Categories
.NET Web

Register for Visual Studio 2010 Beta Exams (.NET 4.0)

Time for (free) Beta Exams again

Information can be found from here

http://blogs.technet.com/betaexams/archive/2010/03/17/register-for-tools-utilities-2010-beta-exams.aspx

Register via http://register.prometric.com

For easier reference, exams available are listed below (along with PromoCode)

Exam 71-511, TS: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 511BC

Exam 71-515, TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 515AA

Exam 70-513: TS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 513CD

Exam 70-516: TS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 516B1

Exam 70-518: Pro: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 518PE

Exam 70-519: Pro: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4 – 519ZS

And as always, word of advice, read and master the items in prep guide to increase your chances of passing the exams.

Good luck!

Categories
Career Growth

MCPD ASP.NET 3.5 beta exam

You are invited to take beta exam 71-564: Pro: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5. [more] If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The results will not appear on your transcript until several weeks after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.

 

71-564: Pro: Designing and Developing ASP.NET Applications Using the Microsoft® .NET Framework 3.5 counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

·          Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: ASP.NET Developer 3.5. In order to earn this certification you must also hold the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications.


Availability

Registration begins: November 5, 2008

Beta exam period runs: November 6, 2008– December 1, 2008

Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions).  All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: RSC43
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.

 

To register in North America, please call:

·          Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

·          Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Find exam preparation information:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-564.mspx

Categories
Career Growth

MCPD Windows Applications .NET 3.5 beta exam

You are invited to take beta exam 71-563: Pro: Designing and
Developing Windows Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
. [more]
If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your
transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
The results will not appear on your transcript until several
weeks after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx
identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when
the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used
for registration.

71-563: Pro: Designing and Developing Windows
Applications Using the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 counts as credit
towards the following certification(s).

· Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: Windows Developer 3.5.

Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-563.mspx


Availability

Registration begins: October 11, 2008

Beta exam period runs: October 13, 2008– October 30, 2008

Receiving
this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend
that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and
are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots
are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

Testing is
held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not
be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions).  All testing
centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: DW897
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.

To register in North America, please call:

· Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

· Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

 Good luck

** Also note that today is also the last day for the MCTS Database Developer SQL 2008 exams. Unfortunately as much as I would like to I won’t be able to take this exam. Would encourage everyone to take it though, you might be surprised you actually know more than you think you do (like my MCTS BI SQL 2008 exam :D)

Categories
Career Growth

MCITP PRO Business Intelligence 71-452 beta exam notes

Took the MCITP PRO Business Intelligence Developer (71-452 or 70-452 when it becomes live) sometime ago and although there is a non disclosure agreement I hope a few comments would hel. [more]

First of all, let me warn you that I’m not a dedicated BI professional but rather an enthusiast or at least interested and learning to be one someday so I’m not really an expert on the subject.

Secondly, for exam review I would recommend as always no other than the Prep Guide for the exam itself (see following link : Prep Guide for 70-452). If you are not at all familiar then any review would likely do the same thing if you are a bit familiar. Pick up those items you don’t know or familiar of and your bestfriend will be MSDN or google (or any search engine of your choice).

Moving on. Although I know not much it seems that the PRO exams are not too different with the TS exam for BI developer. A good number of technical know how rather than design. Though they may be related for someone not adept on BI I was able to intelligently guess some of the questions.

It is also worth noting that the number of SSRS questions seems to noticeable vs SSIS, SSAS questions.

Nothing that will follow is likely to be not found in the prep guide but will mention a few anyways. Also, unfortunately it has been sometime since I took the exam so I could not recall perfectly whether a certain item was from the TS or PRO exam. But will review the prep guide again soon and update this post accordingly.

Be sure you know when to use data mining algorithms, perform predictions and the basics.

Also review hierarchies and relationships and Change Data Capture (CDC)

Categories
Career Growth

MCTS SQL 2008, Database Development Beta Exam 71-433

You are invited to take beta exam 71-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development.
[more]

If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your
transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
The results will not appear on your transcript until
several weeks after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx
identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when
the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used
for registration.

 

71-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

·          Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Database Development (earned when passing 70-433)

·          Microsoft
Certified IT Professional: Database Developer 2008. In order to earn
this certification you must also pass exam 70-451: PRO: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Designing and Optimizing Database Solutions.

 

Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-433.mspx


Availability

Registration begins: September 19, 2008

Beta exam period runs: September 22, 2008– October 10, 2008

 

Receiving
this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend
that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and
are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots
are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

 

Testing
is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may
not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions).  All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

 

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: F589G
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.

 

To register in North America, please call:

·          Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

 

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

·          Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Categories
Career Growth

MCITP SQL 2008 Database Developer beta exam 71-451

You are invited to take beta exam 71-451: PRO: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Designing and Optimizing Database Solutions.
[more] (will be 70-451 when live) If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your
transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.
The results will not appear on your transcript until
several weeks after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx
identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when
the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used
for registration.

