Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): January 2008

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist Certifications

MCTS: Windows Vista – Configuration

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

The MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the functions and features of Windows Vista and to troubleshoot network-connectivity and applications issues.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate has at least one year of IT experience resolving network connectivity issues and working with desktop operating systems, security, and applications.
How to earn your MCTS: Windows Vista – Configuration certification
MCTS candidates must pass one exam. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) candidates can transition skills to Windows Vista by passing an upgrade exam.

Required exam

Exam 70-620

Audience profile

Candidates for this exam should have at least one year of experience in the IT field. They typically provide phone support at the Tier 1 or Tier 2 level in a wide range of environments, including retail stores and the upper midsize organization or enterprise environment.
Candidates should have experience resolving issues concerning network connectivity, desktop operating systems, security, and applications. Their experience should also include addressing logon problems, performing password resets, and resolving most issues with desktop applications.

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-620 TS: Windows Vista, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Vista, Configuration

Exam 70-620 is also credit toward the following certifications:

Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Consumer Support Technician
Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician
MCSA on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000
MCSE on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator (available in 2008)
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technicians (MCDSTs) can use Exam 70-621: Pro: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise Support as credit for certifications that list Exam 70-620 as a required or elective exam.

Skills being measured

MCTS: Business Desktop Deployment

Consider earning the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) certification to let your enterprise employer know you are ready to lead an upcoming deployment, or if you want your resumé to stand out to a hiring manager looking for BDD expertise.

An MCTS credential in Business Desktop Deployment can demonstrate to clients and employers your ability to successfully deploy and maintain client desktops using the appropriate Microsoft tools during the various stages of the deployment lifecycle. This certification validates your familiarity and expertise with the BDD technology, encompassing:

• Deploying the 2007 Microsoft Office system

• Deploying Windows Vista

• Using the Business Desktop Deployment Workbench

• Deploying applications by using the Application Compatibility Toolkit

• Managing user state migration

• Managing Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system deployments by using System Management Server (SMS) 2003

The MCTS: Business Desktop Deployment credential is an excellent compliment to your Windows Server administration skills set. It can be used as an elective for a number of Windows Server certifications.

How to earn Your MCTS: Business Desktop Deployment

To achieve this certification, you must pass one exam. This certification will be retired when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology.

Required exam

Exam 70–624

Audience profile

Candidates for this exam are IT professionals who deploy and maintain Windows Vista desktops. Candidates have a minimum of one year of experience managing day-to-day issues with desktop deployments. This exam is the Windows Vista version of Exam 74-134: Pre-Installing Microsoft Products and Technologies, focused on the OEM Pre-installation Kit (OPK).

The candidate for Exam 70-624 will have experience in the following areas:

Deploying desktop operating systems
Automating and customizing deployments by using scripts and answer files
Deploying applications during and after operating system deployments
Deploying upgrade packages
Using the Business Desktop Deployment tools
Windows PE
Upgrading existing systems

Skills being measured

MCTS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Configuration

If you are a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), you not only thrive on the continuing challenges of the information technology (IT) field, but you also take the initiative to develop and hone your skills so that you stay a step ahead. When you become Microsoft certified, you will:

Stand out with proof of your specific, real-world technology skills
Be productive and help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level
Achieve success with each Microsoft certification that you earn, which takes you further along the path to professional recognition

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Configuration certification validates the skills to configure Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and focuses on deploying, monitoring, administering customizing, securing, and configuring network infrastructure for Windows SharePoint Services. The successful candidate has the skills to configure Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and has a general understanding of Internet Security and Acceleration Server and network load balancing for applications.

How to earn your MCTS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Configuration certification

Candidates seeking the MCTS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Configuration credential must pass one exam that focuses on the following:

Monitoring and configuring security settings
Administering Windows SharePoint Services
Managing customization
Configuring network infrastructure for Windows SharePoint Services

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-631: TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring

Audience profile

A typical candidate for this exam has a minimum of one year of experience in configuring Windows SharePoint related technologies. In addition this exam will assume that the candidate is proficient in configuring the following technologies.

