Study strategy for Microsoft Certification

Daniel Loyer

Hi IT Pro TV:

I am looking for way(s) for preparing and studying for Microsoft Certification, I am a bit disappointed in myself and a little with Microsoft and the new Role Based Certification exam, I don't think I am prepared enough to sit for the Microsoft 70-697 and the deadline is really fast approching, My gamble towards the MCSA Windows 10 (70-698 and 70-697) didn't really pay off.

here's what I done so far?

Safari/Oreilly Online
ITPro.TV Videos
CBT Nuggets Videos ( not a lot of content or videos in regards to the 70-697)
Pluralsight (Don't understand their layout of the videos) and some videos don't go into a lot of details (my personal opinion)
TESTOUT/Labsims ( really good, but won't be able to finish the content or videos on time)
Microsoft Docs Content online
7)Microsoft MSDN Docs Online
ITDvds.com (no CC or Notes here, just videos)

I really like some input as to what or how I should procede with my Microsoft Studies going forward, like more labs time, buy ebooks, blogs, videos etc)

thanks

Dan l.

Mike Rodrick

Hey @Daniel-Loyer ,

First, don't get down on yourself! It's a lot of work, but you can do it!

Second, forget about the 70-697 exam. You are just adding unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you were 98% ready for the exam, I might recommend trying to get it done before it retires. Since you are not ready, lets move on. All of your studying will still apply to the new exams! So you haven't lost any time.

There is no advantage in getting 70-697 vs the new MD exams. In fact, I would like the newer certs on my resume anyways! Either way, you are showing a potential employer you are skilled at managing Windows 10 clients.

So let's focus on the MD-100, and go from there.

As for your studying, I see a lot of books and videos. I'll admit I'm a little biased, but ITProTV should be first on your list

All kidding aside, it's good to use multiple sources for your studying. The thing that worries me is I don't see any type of hands-on learning. What are you doing for practice??

Don't underestimate the importance of hands-on practice. It will help enforce the information you are reading/watching. Especially now, with the new exams having more practical/apply your skills type questions. Take advantage of ITProTV's Practice Labs. Set up your own virtual labs. Do both!!!

I can't stress the hands-on enough! Read about something, and then try it! If the video shows you how to do it in the GUI do that first. Then try to do it with PowerShell!! Anything you can do in the GUI you can do in PowerShell. Then try do it without the step-by-step instructions. Then do it again, lol. The point is, you have to practice, not just read about it or watch someone else do it. You watch someone to learn how, you practice it to remember how and get good at something.

Daniel Loyer

Hi Mike:

There's a good chance that I will NOT pursue the other half of the MCSA Windows 10 70-697 Exam, Which I am not totally confident with Intune and or Azure at this point in time, I am not happy about it but again I just find it a bit difficult when it comes to Microsoft Certification Study process, it not unlike the CompTIA Certification like the A+ and the Network+ , You follow the exam objectives, read the books (All in-one Certification by Mike Meyers and the LabSims) that's what I used in the past and it worked well. Microsoft is not quite as organized is that, You always have to look up stuff on MDSN, Microsoft Doc, or other related Microsoft blogs, books in regards I find its outdated, Microsoft Objectives is always changing, now with the Role based exam rolling out in the coming months. This will be more harder and challenging. I can't find any books on the MD-100 or MD-101? not even on Safari/Oreilly Online Books. I might decide to pursue the MTA Networking Essentials and the MTA Cloud, then maybe pursue the MD-100?
I will invest in a brand new desktop computer, bigger monitor, and VMs and Labs etc.. and start all over from the beginning, starting with the MTA then work towards the MCSA or what ever the new Certification roles?

Dan L.