 

71-451: PRO: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Designing and Optimizing Database Solutions counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

·          Microsoft
Certified IT Professional: Database Developer 2008. In order to earn
this certification you must also pass exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL
Server 2008, Database Development.

 

Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-451.mspx


Availability

Registration begins: August 29, 2008

Beta exam period runs: September 2, 2008– September 30, 2008

 

Receiving
this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend
that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and
are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots
are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

 

Testing
is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may
not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions).  All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

 

Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


Registration Information

Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: 14F65
You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.

 

To register in North America, please call:

·          Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

 

Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

·          Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


Test Information and Support

You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.

Categories
Career Growth

MCITP Business Intelligence Developer 71-452 beta exam

Another beta invitation. This time for exam 71-452 (70-452 when live): Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. This is a PRO (MCITP) level certification to compliment the MCTS exam 71-448 (70-448 when live) released in beta some time ago. [more]

You are invited to take beta exam 71-452: Designing a Business
Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. If you
pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript
and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The
results will not appear on your transcript until several weeks
after the final form of the exam is released. The 71-xxx identifier is
used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is
released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for
registration.

71-452: Designing a Business Intelligence
Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 counts as credit towards
the following certification(s).

· Microsoft Certified IT
Professional: Business Intelligence Developer 2008. In order to earn
this certification you must also pass exam 70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL
Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance.

Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-452.mspx


Availability

Registration begins: August 8, 2008

Beta exam period runs: August 13, 2008– September 10, 2008

Promotion Code : 3568C

As of this time, I don’t seem to see the exam showing up in prometric’s exam list when I tried to register but I think we should expect to see it very soon.

Read the full article from Gerry OBrien’s blog from the following link : SQL Server 2008 Beta Exam: 71-452: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

There is also some post for a PRO/MCITP level exam for DBA but registration will not be open until August 15 :See following link from TechNet Beta Exam announcements blog that and I think we can expect it from Gerry’s blog soon. 71-450: PRO: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Designing, Optimizing, and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution

I don’t think I have time to review for this and my BI skills are only TS level or not even but trust me you learn a lot from just taking the exam. Of course you learn more from reviewing and study for it Smile

Besides, I don’t have to repeat that since it’s a beta exam it’s for FREE (just use the promo code)

Categories
Career Growth

40 percent off latest MCTS Certification Exams

If you happen to not know about the Microsoft Learning First To Know promotion (where registration is actually for free) but happen to check out this blog then I’m posting here the communication being sent to those registered (as of today Aug 6). You will find the list of new MCTS exams, the voucher number / promotion code you can use for these exams to get 40% of the standard price in your country and finally some learning resources [more]

I’ll be posting the email as is and I hope someone would find it useful.

Thank you for registering for the “First to Know” Visual Studio 2008
and SQL Server 2008 Exam Offer. Today, we are pleased to announce the
availability of two new Visual Studio 2008 Microsoft Certified
Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams and provide your savings voucher,
helping you to be among the first to certify!

———————————————————————-

Visual Studio 2008 MCTS Exams Available Now
As of today, these two Visual Studio 2008 MCTS exams are available in English for registration worldwide: · Exam 70-561 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development (NEW!)
· Exam 70-562 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development (NEW!)

These exams, along with the three Microsoft Certified Technology
Specialist (MCTS) exams that released in April (Exam 70-502, 70-503,
70-504), make it possible for you to verify your deep technical skills
in key Visual Studio 2008 technologies. Passing any of these five exams
earns credit toward a corresponding MCTS certification. You must also
pass Exam 70-536 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development
Foundation <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328048> in order to complete the requirements for the certification.

SQL Server 2008 exams are scheduled to start coming out in September
(subject to change based on actual exam release date). Please look
forward to another notification and savings voucher at that time.

———————————————————————-

Register with your Savings Voucher
· Register by phone or online <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328049>
for your Visual Studio 2008 exam using voucher number FTK1357, good for
any one of the following five Visual Studio 2008 exams: 70-502, 70-503,
70-504, 70-561, or 70-562.
· Your savings code is valid worldwide at Prometric testing centers
for a 40% savings on the standard price of a Microsoft Certification
exam in your region.
· This code is valid until February 4, 2009.
· You may not combine this offer with any other certification offer or exam voucher.