Web administration/Internet Information Services 6.0
General Windows Server 2003 directory administration
General networking infrastructure
General knowledge of Windows SharePoint Server 2007
General understanding of Microsoft .NET 2.0 as it relates to Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
General understanding of Internet Security and Acceleration Server
Network load-balancing for applications
Administering SQL Server 2000 or 2005 for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
General security/authentication practices
Back-up/restoration of data

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-631 TS: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Configuring

Skills being measured

Monday, January 14, 2008

MCTS: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development

Stand out with proof of your specific, real-world technology skills
Be productive and help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level
Achieve success with each Microsoft certification that you earn, which takes you further along the path to professional recognition

How to earn your Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development certification

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the following:

Deploying Windows SharePoint Services and custom components
Creating site and feature provisioning components
Creating metadata and workflow provisioning components
Developing Windows SharePoint Services components by using the .NET Framework
Manipulating site content and configuration by using the API

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-541: TS: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development

Audience profile

This exam is intended for consultants who provide Windows SharePoint Services development or corporate developers who build systems using the Windows SharePoint Services platform. The qualified candidate for this exam typically has:

2-3 years of experience working with ASP.NET
1-2 years of experience developing ASP.NET Web Parts
Experience working with Master pages
1-2 years of experience working with XML documents
2-3 years of experience developing and consuming Web Services
Working knowledge of Windows WorkFlow Foundation

Credit toward certification

When you pass this exam, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

MCTS: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Application Development.

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
Microsoft Visual C# 2005

Skills being measured

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 – Application Development certification validates the knowledge and skills required to develop applications for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. The successful candidate will have experience building systems by using the Windows SharePoint Services platform.

MCTS: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration, and Management

Stand out. Prove your specific, real-world technology skills.
Be productive. Help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level.
Achieve success. Each Microsoft certification tales you further along the path to professional recognition.

A Microsoft Technology Specialist in Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments ― Configuration and Management certification validates skills in planning a hosted environment, deploying a core hosting infrastructure, and configuring Internet Information Server (IIS). The successful candidate will have a deep and broad understanding of configuring and managing a hosted solution with Windows Server 2003.

How to earn your MCTS: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments – Configuration and Management certification

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the following:

Planning a hosted environment
Deploying a core hosting infrastructure
Deploying and configuring Internet Information Server (IIS)
Deploying hosted services
Designing and configuring automated provisioning
Administering, managing, and optimizing hosted solutions
Troubleshooting a hosted environment

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-501: TS: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuring and Managing

Audience Profile

This exam is intended for IT Professionals who have 2 or more years of experience in managing a Microsoft windows-based network and at least 12-18 months hosting experience.
It is recommended that the candidate have the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 credential or equivalent knowledge.

It is also recommended that the candidate possess knowledge equivalent to that taught in Course 2576: Implementing and Administering Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0.
In addition, familiarity with operational best practices such as those described in the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is also recommended.

The candidate should have the ability to configure and manage:
IIS
Active Directory
Network storage
Network and Security infrastructures
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 R2
Multiple Web sites
Managed and unmanaged servers
Static and dynamic Web sites
Multiple servers
Shared and dedicated servers
Automate administrative tasks

Credit Toward Certification

When you pass Exam 70-501 TS: Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments, Configuration and Management, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2003 Hosting, Configuration and Management

Skills Being Measured

MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0 Implementing and Managing

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing (MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing) possesses a deep and broad understanding of designing, implementing, and managing mobile infrastructures, mobile devices, and mobile applications in a business environment. The qualified candidate for this certification typically has experience with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange Server 2007 and knowledge of concepts such as Outlook Web Access (OWA), Outlook Mobile Access (OMA), and Exchange ActiveSync (EAS). The candidate also has one to two years of experience working with Active Directory directory services, at least one year of experience working with mobile devices, and experience using or managing Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack. The successful candidate also has knowledge of mobile and general network security concepts such as firewalls, reverse proxy, certificates, and configuring security protocols (EAP, TLS, WPA, WEP, and 802.1x); Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1 or later; and messaging protocols such as Short Message Service (SMS) and Hotmail (HTTP).

