How to train for Microsoft Certifications

It all started about a week or two ago ... I was reading some posts on an LinkedIn group, when I came across a debate about TestKing materials. It was all about how the braindumps (TestKing being one example) basically equals cheating.

So I've decided to do a little bit of research about which materials and methods would be right for somebody to use to get certified.

Easier said than done ... I've been doing a bit of reading on the Microsoft website about the approved methods & materials that an IT Pro could use to train in order to take their exams and the information provided is rather vague (to say confusing would be a little harsh, but comes in a close second).

According to Microsoft, all braindumps are considered cheating and if a certified professional is caught using them, his certifications will be annulled and he will be forever banned from taking another certification exam. 

They only list their own materials (MS books, E-Learning, etc.) and certified learning providers as the way to properly get certified.

However, not even one mention of online training providers, for example TestOut, which I found it a little bit odd since they are providing training videos and simulations, just like an instructor-led course. I have been using TestOut lately and it is a good learning tool, especially since the student can control the pace of the training.

Back to the debate … I agree that the best way to learn is by doing a course (either instructor-led or online), a lot of labs & sims, using the MS books and E-learning tools AND have at least 1-2 years of experience. The TestKing Q&As are just too riddled with wrong answers and they will also not teach a student anything (besides how good is he at remembering multiple choice answers). Again, I would definitely recommend having some experience in systems / network administration before taking any course.  Without that experience, a student will only know how the theory can be applied in a best practices scenario and that rarely happens in the real world.

Aaargh … almost 7.00AM … time to go to work.