1) Azure Fundamentals

The foundational-level exam in the new Azure certification path is Azure Fundamentals, its code is AZ-900. This test is mainly intended for those individuals who want to show their basic knowledge pertaining to Cloud services with Microsoft Azure. The great thing about this Microsoft exam is that you shouldn’t have a lot of technical background to succeed, all you need is a good understanding of Cloud concepts.
This Microsoft AZ-900 exam is considered to be the first step of the ladder if you want to move to the Associate and Expert levels of this new Azure certification track. Since it is really the first step, there are no prerequisites that you have to worry about for this test. It costs around $99 and the topics that are part of this exam are required your understanding of:

• Azure Pricing and Support;
• Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Trust;
• Core Azure Services;
• Cloud Concepts.

2) Azure Administrator Associate

If you want to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certificate, now you will need to pass only one exam, this is Microsoft AZ-103. This test covers the domains highlighted by AZ-100 and AZ-101. Another thing that you should know about this certification exam is that it serves as a prerequisite for the Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert credential.

This will be a plus for the Microsoft AZ-103 test if you have the basic knowledge of network components and prior knowledge of operating systems and Azure applications. There are a few different topics that are part of this exam. The objectives cover the following skills:

• Manage Identities;
• Configure and Manage Virtual Networks;
• Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines;
• Implement and Manage Storage;
• Manage Azure Subscriptions and Resources.

3) Azure Developer Associate

If you are interested in becoming an Azure developer, you will need to pass the Microsoft AZ-203 exam. When you pass it, you will obtain the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate credential.

The AZ-203 certification exam was first announced in September 2018, and it is the only test that you need to complete to become a certified Azure developer. There are a few prerequisites that you have to fulfill when you are taking this Microsoft exam. The first thing is to develop applications and services with Azure tools. You should also have at least one year of experience in the field. You also need to be an expert in at least one Cloud-supported language. The topics for Microsoft AZ-203 are as follows:

• Consume and Connect Azure Services;
• Monitor, Optimize, and Troubleshoot Azure Solutions;
• Implement Azure Security;
• Develop the Azure Platform as Service Compute Solutions;
• Develop for Azure Storage;
• Develop the Azure Infrastructure as Service Compute Solutions.

4) Azure Solutions Architect Expert

According to the new Azure certification path, if you want to become an Azure solutions architect expert, you will have to pass two exams. The first one is Microsoft AZ-300, the second – Microsoft AZ-301. If you want succeed in these tests, you need to have knowledge related to IT operations, data management, security, and identity. You also need at least one year of experience to be eligible for this certificate. The topics that are covered in the AZ-300 exam are as follows:

• Develop for Cloud;
• Implement Authentication and Secure Data;
• Create and Deploy Apps;
• Architect Cloud Technology Solutions;
• Implement Workloads and Security;
• Deploy and Configure Infrastructure.

As for the Microsoft AZ-301 certification test, it covers the following objectives:

• Design an Infrastructure Strategy;
• Design for Deployment, Migration, and Integration;
• Design a Business Continuity Strategy;
• Design for Identity and Security;
• Design a Data Platform Solution;
• Determine Workload Requirements.

5) Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

To get this Microsoft Azure certification, you will need to ace the AZ-400 exam. So, let’s take a closer look at this test. The eligibility criterion requires you to be familiar with Azure administration and development. You should also be good in using Agile practices. There are a number of topics in this exam, they are as follows:

• Implement Continuous Feedback;
• Implement Application Infrastructure;
• Implement Dependency Management;
• Implement Continuous Delivery;
• Implement Continuous Integration;
• Implement DevOps Development Processes;
• Design a DevOps Strategy.