How to Earn Your MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on designing, implementing, and managing mobile infrastructures, mobile devices, and mobile applications in a business environment.

Required Exams for MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications (One Exam Required)

Exam 70-500: TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Implementing and Managing

Audience profile

This exam is intended for IT professionals who design, implement, and manage mobile infrastructures, mobile devices, and mobile applications in an enterprise or small or medium-sized business environment. The qualified candidate for this exam typically has:

Experience with/Knowledge of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 or Exchange Server 2007 concepts such as OWA (Outlook Web Access), OMA (Outlook Mobile Access), and EAS (Exchange ActiveSync).
One to two years of experience working with Active Directory directory service.
At least one year of experience working with mobile devices.
Experience using or managing Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack.
Experience with/Knowledge of mobile and general network security concepts such as firewalls, reverse proxy, certificates, and configuring security protocols (EAP, TLS, WPA, WEP, and 802.1x).
Experience with/Knowledge of Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1 or later.
Experience with/Knowledge of messaging protocols such as SMS (Short Message Service) and HTTP (Hotmail).

Credit toward certification

When you pass the TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile Designing, Implementing, and Managing exam, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Mobile 5.0, Configuration

Skills being measured

MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications

Exam 70-540: TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 - Application Development

Audience profile

This exam is intended for expert Windows Mobile application developers. The qualified candidate for this exam typically has:

Experience with and/or knowledge of .NET Framework concepts such as types, garbage collection, MSIL, CLR
1-2 years experience working with .NET Framework
At least 1 year of experience working with .NET Compact Framework
1-2 years programming in Visual Basic .NET or Visual C#
6 months to 1 year hands-on experience with SQL CE/Mobile/Everywhere
Working knowledge of SQL Server 2000/2005
Experience developing applications for devices by using Visual Studio .NET
Enterprise application development background
Experience with Windows Mobile 5.0 Managed API
Candidate for this exam is NOT NECESSARILY a native/embedded developer.

Credit toward certification

When you pass the TS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 – Application Development exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional status. You also earn credit toward the following certification:

MCTS: Windows Mobile 5.0 Applications

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the code language in which the code snippets will appear. The available code languages for this exam will be:

Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
Microsoft Visual C# 2005

Skills being measured...............

MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 ― Application Development

Stand out. Prove your specific, real-world technology skills.
Be productive. Help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level.
Achieve success. Each Microsoft certification takes you further along the path to professional recognition.

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development certification highlights your area of expertise and validates the knowledge and skills required to build Web portals and integrate business applications by using Office SharePoint Server 2007. A successful candidate will have prior experience working with XML, the Microsoft .NET Framework, and Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services development.

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the following:

Managing enterprise content
Creating Business Intelligence solutions by using Office SharePoint Server 2007
Integrating business data with Office SharePoint Server 2007 by using the Business Data Catalog (BDC)
Accessing Office SharePoint Server 2007 Application Platform Services
Searching data by using Search
Targeting content based on audience membership
Customizing functionality by using profiles

How to earn your MCTS: SharePoint Server 2007 ― Application Development certification

MCTS candidates must pass one exam.

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-542: TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Application Development

Audience profile

Candidates for this exam are consultants who provide consulting services for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and corporate developers who use Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Candidates have the following experience or knowledge:

Six months to one year of experience developing applications by using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007
Experience using the following related technologies:

The Microsoft .NET Framework at least six months with ASP.NET 2.0)

Windows SharePoint Services development (six months to one year)

Experience working with XML documents
Experience with XML Web services development and consumption
Working knowledge of Windows WorkFlow Foundation
Working knowledge of IIS 6

Credit toward certification

When you pass this exam, you earn credit toward the following certifications: MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Application Development.

