Microsoft’s 70
740 exam: Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows
Server 2016 is the first of three exams you must pass to get MCSA:
Windows Server 2016 certified.
Passing this exam proves you have the skills and knowledge to:
- Install Windows Server 2016 in host and compute environments
- Implement storage solutions
- Implement Hyper-V
- Implement Windows containers
- Implement high availability
- Maintain and monitor server environments
So, to help you pass first time, these are our 10 tips to pass the MCSA 70-740 exam:
- Use the Microsoft Virtual Academy
- Use a 70-410 revision guide
- Join a Microsoft forum
- Take a 70-410 practice test
- Take a MCSA 70-740 course
- Avoid brain dumps
- Download a trial version of Windows Server
- Join a Microsoft study group
- Take a Windows Server practice labs
- Download a Microsoft study app
Once you’ve passed this exam, you’ll be able to move on to exams 70 741: Networking with Windows Server 2016 and 70 742: Identity with Windows Server 2016. Already studying for exam 70 741? Take a look at our 10
Tips to Pass Microsoft's MCSA Exam 70-741.
1. Microsoft’s Virtual Academy
Microsoft provides a
free learning resource, called the Microsoft
Virtual Academy. Here you’ll find videos, presentations and learning
materials for the full range of Microsoft technologies, including Windows
Server 2016.
These resources not only introduce you to the key exam
information but also provide helpful and educational insights into many key
topics.
For Windows Server 2016 and your 70 740 exam, there is
a host of useful resources that can boost your knowledge. The What’s
New in Windows Server 2016 provides an in-depth introduction of the
changes you’ll see from the previous Windows Server 2012 and features that have
recently been added to the Windows Server 2016.
The content in this free resource is an excellent starting
point for your exam prep and alongside our other tips will ensure you’re ready
to ace the exam!
2. Use a Microsoft revision guide
Study guides are incredibly useful resources that allow you
to structure your revision in a way that works best for you. Revision guides
point out key areas you should focus on and will guide you through the
knowledge you need to know for the exam.
Exam
Ref 70 740 Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016 is
the most recent 70 410 book from Jason Kelington and the official study guide
for this Microsoft certification. This book features concise,
objective-by-objective reviews, strategic case studies and even thought
experiments. You can purchase this 70
740 study guide on Amazon.
A second resource that’s equally helpful is the bestselling MCSA
Windows Server 2016 Study Guide. This guide covers 100% of all exam
objectives and “goes far beyond concept review with real-world scenarios
containing expert insights, chapter review questions, hands-on practice
exercises and a searchable glossary”.
Written by William Panek, a Microsoft MVP, you can be sure
that the content will be closely aligned with what you’ll face in the exam. You
can purchase this
70 740 study guide on Amazon.
3. Join a Windows Server forum
What better way to prepare for the 70 740 exam then to join other like-minded individuals
preparing for the same exam.
Joining a forum is an excellent way of accessing a unique
community. You’ll be able to work through challenging elements of the Microsoft
curriculum together, ask questions and bounce ideas off one another. You’ll
also hear from what others who have both passed (and failed) the exam have to
say.
The TechNet
forums are an excellent resource, providing guidance and information
that can be useful for those that are both looking to get certified or simply
resolve technical issues. There are a wide range of topics and with many active
members there’s a high chance somebody has already answered your niche
Microsoft questions.
4. Take a practice test
Practice 70 740 test questions are useful resources to familiarise yourself with the exam format and prepare you for the types of questions you’ll get when you take the exam. It’s also a great way to identify gaps in your knowledge that you can then work on.
GoCertify offers
70 740 test questions. Once you’ve started your revision and feel you have a
good understanding of the exam material, this is an excellent way to test your
knowledge and identify areas that need improvement.
MeasureUp is
a similarly useful resource and as the provider of official Microsoft practice tests, it offers a far wider range of questions
and different packaging and pricing options to get you started. With the exam
still in the beta phase, however, MeasureUp do not have practice questions live
on their website. We suggest you check this page regularly as they’ll no doubt
be looking to update this as soon as the exam becomes available.
MeasureUp’s practice exams are well-respected and are a
great way to dig your teeth into some meaty and useful revision.
5. Take a course
There is no real alternative to immersing yourself in a training course led by certified instructors with a wealth of knowledge and experience on your specific certification.
You’ll sit in a classroom, away from any distractions, with
peers that are focused on passing the same exam. You’ll also benefit from
hands-on experience and invaluable instructor knowledge.
Firebrand offers an
accelerated 11 day MCSA:
Windows Server 2016 course. Firebrand also offers
courses aligned to the 70
740, 70
741 and 70
742 exams individually.
6. Avoid Brain Dumps
Avoid brain dumps at all costs. Not only are these illegal in the context of Microsoft examinations, they are also rarely useful in providing any real-world skills.
Plus, if its discovered that you have been using a 70 740
brain dump, you will be disqualified from your exam.
7. Download a trial session of the software
An excellent way to prepare for the exam is to get familiar
with the software you’ll be tested on. Download a trial version of the Windows
Server 2016 software.
The trial version limits you to 180 days, which is more than enough to get experience with some of the features. Focus on experiencing parts of the software relevant to 70 740 exams and this software will offer useful practical revision that will certainly help when it comes to the exam.
The trial version limits you to 180 days, which is more than enough to get experience with some of the features. Focus on experiencing parts of the software relevant to 70 740 exams and this software will offer useful practical revision that will certainly help when it comes to the exam.
8. Join a study group
The value of joining like-minded individuals as you prepare for your exam should not be underestimated. Study groups allow you and others to share tips, experiences, challenges and questions with one another.
Born to Learn is
a training and certification community that discuss relevant certification news
and articles.
Under the “Study Groups” tab you’ll be able to select the
technology and the subsequent exam you’re focusing on. Here, you’ll be able to
start discussions or add to on-going discussions with others that are
interested in the same software and exam as you.
9. Do some practice labs
Practice labs are an excellent way to get familiar with
software in an environment that allows you to make mistakes.
While training courses such as Firebrand’s offer practical
tasks with the supervision of an instructor, MeasureUp have
a series of practice labs you can complete by yourself. These practice labs are
aligned specifically to the different exams. Although currently unavailable for
the 70 740, 70 741 and 70 742 exams, check back at a later date.
It’s also definitely worth heading to TechNet
Virtual Labs where you can access labs aligned to Windows Server 2016.
Best of all, this resource is entirely free so make the most of it!
With the Windows Server 2016 exams currently in the beta
phase, it’s just a matter of time before we see these practical labs become
available on MeasureUp.
10. Follow an Expert
A good way to keep up-to-date with the latest Microsoft
developments is to follow an expert's
blog. Robert Smit is a Senior Technical Evangelist and Microsoft MVP as of
2009 and updates his personal blog on all things Windows Server/System Center
and Azure.
Smit uses this platform as his own personal notebook as
well, so although some of the content may appear to be Smit thinking out loud -
it is an excellent resource for your Windows Server exam prep.
Keep up to date with this blog and you'll get the
inside-scoop on a wide range of information helping with exam preparation and
developing your skills once you're MCSA certified!