———————————————————————-

Choose and prepare for your Exams

· Review the Visual Studio 2008 certification family and exam roadmaps <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328050> to identify the exam you will take next.
· Visit the appropriate preparation guide to understand the areas of study and find recommended training:
· Preparation Guide for Exam 70-502 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 –
Windows Presentation Foundation Application Development  <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328051>
· Preparation Guide for Exam 70-503 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 –
Windows Communication Foundation Application Development <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328052>
· Preparation Guide for Exam 70-504 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 – Windows Workflow Foundation Application Development <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328053>
· Preparation Guide for Exam 70-561 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ADO.NET Application Development <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328054>
· Preparation Guide for Exam 70-562 TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328055>

· Find free learning resources and special offers on books, classroom courses, and E-Learning:
· Visual Studio 2008 Learning Portal <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328039>
· SQL Server 2008 Learning Portal  <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328040>Thank you for your interest in Microsoft Certification and your passion
for the latest technology from Microsoft. Good luck on your exams!
The Microsoft Certification program team

———————————————————————-
Localized versions of these exams will be available beginning August 2008 (subject to change) in the following languages:

· German
· French
· Japanese
· Spanish
· Chinese (Simplified)

———————————————————————-
Register for your exam online or by phone with Prometric <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328056>

Online Registration Tips:

· Under Payment Information in the box that states Promotion Code or Voucher click Yes
· Next to Discount Type select Voucher Number
· Next to Voucher Number / Promotion Code – enter your voucher number
· Click Validate – if the voucher has not been used you will be automatically directed back to the Payment Information Page
· Validate your email address, provide payment information, and click on the radio button I agree
· Click Commit Registration

———————————————————————-

Related Links

· Regional Service Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328041>
· Keep up with Visual Studio and SQL Server certification news: MCP blog  <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328042>
· Visual Studio 2008 Certification Overview <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328043>
· SQL Server 2008 Certification Overview <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328044>
· Frequently Asked Questions <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328045>
· Learning Snacks–Short, interactive presentations about popular topics <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328046>
· Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008: be the first to know! <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9328047>

======================================================================

You are receiving this message from Micrsoft in fulfillment of the
“First to Know” Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008 exam offer for
which you registered.
To sign up for Microsoft newsletters, receive information about our
products or services, or review information you’ve given us, visit the
Microsoft.com Web site <https://profile.microsoft.com/>.

This communication was sent by the Microsoft Corporation
1 Microsoft Way
Redmond, Washington, USA
98052

© 2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, MSDN, the
Office logo, SQL Server and Visual Studio are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and
products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.

Categories
Career Growth

My take on MCTS 71-448 SQL Server 2008 BI beta exam

Took the SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development and Maintainance beta exam today (exam 71-448 which will eventually become 70-448 when it goes live) and here are some of my thoughts [more]

Business Intelligence is more like a hobby (or just in something in my wishlist) for me as of the moment since I haven’t worked on a real world BI application involving all three major components except for Reporting Services.

Nevertheless I’m guessing that someone who passed 70-445 would find the exam easy and pass it like a breeze since like other reviews, there weren’t really much SQL 2008 specific questions.

Going over the preparation guide (here), it looks like most (if not all actually) of the items describe there had corresponding questions in the exam so it’s definitely worth a look. So that’s my hint, pay attention to every item in the prep guide.

The questions are also distributed well across SSIS, SSAS and SSRS and although the prep guide seems to show that SSAS is expected to have more coverage I didn’t feel it that much.

I learn most of the BI stuff from the 70-445 training kit and is a good compliment to the prep guide. If you need to cram though then I suggest just going over prep guide and research the item you’re not that familiar with. I also have the 70-445 transcender prep but I haven’t even seen half the questions so not really sure if it will help a lot. As far as those I’ve encountered from the test prep though, they were definitely helpful.

Overall the exam was satisfactory for me as the prep guide was helpful and being an MCTS exam it was indeed generally more focused on getting a job done rather than making decisions and design for PRO level (MCITP/MCPD exams).

I’m not expecting a very good result from this one but at least got an bit of idea where I am in (relative to the exam and not necessarily in the BI world) and will probably take 70-445 when I get the chance to review. And if I do flunk this one then I’m determined to take the live version even if I don’t really need this for my current work. BI is fun! 🙂

Categories
.NET

MCTS ADO.NET 3.5 Applications results out and passed

A good way to start a day. Just got an email regarding another latest addition to my cert list. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist : .NET Framework 3.5 ADO.NET Applications [more]

The exam I took for this was 71-561 and when going live would become 70-561.

I was excited to come up with a new logo but when I added all MCTS certifications, I got this error: Maximum Lines Exceeded – Please Remove a Certification. 

So had to settle for an all MCTS 3.5 logo 🙂

I actually did not expect much from this exam due to my unfamiliarity with Synchronization Services. But I'm guessing the rest of the beta takers had the same difficulties 🙂

 

The training kit for 70-442 TS: Designing and Optimizing and Data Access for SQL 2005 also helped for this exam and it's a good read if not a must read for developers involved in Data Access with ADO.NET