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
Microsoft Visual C# 2005

Skills being measured

MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration

Stand out with proof of your specific, real-world technology skills
Be productive and help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level
Achieve success with each Microsoft certification that you earn, which takes you further along the path to professional recognition

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration certification highlights your area of expertise and validates the knowledge and skills required to configure and deploy Office SharePoint Server 2007. If you have the MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007– Configuration credential, you typically have an understanding of how to configure SharePoint Server 2007, and you have a general understanding of SQL Server 2000 or SQL Server 2005 and .NET 2.0 as they relate to SharePoint Server 2007.

Here are some job roles associated with the MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration certification:

Deploy Office SharePoint Server 2007
Upgrade Office SharePoint Server 2007
Manage Search
Configure content management
Configure business forms
Manage Business Intelligence
Manage administration
Secure Office SharePoint Server 2007

How to earn your MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration credential

You must pass one exam to earn the MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 – Configuration credential.

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-630: TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Audience profile

A typical candidate for this exam has a minimum of one year of experience in configuring Office SharePoint Server and related technologies. In addition this exam will assume that the candidate is proficient in configuring the following technologies.

• Internet Information Server Administration, and Configuration

• General Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Administration

• General Knowledge Networking Infrastructure services, including TCP/IP, and Clustering

• General Knowledge of Office SharePoint Server 2007

• General understanding of .NET 2.0 as it relates to SharePoint Server 2007

• General Understanding Internet Security and Acceleration Server

• Network Load-balancing for applications

• Administering SQL Server 2000 or 2005 for Office SharePoint Server 2007

• General Security knowledge as it relates to Office SharePoint Server 2007

• Back-up Restoration of data

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-630 TS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SharePoint Server 2007, Configuring

Skills being measured

MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration

Stand out with proof of your specific, real-world technology skills
Be productive and help increase customer satisfaction, reduce network downtime, and push service to a higher level
Achieve success with each Microsoft certification that you earn, which takes you further along the path to professional recognition
The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration certification highlights your area of expertise and validates the knowledge and skills required to deploy and administer an enterprise messaging environment with Exchange Server 2007. Successful candidates will have experience installing, managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting Exchange Server 2007, and managing messaging security and recovering messaging servers and databases.

How to earn your MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration certification

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the following:

Installing and configuring Exchange servers
Creating and modifying recipients and public folders
Maintaining and optimizing the messaging system
Monitoring and reporting on the messaging system
Troubleshooting messaging issues
Managing data recovery and disaster recovery of a messaging environment

Required exams (one exam required)

Exam 70-236: TS: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring

Audience profile

The qualified candidate for this exam typically:

Installs and manages Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
Manages messaging security by using Exchange Server 2007
Recovers messaging servers and databases by using Exchange Server 2007
Monitors and troubleshoots Exchange Server 2007

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-236 TS: Exchange Server 2007, Configuring, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Configuration

Exam 70-236 is also credit toward the following certification:

•Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Messaging Administrator

Skills being measured...............

MCTS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 (MCTS: MLCS 2005) possesses a deep and broad understanding of all aspects of the Live Communications Server infrastructure, including deployment of additional Active Directory and network infrastructure components and services to support the deployment and ongoing management and operations of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server.

How to Earn Your MCTS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that measures their ability to plan, implement, configure, and manage, a Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 environment. For exam Preparation use uCertify Prepkits.

Required Exams for MCTS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 (One Exam Required)

Exam 70–262: TS: Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 - Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting.

Audience Profile

Candidates for this exam have a minimum of one year of experience deploying and managing day to day issues with Live Communications Server infrastructures.

