can take place daily Talk to instructors via chat or e-mail Windows NT Server 4.0 cost: $995 Some online training is provided by ATECs. The classes work by sending instructional materials hard copy and through electronic mail. The better classes are designed so material is sent via e-mail every day. This allows material to sink in over an extended period of time. Course cost from scholars.com.Some online training is provided by ATECs. The classes work by sending instructional materials hard copy and through electronic mail. The better classes are designed so material is sent via e-mail every day. This allows material to sink in over an extended period of time. Course cost from scholars.com.

Slide 50:Online: Pros and Cons

Pros: Flexible schedule Daily exposure over a longer period of time Cons: No direct interaction with other students Provide your own equipment

Slide 51:Self Study

Set your own pace Usually takes between 3 and 12 months, average is about 6 month Highly recommended !

Slide 52:Self-Study: Pros and Cons

Pros: Study at your own pace Cheaper Cons: No guidance Provide your own equipment

Slide 53:Self Study Resources

Microsoft Technet Windows NT Resource Kits Microsoft Developer�s Network Knowledge Base: http://www.microsoft.com/kb/default.asp Microsoft Official Curriculum Microsoft Approved Study Guides

Slide 54:Practice Tests

Transcender: http://www.transcender .com Self Test Software: http://www.stsware.com Wave Technologies: http://wavetech.com BeachFront Quizzer: http://www.bfq.com

Slide 55:Self Study �Lab�

Two Personal Computers (minimum): Server PC: Pentium 90 w/ 2 GB hd, 16 MB RAM, CD-ROM, NIC Client PC: 486 DX4 100 w/ 2 GB hd, 16 MB RAM, NIC 4 port 10 base T hub: < $70

Slide 56:Taking Tests

Tests are given at Sylvan Prometric testing centers Tests are taken on computer; results are known immediately Tests range from 50 - 100 questions Passing scores can be anywhere from 570 - 850 There are several sets of questions for each test. The 50 to 100 questions are taken from a pool of 150 to 200 questions. This means that if you fail a test you may not get the same questions when you retake. There are several sets of questions for each test. The 50 to 100 questions are taken from a pool of 150 to 200 questions. This means that if you fail a test you may not get the same questions when you retake.

Slide 57:Sylvan Prometric

Tests are $100 Beta tests are $50 Tests can be scheduled up to six weeks in advance. Minimum: one day Bring one picture and one other ID To register, call 800.755.EXAM Sylvan Prometric is the only authorized place to take Microsoft tests. There are more than 1500 testing locations in 80 countries. On the web at http://www.sylvanprometric.comSylvan Prometric is the only authorized place to take Microsoft tests. There are more than 1500 testing locations in 80 countries. On the web at http://www.sylvanprometric.com

Slide 58:Beta Tests

Internet Explorer 4.0 - December 1997 Exchange Server 5.5 - January 1998 Internet Information Server 4.0 - January 1998 These are some upcoming beta tests. Beta tests ask all the questions in the exam pool. Usually between 150 and 200 questions. After everyone takes the tests, a passing score is set by Microsoft based on how everyone did. Taking the beta means you can get a chance to take the test for half price and if you fail, you have a good idea of what�s on the test.These are some upcoming beta tests. Beta tests ask all the questions in the exam pool. Usually between 150 and 200 questions. After everyone takes the tests, a passing score is set by Microsoft based on how everyone did. Taking the beta means you can get a chance to take the test for half price and if you fail, you have a good idea of what�s on the test.

Slide 59:Resources

Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/mcp MCSE Mailing MCSD Mailing List Other links Microsoft is the prime source for test information, including the all important exam preparation guide. The MCSE Mailing list at Saluki is a very high volume mailing list which tries (smetime without success) to deliver information about the exams and other information relevantto certification. A good source of brain dumps which are notes by people who just took the test and want to spill their memories. To subscribe, send a message to majordomo@saluki.com with the text subcribe mcse your name in the body of the message. Message archives are available at http://www.saluki.com. The MCSD maling list I relatively low traffic focused on thedeveloper�s cetification. To subscribe, send a message to mcsdtalk@earthchannel.com with the text signon mcsdtalk in the body. Message archives are available at http://www.earthchannel.com/binpub/archives/mscdtalk/ Information about the Certified Technical Trainer program can be retrieved by sending mail to cttp@ets.org. Someone will contact you and forward the information. Microsoft is the prime source for test information, including the all important exam preparation guide. The MCSE Mailing list at Saluki is a very high volume mailing list which tries (smetime without success) to deliver information about the exams and other information relevantto certification. A good source of brain dumps which are notes by people who just took the test and want to spill their memories. To subscribe, send a message to majordomo@saluki.com with the text subcribe mcse your name in the body of the message. Message archives are available at http://www.saluki.com. The MCSD maling list I relatively low traffic focused on thedeveloper�s cetification. To subscribe, send a message to mcsdtalk@earthchannel.com with the text signon mcsdtalk in the body. Message archives are available at http://www.earthchannel.com/binpub/archives/mscdtalk/ Information about the Certified Technical Trainer program can be retrieved by sending mail to cttp@ets.org. Someone will contact you and forward the information.

Slide 60:Thank You !

Ryan Maley ryan@maley.org