6) Azure Security Engineer Associate

Next, we have the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate credential for which you will need to pass the Microsoft AZ-500 exam. If you are going to take this test, you should have a familiarity with the Cloud N-tier architecture, networking, and virtualization. You also need to have a little understanding of automation, scripting, and access management. This certification exam comes with four main topics that are mentioned below:

• Secure Data and Applications;
• Manage Security Operations;
• Implement Platform Protection;
• Manage Identity and Access.

7) Azure Data Engineer Associate

The latest addition to the Azure certification path is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate credential. Obtaining this certificate can be very beneficial for your career. If you are going for it, you will need to take two exams: Microsoft DP-200 and Microsoft DP-201. The objectives for both of them are listed below:

DP-200:

• Monitor and Optimize Data Solutions;
• Operate and Design Data Processing;
• Implement Data Storage Solutions.

DP-201:

• Design for Compliance and Data Security;
• Design Azure Data Processing Solutions;
• Design Azure Data Storage Solutions.

Conclusion

These were the top credentials that are part of the new Azure certification path. No matter which exam you choose, just make sure that you prepare for it properly, otherwise, you will not be able to pass any.

What is MCSE certification pathway?

First of all, we should mention that the first level of the Microsoft certification program is Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA). It helps the individuals develop basic knowledge. The next level is Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), which include several popular IT certificates that this vendor offers. Some of them include Azure, Office 365, SQL Server, and Windows Server. Finally, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) represents the very top of the Microsoft certification program. It provides the candidates with a broad knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Cloud technology, SQL, virtualization, data center, and more.

Classically, the MCSE certifications are largely defined as the go-to credentials for the IT experts who specialize in the Microsoft Server technologies. Within the MCSE title, there is a variety of exams that measure the learners’ knowledge with several Microsoft Servers, including System Center (SCCM), Windows, SharePoint, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SQL. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certificate holders have the ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills in designing, administering and implementing business solutions.

According to Microsoft, the MCSD and MCSE certifications (MCSE: Mobility, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, MCSD: App Builder, and MCSE: Productivity) are aligned to the Center of Excellence. They are used extensively by the Microsoft Partner Network in identifying technical competencies, which are widely recognized not only by the Microsoft partners but also by its customers. These credentials don’t have a renewal/recertification requirement. What important in these Microsoft certificates is the date of their attainment. It shows how an IT professional is keeping up with technological changes.

Every year, the IT professionals have the opportunity to renew their MCSE certificate(s) by attempting the relevant certification exams from the list of elective tests. By passing an exam each year to recertify your MCSE, you will be demonstrating investment and commitment in deepening and broadening your skills in a particular Center of Excellence. Every time you obtain a credential, Microsoft adds a new certification entry to your transcript. This process has replaced the existing need to take a specific recertification test after every two years to recertify and prevent the already achieved certificate from going inactive.

Microsoft MCSE certifications

For the IT specialists to be eligible for the MCSE certification, they must first earn any associate-level certificate. In other words, MCSA is the prerequisite for MCSE. After obtaining the associate-level credential, the candidates are required to take one more exam in order to achieve the Microsoft MCSE certification. There can be up to 8 tests in one certificate, but you need to choose only one.

All in all, there are four Microsoft MCSE certifications. Below are all the certificates and the relevant exams you can take:

1. MCSE: Business Applications

The key technology for this certificate is Microsoft Dynamics 365. You need to be able to work with it and know how to customize, configure, and use this technology for different spheres. You will need to choose one of the eight exams to obtain this credential: MB6-895, MB2-716, MB6-897, MB2-719, MB2-718, MB6-898, MB6-896. If you want to pursue this MCSE certificate, you need to manage to pass the test until December 31, 2019. On this date, the certification will be retired.

2. MCSE: Data Management and Analytics

This credential validates a broad set of skills in SQL administration. You will be able to develop SQL Data Models, Database, and Server Databases. There are also 8 tests, and you need to successfully pass only one of them. There are the following exams: 70-467, 70-762, 70-465, 70-464, 70-777, 70-466, 70-768, and 70-767.