The typical environment has the following characteristics:

The need to provide instant messaging
The need to provide unified communications and presence for Office applications
The need to provide real-time collaboration such as peer-to-peer audio, video, application sharing, and file transfer
This candidate is responsible for all aspects of the Live Communications Server infrastructure, including deployment of additional Active Directory and network infrastructure components and services to support the deployment and ongoing management and operations of Live Communications Server.

Credit Toward Certification

When you pass this exam, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Live Communications Server 2005

Skills Being Measured

MCTS: BizTalk Server 2006

A Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 (MCTS: BizTalk Server) has a deep and broad understanding of the design and development of distributed applications that use BizTalk Server 2006. The credential holder has also demonstrated expertise in deploying and managing a BizTalk Server 2006 solution and can create a BizTalk orchestration, integrate business rules and human workflow services, manage business processes, troubleshoot BizTalk solutions, and consume and publish Web services.

The MCTS: BizTalk Server 2006 credential is part of the new generation of Microsoft certifications, which enables professionals to target specific technologies and to distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

How to earn your MCTS: BizTalk Server 2006 certification

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the design and development of distributed applications that use BizTalk Server 2006 in addition to the deployment and management of BizTalk Server 2006.

Required exam

Exam 70–235

Audience profile

A typical candidate for this exam has a minimum of one year of experience creating business process and integration applications by using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004 or BizTalk Server 2006.
The typical environment has the following characteristics:

The need to integrate multiple disparate systems, applications, and data
The need to automate business processes
The candidate is not necessarily responsible for ongoing management and operations of the BizTalk Server environment.

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-235 TS: Developing Business Process and Integration Solutions Using Microsoft BizTalk Server, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: BizTalk Server 2006

Skills being measured

MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence (MCTS: SQL Server 2005 BI) implement and maintain business intelligence solutions. They have thorough knowledge of the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Development tool suite. They have knowledge of database schemas and of debugging, monitoring, and troubleshooting Business Intelligence solutions, and they know how to work with Microsoft .NET Framework. They can write database queries, use SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) data mining algorithms, and create and deploy SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports. Additionally, they author and deploy SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages. Typically, Technology Specialists pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. They may also be developers and systems administrators who do not work with SQL Server daily but who want to show their breadth of technology experience.

How to earn your MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the implementation and maintenance of SQL Server 2005.

Required exams for MCTS: SQL Server 2005 BI (one exam required)

Exam 70-445: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence—Implementation and Maintenance

Audience profile

This exam is intended for experts in implementing and maintaining solutions by using the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence tool suite. The qualified candidate for this exam typically has the following experience or knowledge.

Knowledge of database schemas, both relational and multidimensional
Experience with and/or knowledge of implementing a cube in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
Experience with and/or knowledge of SSAS data mining algorithms
Experience creating and deploying SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports
Experience authoring and deploying SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages
Experience working with the Microsoft .NET Framework

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-445: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence – Implementation and Maintenance, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence

Exam 70-445 is also credit toward the following certification:

MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer

Skills being measured

MCTS: SQL Server 2005 Certification Requirements

The Technology Specialist certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (MCTS: SQL Server 2005) implement and maintain databases using specific instructions and specifications. They have thorough knowledge of the product, understand how to use the tools and Transact-SQL language, and know how to explore the user interface. Technology Specialists typically pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. They may also be developers and systems administrators who do not work with SQL Server daily but who want to show their breadth of technology experience.

How to earn your MCTS: SQL Server 2005

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on the implementation and maintenance of SQL Server 2005. The following table lists Official Microsoft Learning Products and Microsoft Press books that are designed to help you prepare for the required exams. See the individual exam preparation guides for exam availability.

