70-290 Simulation Questions

[Synthsayer]

New to forum. I understand the 70-290 exam has changed to include simulations. Does anybody have experience with the new exam and what the simulations are like?

 

[texasit]

From what I have heard the transcender practice exams have simulations very similar to what the microsoft simulations are like.I would take a look at that if you can.

 

[kmcferrin]

The simulations aren't bad, especially if you know how to use the software. Basically they present a mock-up of the computer screen that behaves similarly to an actual server and ask you to configure to meet certain requirements. You just navigate through the menus as if you were at an actual server and change the config, then click "Done" when you're done.

Most of the exams in the MCSE track include simulations now. That's why it's important to have hands-on experience in addition to book learning. If you don't use Server 2003 as part of your daily routine then I would recommend downloading an evaluation copy and playing around with it for awhile.

I didn't use Transcender, but the TestOut material has sample questions that include simulations that behave similarly to the ones on the exams.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator

 

[Synthsayer]

I took the 2273B Microsoft training Course and have VirtualPC running a single Domain with one DC, client, and server. It is all preconfigured to work with the labs associated with the 2273B course material. I have been studying the testbook and going through the labs repeatedly. I also have access to practice exams that include some simulations and have done pretty well with them.
Somebody in my class said that if you get just one simulation questions wrong, you fail. I don't see how this would be possible. Has anybody else heard this and know whether it is true?
Thanks very much for the helpful feedback.
Have a nice day.
Synthsayer

 

[kmcferrin]

The only people who know how the exams are scored are the people who designed the exams for Microsoft, and they aren't talking.

A passing score on the exam is 700 out of 1000 possible points. Unless each simulation counts for 301 points (and I have had exams with 4 or more simulations) then there's no way that would be true. Most people tend to think (or guess) that they count for more than a simple multiple choice question, but how much more nobody knows. Then of course there are the "choose 3 of 5" questions, which people also assume count for more than a simple "choose 1 of 4" style of question. Or the "drag and drop" type of exam questions where you have to drag the pieces of information to the correct parts of the diagram.

So basically just really prepare for the exam and get some hands on experience. You should do fine. Though I highly recommend registering for Second Shot before scheduling the exam, that way you'll get a free retake if you don't pass.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator

 

[Synthsayer]

Thank you very much.
I agree that there just can't be any basis for this rumor. Like you said, one wrong aimulation question would have to take 300 points away from the score.
Thanks again.

 

[mattmn]

I just finished it and got a 920 using Techskills materials. I have been using MS since NT4 SP3 and now I am finally working in the certs. The MS book had some good materials except the practice CD, throw it away since most of the answers are wrong. Techskills' labs and practice tests helped me learn all of the correct MS procedures instead of the ones I had been using. Never used ntbackup so that was a new one.

What I got wrong was the convoluted folder permissions it wanted in the simulations, it's the MS way not the right way and knew I had the rest correct.

Doing the labs won't help you much unless you understand what you are doing, play around with them outside of what they give you.

70-290 - 920
70-291 - In progress
70-293 -
70-294 -
70-298 -
70-228 -
70-620 -

 

[mrdenny]

I've found that the Q&A on the CDs in the back of the MS Press books to be correct, as long as you are doing it the Microsoft way, not the real life way.

Denny
MVP
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2008 Implementation and Maintenance / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Admin (SQL 2005/2008) / Database Dev (SQL 2005)

My Blog

 

[Synthsayer]

Thanks for the replies everybody. I passed the 70-290 with room to spare.
The simulations were no problem after all. Set permissions, IP filters and one or two others.
A tough test for someone with only classroom training but should be very much easier for those with real-life experience.
Passed the Security+ 2007 exam also.
Now getting ready for 70-291.
The MS Press books and classes have served me well but nothing can substitute for everyday hands-on work. I venture to say that no textbook or practice exam ever will.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all.

 

[kmcferrin]

I'm not really sure what people mean by the "MS Way" versus the "Real Way." In most cases what I've seen on the exams is fairly closely mirrored by MS best practices (though using NTBackup is obviously way out there). How is there a real world way of setting file permissions that differs from the MS way? Only one way gets your the desired results.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator

 

[rajtech1]

hello everyone, i just install microsoft xp software on my computer and i realise that it was written on my computer that the window does not pass genuine test...i will like to resolve this..i need anyone with the solution to please respond to me..thanks

 

[mrdenny]

If your copy of Windows isn't genuine then you will need to purchase a genuine copy of Windows from Microsoft.

Denny
MVP
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2008 Implementation and Maintenance / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Admin (SQL 2005/2008) / Database Dev (SQL 2005)

My Blog