Certification Prep – The 20 Minute Workout

I was putting away my current score reports (I just updated my MCSA to 2012 and I am working on the MCSE exams for 2012 going forward) and when I was doing that I found an old printed transcript from 1999. Windows 95…. Windows NT4 Workstation… Windows NT4 Server 4.0 in the Enterprise… man I’m getting old.

An old friend of mine (thanks Bob) let me know that my quote is up on the  Microsoft learning landing page (near the bottom left) as well as the link to a video I did last year at TechEd. You can also check out my certification testimonial there as well. Woo Hoo! I figure at some point it'll come down so here's the screen shot of both:

So with this exam out of the way I have my MCSA for Windows Server 2012. The other day I passed my 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure exam so with that also out of the way the only thing ahead of me for the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure Solutions Expert certification is Exam 70-416: Implementing Desktop Application Environments . Once I have that I will move on to Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure and Exam 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure in order to pick up my MCSE: Server Infrastructure Solutions Expert certification.

So with respect to my Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification efforts, I was already certified MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7 so I could have just taken the 70-689: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8 exam. I had already passed 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 when it was BETA (71-687) at TechEd 2012 so I had a choice; I could have taken the upgrade exam (70-689) or 70-688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8 . I opted for the one exam in 70-688. I just figured it made more sense for me to focus on the one set of topics rather than across two. Next up for me is 70-415: Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure .

Practice Exam for Microsoft 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 written by yours truly is now available for purchase over at BOSON.com Below is a screenshot of the web demo; you have the ability to download your purchased exam with the Boson Exam Environment to use off line on your own system. The Microsoft Configuring Windows 8 (70-687) exam counts as credit toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification. In addition to my practice exam, BOSON offers a full practice lab : ”The Practice Lab for Microsoft 70-687 provides access* to real computer equipment that is networked together and conveniently accessible over the internet. Practice Labs include multiple pieces of equipment that you can configure. This lab includes instructions that will guide you as you learn the concepts and technologies covered on the Microsoft 70-687 certification exam. The 70-687 Practice Lab will provide you with the necessary platform to gain hands-on skills in Win...

TRAINSIGNAL TRAINING has released their new VMware vSphere 5.1 New Features training by vExpert David Davis today. Try it out for FREE by signing up for a 3-day trial. From the product page - "This course will cover all the features offered in vSphere 5.1. After viewing this course, you'll know how to install the vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA), use the improved vSphere web client, and use vCenter Operations Manager Foundations. Additionally, you'll learn how the vSphere Data Protection (VDP) can help you, how to install it, and how to backup and restore vSphere virtual machines. In addition, you'll also learn how to install and use vSphere Replication. To get the most out of this course, you should have some vSphere experience and it's recommended to have watched our vSphere 5 video training course first."

SCHAUMBURG, IL -- (Marketwire - Mar 5, 2013) - TrainSignal , a global leader in IT training, announces today the launch of a new subscription-based, unlimited-access online training platform that delivers comprehensive IT training at all levels. For $49 per month, TrainSignal's new education-as-a-service platform provides access to over a hundred training courses covering certification prep to advanced training for seasoned IT professionals. With its new platform, TrainSignal will play an essential role in educating a workforce for the IT jobs of today. "We've been providing students and professionals around the world with high-quality IT training courses for more than a decade," said Scott Skinger, CEO and Founder of TrainSignal. "Today we are putting IT pros and novices in complete control of their career destinies with on-demand access to the material they need to succeed on the job." According to CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook 2013 , IT jobs are e...