Required exams for MCTS: SQL Server 2005 (one exam required)

Exam 70–431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance

Audience profile

Candidates for this exam are professionals who typically pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. Additionally, they can be people who do not work with Microsoft SQL Server as a part of their primary job functions but who want to show their breadth of technology experience, such as developers, systems administrators, and others. Candidates have sought out knowledge and experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 to enhance their technical expertise, and they can implement and maintain databases by using specific instructions and specifications.

Candidates for this exam should be experts in following areas:

Tools usage
UI navigation
Wizards usage
Writing code in the appropriate language (Transact-SQL, CLR language, and other scripting languages)
Code debugging or syntactic issue resolution
Troubleshooting
Accomplishing specific focused tasks by using code or UI navigation

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2005

Exam 70-431 is also credit toward the following certifications:

MCITP: Database Administrator
MCTS and MCITP upgrade from MCDBA
MCITP: Database Developer
MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000
MCSA on Windows Server 2003
MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000
MCSE on Windows Server 2003

70–536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0—Application Development Foundation, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications
•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications
•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

•Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
•Microsoft Visual C# 2005
•Microsoft Visual C++ 2005

Skills being measured

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist credential enables professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

Developers holding the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications (MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications) certification have demonstrated breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of Web services, .NET Framework remoting, Enterprise Services, and Message Queuing technology. Technology Specialists typically pursue careers as Web developers, Microsoft Windows developers, or enterprise software developers. They may also be database developers and systems administrators who do not work with the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 daily but who want to show their breadth of technology experience.

Microsoft Skills Assessments for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 will help you focus your exam preparation training and help you find the learning resources that you need to upgrade from Visual Studio .NET, ASP.NET 1.0, and ASP.NET 1.1.

How to earn your MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

Candidates for this certification must pass two exams: one that focuses on .NET Framework 2.0 foundational skills and one that focuses on developing distributed applications. The following table provides a complete list of exams and related training resources. For exam dates and specific areas of focus, see individual exam preparation guides as the exams become available.

Required exams for MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications (two exams required)

Exam 70–536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation

Exam 70–529: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Distributed Application Development

Credit Toward Certification

When you pass Exam 70-529: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Distributed Application Development, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

Code Languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

•Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
•Microsoft Visual C# 2005

Skills Being Measured

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist credential enables professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

Developers who hold the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications (MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications) certification have demonstrated breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of Windows Forms technology, in addition to expertise in data access in Microsoft Windows applications.

Technology Specialists typically pursue careers as Web developers, Windows developers, or enterprise software developers. They may also be developers and system administrators who do not work with the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 daily but who want to show their breadth of technology experience.

Microsoft Skills Assessments for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 and Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 will help you focus your exam preparation training, and they can help you find the learning resources that you need to upgrade from Visual Studio .NET and ASP.NET 1.0 and ASP.NET 1.1.

How to earn your MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

Candidates for this certification must pass two exams: one focuses on .NET Framework 2.0 foundational skills and the other focuses on Windows-based client development. The following table provides a complete list of exams and related training resources. For exam dates and specific areas of focus, see individual Exam Preparation Guides as the exams become available.

Required Exams for MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications (Two Exams Required)

Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Application Development Foundation

Exam 70-526: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-526: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-based Client Development, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

•Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
•Microsoft Visual C# 2005
•Microsoft Visual C++ 2005

Skills being measured

Sunday, January 13, 2008

MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist credential enables professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their subject area technologies.

Developers holding the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications (MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications) certification have demonstrated breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of Web application technology and data access in Web applications.

Technology Specialists typically pursue careers as Web developers, Windows developers, or enterprise software developers. They may also be database developers or systems administrators who do not work daily with the .NET Framework 2.0 but who want to show their technology experience.

Microsoft Skills Assessments for Visual Studio 2005 and Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 help developers to focus their exam preparation training and to find learning resources so that they can upgrade from Visual Studio .NET and ASP.NET 1.0 or ASP.NET 1.1.

