PASSED: 70-698: Installing and Configuring Windows 10

Since my last update in June, I have set goal for myself to complete my MCSE in Mobility by the end of autumn. This goal consists of completing three exams: 70-698, 70-697, and 70-695. I am listing them in descending order, and while you don't need to take them in that order, chronologically this is the order in which it makes sense to take them. 70-698 primarily focuses on the installation and initial configuration of Windows 10, and the requirements for installation and of many of the OS' features. 70-697 builds on 70-698 and focuses on configuration and management of Windows 10 devices (and other mobile platforms) once the computer is in the production environment. Then finally, 70-695 is based on enterprise mass deployment and management, beyond management aspects for sigular or specific machines. In regards to the goal that I set for myself, step 1 of 3 is completed - I passed 70-698! Now, this mini-guide will be slightly askew as I outline what I used to study because, as mentioned in my previous entry, my employer did pay for us to take the related course via New Horizons, which may not be an option for 99% of readers out there. If you are considering the New Horizons course, I will say this - the course gives you lots of good information, but it in no way will make you fully ready for this exam. More study and lab practice is needed. In addition to the course and the reading materials provided by New Horizons, I also have access to Lynda.com through my employer. CBTNuggets or PluralSight should have similar courses, but if you have Lynda.com access then I recommend the following video courses: 1) Cert Prep: MCSA Windows 10 2) Windows 10: Implementation 3) Windows 10: Manage and Maintain Windows 10 4) Windows 10: Configure and Support Core Services In addition to these videos, I also recommend the following video course from the Microsoft Virtual Academy: Preparing for Exam 70-698: Installing and Configuring Windows 10 The Virtual Academy course doesn't go as in-depth, but it does provide good information to know for the exam, as well as some sample questions that are beneficial. Lastly, when you buy your voucher for the test, I highly recommend going with the package that includes the MeasureUp practice test. I found the MeasureUp practice test to be invaluable when preparing for this exam. If you have never taken a Microsoft exam before, their tests are not the general "How do you do this? Pick A, B, C, or D" type format. While most of the questions are multiple choice, each question is a scenario - "You are a Systems Administrator in X-type environment, you have Y-number of computers, and you need to acheive the following. What is the best solution for your situation?" When the exam is 50-60 questions, if you are not prepared for this type of questioning you can easily mismanage your time or be left cross-eyed by the end of the exam. The MeasureUp exams include 145 questions, covering all topics and in all questioning formats. You can set the number of questions you are asked, what types of questions, and many other configurations. The most beneficial part however, is that each question fully explains why each answer(s) is correct and why the other options are not. This will help expand your knowledge in trouble areas tremendously! I personally always opt for the Exam Replay Pro + Practice Test package. This package comes with the practice test and also (if-needed) a "free" exam retake. It's not really free, but much cheaper than paying for a second single-exam voucher. Now, I have luckily never needed to take a retake, I study until I am confident that I will pass, but knowing you have a free retake definitely reduces some of the anxiety when taking a certification test. I don't know about you, but taking a test where I not only have a certification on the line, but one in which I have invested a lot of time in studying for and also having hundreds of dollars at stake, for me it can definitely cause some test-anxiety. As a quick side note, to help save a little bit of money on those exam fees, I recommend GetCertified4Less. They aren't paying me for this plug, just me letting you know where I go to save a little cash. As we just mentioned, becoming certified is not a cheap process between study materials and vouchers - save money where you can! You now have recommended study resources, and information on where to buy discount vouchers, what exactly do you need to know? Unfortunately, I cannot give specifics due to the Non-Disclosure Agreement you agree to when you test. However, I will say this - go to the following link: Exam 70-698 On that page, under "Skills Measured" expand Implement Windows, Configure and Support Core Services, and Manage and Maintain Windows. This is the MINIMUM you need to be comfortable with in order to pass the test. You will see all of this on the exam, and you will see things on the exam that are not listed here. In addition to what is listed, and not only for this exam but for all Microsoft exams, I highly suggest you become familiar with Powershell if you are not already. You will see a lot of questions in which the answer requires you to fill in the blank for Powershell or traditional CLI commands. Basically, if something in the list of covered topics is something that can be configured - network interfaces, firewall configurations, configuring drives, etc., then make sure you go over how to do it in Powershell and CLI. In addition to the above, the best advice I can offer is this: Breathe. Many certification exams, not just from Microsoft, will throw in questions meant to fluster you. If you understand that and comprehend that it is part of the test design, you are one-step ahead of the exam already. Deep breaths, take your time, ensure you are thinking clearly. It is not uncommon to feel like you are bombing a test, which in turn can cause you to panic, only at the end to get your score and find out you rocked it. Also, read each question very carefully. There is often a clue, or a slight way they have phrased either the question or the scenario that will change what the appropriate answer should be. Read carefully. That goes for the answers to the question as well, not just the question itself. If you are unsure what the answer is, you can almost always use the process of elimination to get rid of at least two of the answers. That is about the extent of information I can share regarding the exam. If you decide to take it - best of luck! Study hard and be confident in your knowledge of the topics and you will succeed!