3. MCSE: Productivity Solutions Expert

There are 3 exams that you need to pass to attain this MCSE certificate. You need to take all three: 70-333, 70-345, 70-339. They cover the management of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2016, the deployment of Enterprise Voice with Skype for Business 2015, and the design and usage of Microsoft Exchange Server 2016. This credential can be a part of prerequisites for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert certification.

4. MCSE: Core Infrastructure

Windows Server Virtualization is the key technology in this certification. You can choose between 5 tests: 70-414, 70-413, 70-744, 70-537, and 70-745. The exams deal with the topics about Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft Azure Stack, Data Center, server infrastructure, and more. Please note that you need to obtain MCSA: Windows Server 2016 or MCSA: Windows Server 2012 to fulfil the requirements.

Microsoft MCSE renewal and recertification

After you have obtained any MCSE certificate, it will remain valid and will be reflected in your Microsoft certification transcript until the company retires the technology. And even after its retirement, your MCSE credential will not be removed but it will be moved to the Legacy section of your Microsoft certification transcript.

Conclusion

There are different paths that you can go while following the Microsoft MCSE certification type. Choosing one is half the trouble. The next step is to find all the prep materials you need, watch training videos, read guides, take mock tests, and prepare yourself with full commitment. The more you learn, the easier it will be during the exam. So, take the certificate you want and let the knowledge you obtained lead you to new horizons.

In this blog article, you will explore the variety of certifications that you can pursue to enhance your chance of landing your dream job in the IT realm.

1. Cisco Certified Technician – CCT

The CCT credential validates the candidate’s ability to diagnose, replace, repair, and restore crucial system devices and Cisco networking on the users’ sites. Under this certification, there are two paths: Routing & Switching and Data Center. The CCT Routing & Switching certificate focuses on on-site maintenance and support of Cisco routers, switches, as well as operating environment. It is aimed at on-site technical support personnel and other individuals working with Cisco Data Center Solutions. To take the certification exam, it is recommended that you go through the training course to get prepared for the task. You might consider an online self-paced course that covers Cisco router and switch models, networking fundamentals, Cisco command-line interface, and Cisco IOS software operating modes.

The CCT Data Center certification, on the other hand, covers maintenance and support of the Cisco Unified Computing (CUC) server and systems. It is aimed at the professionals looking to take up the role as a field support engineer in order to work with the Cisco data center system devices and software. To pass the exam, the students should take the training course as recommended by Cisco. This course covers field servicing & equipment, data center networking fundamentals, identifying the Cisco Unified Computing system component models, interfaces and accessories cabling.

2. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician – CCENT

The Cisco CCENT credential is an entry-level certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of a candidate in installing, troubleshooting, and operating a small enterprise branch network. This certificate is a great place to begin your career journey if you want to be a network supporter. Those applicants who are pursuing this credential are required to go through the training course (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 – ICND1) in order to pass the exam. You can take an online or in-person version of this training. It is a five-day intensive course that focuses on firewalls, wireless controllers, access points, and basic network security.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching – CCNA R&S

The Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching certification is a great option for those individuals who want to take up a job role in networking. It is also an excellent option for those who want to take up an entry-level role in the help desk. The exam validates the candidate’s ability to recognize Cisco router & switch models, cabling, interfaces, and accessories. It is essential that you develop skills and knowledge in Cisco CLI and Cisco IOS software operating modes. Before you attempt the certification test, it is recommended to take the training course, Supporting Cisco Routing & Switching Network Devices. This is a self-paced online course that covers a wide range of topics on the exam objectives.

4. CompTIA Network+

This is also an entry-level credential focusing on networking concepts, tools and security, IT infrastructure, operations, and troubleshooting. The certificate is aimed at junior network administrators, junior system engineers, network field engineers, IS consultants, and network field technicians. The certification exam is designed to validate the student’s skills and knowledge in managing, maintaining, and configuring network devices, designing and implementing functional networks, network security, and network troubleshooting. Those individuals who want to work in the IT network should consider this entry-level credential.

5. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+

This CompTIA credential is designed for the individuals who want to start a career in the field of IT or for those who want to change their career path. The certification exam is aimed at validating your basic knowledge of IT and providing you with a good foundation to build your career on. The test covers a wide range of topics, including networks, IT concepts & terminology, infrastructure, applications & software, database fundamentals, software development, and security. The IT Fundamentals+ certificate is a good place to start if you want to walk down the CompTIA path. It is essential to mention that it is not a prerequisite for the other CompTIA credentials.

6. CompTIA Security+

The knowledge of the IT technology is crucial to any role you want to take up in the industry. Therefore, earning a security credential like CompTIA Security+ as an entry-level professional is a great start. It is perfect for the individuals planning to land a job as security/system/network administrators, junior IT auditors, security engineers, security specialists, and security consultants. The certificate validates that you have the skills required to install, configure, and troubleshoot systems to keep networks, devices, and application secure in line with compliance laws. The certification exam focuses on threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, risk management, technology & tools, architecture & design, cryptography & PKI, and identity & access management.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate – MCSA

The Microsoft MCSA certification path is also a good way to start your IT career. It covers the creation and design of technology solutions across the software suites and services of Microsoft. You don’t need to fulfill any prerequisite to attempt the required exams. However, the certification test is obligatory to some other Microsoft certificates, such as MCSE, MCSD, and MCT.

8. Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPM

The CAPM certification is a globally recognized credential aimed at those individuals who want to take up the position in project management. The certificate is offered by the PMI. Before you attempt the relevant exam, you are required to have completed 23 hours of project management education. You can achieve this program by going through the Project Management Basics training course administered by the PMI. The course covers the basic skills required to function optimally in an IT project management role.

Conclusion

Whether you were thinking about changing your current job and moving to the IT sphere or you have already chosen your path in the industry, you should consider at least one of the above certifications. Any of the mentioned credentials will definitely help you make the right start and boost you far ahead in your career. Don’t hesitate and take your chance of changing the future.

Azure Sphere

For years, security professionals have argued that your smart devices are potential targets for hackers. Smart refrigerators, thermometers, and light bulbs are designed for convenience and ease of use, but when they are created, not enough attention is paid to security issues. As a result, hackers can get an around-the-clock access to your personal data or control your devices to make them part of a zombie network for attacks on the Internet.

Until now, there was no solutions to all the security problems of the Internet of Things. That is why Microsoft is betting on a new product group, announced as Azure Sphere. It is a wee chip that is a microcontroller that can be embedded in smart devices. It is also an operating system (OS) that allows you to safely manage the device. And finally, this is a security software that runs in Cloud and protects devices from being hacked.

The announced product is the first attempt to create a comprehensive IoT security system. While our laptops, computers, and telephones have long been equipped with security features built into their hardware and operating systems, not to mention the accessibility of a sufficient number of available software products to prevent hacker attacks. This may not seem too important for your security webcam. The president of Microsoft Brad Smith said that this is the essence of the problem. If cameras can be used to launch attacks on the Internet, as was the case with the Mirai attack in 2016, then one cannot help but ensure their safety.

The announced product allows Microsoft to take a unique position on the IoT market. Despite the fact that the company is already competing in this realm, offering a personal assistant Cortana for smart speakers, Azure Sphere gives Microsoft the opportunity to use their technology in billions of devices sold by other organizations. Instead of producing chips on its own, Microsoft is working with the chip maker MediaTek. Microsoft will certify that these chips are made according to their standards. The managing director of the company Galen Hunt said that these chips will be available “in significant numbers” this summer. He also declared that this is a key part of Azure Sphere, because the chip “functions as the brain of the device, including the computing part, storage, machine memory, and operating system.”