How to Earn Your MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

Candidates for this certification must pass two exams, one focusing on .NET Framework 2.0 foundational skills and one focusing on Web-based client development. The following table provides a complete list of exams and related training resources. For exam dates and specific areas of focus, see individual Exam Preparation Guides as the exams become available.
If you plan to upgrade from an MCAD or MCSD on .NET certification to a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification, you do not need to first obtain an MCTS certification. You will earn the applicable MCTS certifications when you pass the upgrade exam(s) for MCPD: Windows Applications Developer, MCPD: Web Applications Developer, or MCPD: Enterprise Applications Developer.

Required Exams for MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications (Two Exams Required)

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0—Application Development Foundation, you earn credit toward the following certifications:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows Applications

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Distributed Applications

Code languages

When the exam begins, you can choose the programming language in which the code segments will appear. The available code languages for this exam are:

•Microsoft Visual Basic 2005
•Microsoft Visual C# 2005
•Microsoft Visual C++ 2005

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-528: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - Web-Based Client Development, you earn credit toward the following certification:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: .NET Framework 2.0 Web Applications

MCTS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration

This exam is for IT professionals who work in medium to large computing environments and who are deploying and using Microsoft Forefront technologies. This exam focuses on Forefront Client Security, Forefront Server Security, and Forefront Edge Security. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in desktop administration and Microsoft Windows server administration as well as knowledge of malware, anti-virus, and spam protection software.
Typical tasks include deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting each Forefront products. Candidates should have a good understanding of general security concepts.

The typical candidate should have knowledge of the following products and technologies:

•Active Directory

•Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

•Microsoft SQL Server 2005

•Microsoft Operations Manager

•Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

•Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

•Microsoft Live Communication Server

•Instant Messenger security

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-557: TS: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server, Configuration, you earn credit toward the following certification:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft Forefront Client and Server – Configuration

Skills being measured

This certification exam measures your ability to accomplish the following technical tasks by using the Microsoft Forefront Client and Server.

Skills measured by Exam 70-557

Deploying Client Agents and Policies

Deploy client agents and policies.
Configure server products.
Maintain the infrastructure of the client and server.
Review status and activity.

Configuring Server Products

Deploy a Forefront client.
Create a Forefront Client Security (FCS) policy.
Deploy an FCS policy.
Configure FCS updates.
Customize notification messages and admin notifications.
Configure reporting services.
Enable clients to download updates outside corporate network.

Maintaining the Infrastructure of the Client and Server

Configure definition and engine updates for server products.
Configure settings for server products.
Deploy templates to multiple servers.
Customize notification messages and admin notifications.

Monitoring Protection Status and Activity

Configure default actions.
Configure file-blocking rules.
Configure a manual scan.
Configure an ad hoc update of engines and signature files.
Optimize the performance of scan engines.
Troubleshoot issues by using default installation log files and operation log files.

MCTS: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. More than a product certification, the new Office Project 2007 certification family is designed specifically to help project managers apply the leading project management best practices and methodologies as established by the Project Management Institute (PMI), resulting in better project outcomes, greater efficiency, and optimal resource management.

The MCTS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 certification for managing projects provides industry recognition to project managers and other professionals who use Microsoft Office Project Professional 2007 and Office Project Server 2007 to manage and support projects in an enterprise environment. Candidates for this credential may use Office Project 2007 or Office Project Server 2007 to manage project and non-project efforts, risks, issues, documents, task progress, and timesheets. Candidates should be familiar with the key project management concepts and terminology found in the Project Management Institute’s “A Guide to the Project Management Book of Knowledge” (PMBOK Guide).

How to earn your MCTS: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

MCTS candidates must pass one exam focusing on initiating projects, planning projects, executing projects, monitoring and controlling projects, and managing project professional and Microsoft Project Web Access (PWA) environments.