Microsoft has not yet announced a partnership with device manufacturers for the Internet of Things, which means that we still do not know which IoT devices will use a new technology. Two companies said they consider the technology presented by Microsoft to be promising. This is a SubZero refrigerator manufacturer and a home appliance manufacturer Glen Dimplex.

A client license (or CAL – Client Access License) gives the users the legal right to access the Microsoft server software for Windows itself, SQL server, Exchange server. By itself, the license does not give the individuals and devices the right to connect to the server. For this purpose, each user or device must have a client license.

Server manufacturers who distribute a software with servers can supply the client access licenses. At the same time, the CALs purchased with the server provide the same rights as similar ones purchased separately from equipment. But many people do not know that Microsoft no longer delivers the client access licenses with Windows Server licensed through the OEM channel.

Types of client licenses

The client licenses are of two types, and depending on the work organization in the company (whether the employees use several devices or, on the contrary, different people work alternately for some devices), you can significantly optimize costs by choosing the appropriate type.

User CALs

Depending on the number of users, you buy the CAL for each employee. It does not matter how many devices are used by the workers for whom you bought the licenses. It makes sense to acquire the CALs by the number of users if your company’s employees need access to the corporate network from several different devices or if you do not know from which particular devices they will access. They are also beneficial in cases where the organization has more devices than users.

Device CALs

Depending on the number of devices, you buy the licenses for each device that accesses the server. It does not matter how many users work with a licensed device. The device CALs can reduce costs and simplify administration in companies where several employees can use one device, for example, when working in several shifts.

In a large organization can be multiple servers. It is useful to know that having the CAL for a user (or a device) allows him/her to legally work with any of them.

Do you need CALs if users/devices do not connect directly to the Microsoft server software?

A company may use a specific server product for personnel management, accounting, etc., with its own licensing system. If this product itself accesses the Microsoft’s server software, for example, SQL Server, then this scheme is called multiplexing, and for legal use, you need a CAL (in this example, SQL Server CAL) by the number of real users/devices.

December, 31 will become not only the last day of the year but also the farewell tour for several Microsoft exams. Thereby, the following certification tests won’t meet the New Year 2018

1. Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
2. Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
3. Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
4. Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013

Our overview will help you learn the peculiar features of these retiring tests as well as prepare for it. A good exam preparation is a half the battle. We hope our article will help you win the struggle. Let’s start!

The Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud (70-246) exam measures an individual’s ability to configure data center process automation, deploy resource monitoring, monitor resources, configure and maintain service management and manage configuration and protection.

Candidates for this exam should have basic Microsoft SQL Server, Windows PowerShell knowledge, Windows Server, System Center 2012, security, high-availability, fault tolerance, and networking experience in an enterprise environment.

The 70-246 exam is associated with the MCP, MCSE certifications.

Preparation options:

• Instructor-led training: 20246D: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
• Video: Microsoft Certification PREP Talk: Exam 246
• Book: Exam Ref 70-246: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
• ExamCollection Practice Test
• Practice test

The Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud (70-247) exam measures an individual’s ability to design and deploy System Center, configure System Center infrastructure, System Center integration, the fabric, configure and deploy virtual machines and services.

Candidates for this exam should have basic Microsoft SQL Server, Windows PowerShell knowledge, Windows Server, System Center 2012, security, high-availability, fault tolerance, and networking experience in an enterprise environment.

The 70-247 exam is associated with the MCP, MCSE certifications.

Preparation options:

• Instructor-led training: 20247D: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
• Video: Microsoft Certification PREP Talk: Exam 247
• Book: Exam Ref 70-247: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
• ExamCollection Practice Test
• Practice test

The Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions (70-534) exam measures an individual’s ability to design Azure Resource Manager networking, an application storage and data access strategy, Azure Web and Mobile Apps, a management, monitoring, and business continuity strategy, secure resources, and architect an Azure Compute infrastructure.

Candidates for this exam should know the features and capabilities of Azure services to be able to identify tradeoffs and make decisions for designing public and hybrid cloud solutions.

The 70-534 exam is associated with the MCP, MCSA, MCSE and MCSD certifications.

Preparation options:

• Instructor-led training: 40442: MOC Workshop: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
• Online training
• ExamCollection Practice Test
• Practice test

IMPORTANT: The 70-534 exam will be replaced with a new exam (proposed exam number 535) that covers the new (but related) objective domain. This new exam will be available on November 30, 2017.

The Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013 (74-344) exam measures an individual’s ability to create enterprise projects and portfolios, plan enterprise projects and resources, track and collaborate on an enterprise project, and manage configurable enterprise objects.

Candidates for this exam should have a solid understanding of key project management concepts and terminology, extensive hands-on experience using Microsoft Project Professional 2013 and Project Web App 2013, including managing enterprise custom fields, views, and portfolio objects.

The 74-344 exam is associated with the MCP certification.

Preparation options:

• ExamCollection Practice Test

Make yourself the best New Year gift – become a Microsoft Certified Specialist with these certification exams!

When considering any IT certification, one of the main factors to include in the deliberations should be: how much longer will this credential last? The most tangible expression of this question is how long the exam will remain available. After all, if the exam goes away before you have time to take it, why should you spent pots of money needed for books, training and practice exams?

For this reason, we always inform you of all retiring exams to give you an opportunity to have enough time to prepare for exams and then pass them. And we don’t cease to advise you to visit the ExamCollection website and join our IT community. This portal is really a good preparation option for your successful exam passing.

Now let’s talk about new portion of Microsoft retiring exams. The OEM Preinstallation for Windows 10 (70-734) exam was withdrawn on August 31, 2017. As you can see, it is no longer available. But the second exam will be retired only on September 30, 2017, so you still can become a lucky holder of Microsoft certification.

The Universal Windows Platform – App Data, Services, and Coding Patterns (70-355) exam is associated with MCP, MCSD certifications. This test is developed to verify a candidate’s knowledge and skills for implementing apps that leverage other services and devices and that use best coding practices to enhance maintainability.

Candidates should be able to:

• Recognize and apply a specified design pattern.
• Develop app and business logic, code that interfaces with other line-of-business (LOB) apps, and LOB Server Services (AD, SP).
• Develop code for implementing secure cloud data services and storage.
• Develop code to implement authentication and business security requirements.
• Develop code that is maintainable and that supports app versioning, compatibility, and coexistence.
• Integrate cloud services and Azure App Service services.

Candidates for this exam should have:

• 1 or more years of experience designing and implementing enterprise LOB apps that extend beyond the screen by interfacing with other apps, devices, and services, and that are highly maintainable by leveraging design patterns
• 1 to 2 years of experience developing with C# and XAML

Take a Microsoft Official Practice Test for Exam 355 to increase your chance to pass the exam without any problems.

After a series of retirement actions, Microsoft presented three new exams. OEM Manufacturing and Deployment for Windows 10, Perform Big Data Engineering on Microsoft Cloud Services and Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI exams are already available for candidates who want to become Microsoft certified specialists. The last two exams are currently in beta. It means that if you pass one of them, you will receive full credit toward relevant certifications, but you will not receive a score report or pass/fail notification until 8-12 weeks after the end of the beta period.

Published on June 19, 2017, the OEM Manufacturing and Deployment for Windows 10 (70-735) exam was designed for OEM, ODM, or IDH Windows image builders who are familiar with using the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit to manage and deploy Windows 10. These candidates install or mount hardware using a pre-installed Windows. They also create complete images for deployment to customer devices such as desktops, laptops, and tablets.

The 70-735 exam measures individual’s ability to install deployment tools and scripts, add customizations, drivers, language packs and update packages to the image, preinstall Office 2016, create restore packages and deploy and validate the image.