Required exams for MCTS: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 (one exam required)

Exam 70-633: TS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects

Credit toward certificationWhen you pass Exam 70-633: TS: Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Managing Projects, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

Exam 70-633 counts as credit toward the following certification:

• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

Skills being measured

This certification exam measures your ability to accomplish the following technical tasks by using Microsoft Office Project Server 2007.

Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the following job skills.

Skills measured by Exam 70-633

Initiating Projects

Save Microsoft Office Project Professional projects.
Create proposals.
Create activity plans.
Build a resource plan.

Planning Projects

Plan scope and cost.
Plan time.
Plan resources.
Manage resource capacity.
Create a risk item.

Executing Projects

Match and replace resources.
Build Project Team with named resources.
Distribute information to project stakeholders.
Create a timesheet.
Manage timesheets.
Review and approve a timesheet.

Monitoring and Controlling Projects

Enter task updates.
Manage status reports.
Report data by using PWA.
Manage issues and risks.
Manage deliverables.

Managing Project Professional and PWA Environments

Access Project Center.
Log on to PWA by using Windows Internet Explorer.
Authenticate Project Professional to a project server.
Set options.
Create, save, or update enterprise templates.

MCTS: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies. More than a product certification, the new Office Project 2007 certification family is designed specifically to help project managers apply the leading project management best practices and methodologies as established by the Project Management Institute (PMI), resulting in better project outcomes, greater efficiency, and optimal resource management.

The MCTS: Microsoft Office Project 2007 credential for managing projects validates the skills of project managers who use Office Project 2007. Candidates for this credential may work on projects as a team member, project lead, project manager, scheduler, or another role that requires the ability to formulate well thought-out project plans and to manage projects effectively. MCTS candidates may be responsible for the scheduling, estimating, coordinating, controlling, budgeting, and staffing of projects. Candidates may also provide support to other Microsoft Office Project users. Candidates should be familiar with key project management concepts and terminology.

How to earn your MCTS: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007

MCTS candidates must pass one exam that focuses on configuring tools and options; setting up a project; estimating, scheduling, and budgeting a project.

Required exams for MCTS: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007 (one exam required)

Exam 70-632: TS: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects

Exam news

Exam 70-632: TS: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects became available in July 2007. This exam is available in English, French, German, and Japanese.

Exam topics covered

The following list includes the topic areas covered on this exam. The percentage indicates the portion of the exam that addresses a particular skill.

•Configuring Tools and Options (13 percent)

•Setting Up a Project (10 percent)

•Estimating, Scheduling, and Budgeting Tasks (29 percent)

•Resourcing Project Plans (24 percent)

•Updating and Reporting on Project Performance (24 percent)

Credit toward certification

When you pass Exam 70-632: TS: Microsoft Office Project 2007, Managing Projects, you complete the requirements for the following certification:

•Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Managing Projects with Microsoft Office Project 2007
Exam 70-632 counts as credit toward the following certification:

• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

Skills being measured

This certification exam measures your ability to accomplish the following technical tasks by using Microsoft Office Project 2007.

Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the following job skills.

Skills measured by Exam 70-632

Configuring Tools and Options

Set up Schedule options.
Set up Calculation options.
Set up Interface options.
Set up View options.
Set up General options.
Set up Calendar options.
Set up Security options.

Setting Up a Project

Create and modify a template.
Select a template.
Enter project information.
Manage calendars.
Import and export data.

Estimating, Scheduling, and Budgeting Tasks

Create a WBS.
Create and modify tasks.
Estimate and budget tasks.
Sequence tasks.
Identify and analyze critical tasks and critical path.
Manage multiple projects.

Resourcing Project Plans

Forecast time-phased generic skill or role requirements.
Create, modify, and use resource pools.
Add, change, substitute, or remove resource assignments.
Predict durations and work calculations.
Optimize resource utilization.

Updating and Reporting on Project Performance

Save and modify baselines.
Enter task updates.
Reschedule incomplete work.
Track project progress.
Analyze variance.
Create, modify, and delete objects.
Create reports.