Candidates for this exam should have at least one year of experience managing day-to-day issues involving Windows deployment.

The 70-735 exam is associated with the MCP certification.

Published on July 5, 2017, the Perform Big Data Engineering on Microsoft Cloud Services (70-776) exam was intended for candidates who design analytics solutions and build operationalized solutions on Azure. These candidates can apply the Microsoft cloud ecosystem to designs and to implement big data analytics solutions to meet their project’s needs.

The 70-776 exam measures the candidate’s ability to design and implement:

• Complex Event Processing By Using Azure Stream Analytics
• Analytics by Using Azure Data Lake
• Azure SQL Data Warehouse Solutions
• Cloud-Based Integration by using Azure Data Factory

Candidates for this exam have relevant work experience in data engineering issues with Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, and Azure Stream Analytics.

The 70-776 exam is associated with the MCSA certification.

Published on July 31, 2017, the Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI (70-778) exam is for BI professionals, data analysts who should have a good understanding of how to use Power BI to perform data analysis. Candidates should be proficient in connecting to data sources and performing data transformations, configuring dashboards by using the Power BI service and in implementing direct connectivity to Microsoft SQL Azure and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).

The 70-778 exam covers the following exam topics:

• Consume and Transform Data By Using Power BI Desktop
• Model and Visualize Data
• Configure Dashboards in the Power BI Service

The 70-778 exam is associated with the MCSA certification.

To prepare for one of these new exams, we recommend having a look at ExamCollection database for FREE Microsoft braindumps containing real exams.

The Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager (70-243) exam took a strong position in the list of the best Microsoft exams. A lot of people around the world who passed it, have a great job or great opportunities for further career growth now.

This exam became a superb start for many individuals who were just beginning their IT journey. It was a worthy continuation for those who have already been a specialist in IT sphere. But on July 31, 2017, the 70-243 exam will cross the finish line and retire. So it happens…the best of us go away, leaving only inscription in our portfolio.

Let’s remember how this exam was…

The Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager (70-243) exam was designed for candidates that have System Center Configuration Manager 2012, Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows PowerShell, security, and networking experience in an enterprise environment.

These candidates may be the System Center Configuration Manager Administrator, Active Directory Administrator, Exchange Administrator, Windows Server Administrator, or Enterprise Desktop Administrator for their organizations.

This exam measures an individual’s ability to perform the technical tasks listed below:

• Design and plan System Center Configuration Manager infrastructure
• Manage operating system deployment (OSD)
• Deploy applications and software updates
• Manage compliance settings
• Manage sites
• Manage clients
• Manage inventory
• Manage reports and queries

Preparation options:

1. Instructor-led training:

10748C: Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager (three days)

2. Practice tests:

Microsoft Official Practice Test for Exam 243

3. ExamCollection Practice Test:

70-243 – Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

Don’t miss your chance to become a Microsoft certified specialist!

Microsoft continues to retire its certification exams. This time 3 exams will leave the hall of fame and go into oblivion. The 70-680, 70-685 and 70-686 tests will be available only until July 31, 2017.

The time is running out, and we decided to help you become a certified specialist, thus, we made the following table and the list of preparation options only for you, a future Microsoft professional.

As usual, we found the best preparation options to guarantee your successful exam passing. Here they are:

1. Instructor-led training:

70-680 – 6292A: Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client

70-685 – 6293A: Troubleshooting and Supporting Windows 7 in the Enterprise

70-686 – 6294A: Planning and Managing Windows 7 Desktop Deployments and Environments

2. Practice test:

70-680

70-685

70-686

3. ExamCollection real exam practice test

70-680 – Windows 7, Configuring

70-685 – Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

70-686 – Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator

4. Books:

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-680): Configuring Microsoft Windows 7

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-685): Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-686): Windows 7 Desktop Administrator

Evidently, Microsoft gets rid of the old exams to launch something new and grandiose. But this is a completely different story…