The 70-227 Exam by Microsoft focuses on installing, configuring, and administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition. This exam can be taken by IT professionals working in various companies, small and big. Unlike many exams from Microsoft, this one is unfortunately available in only English. However, like most exams, this one also gives credits towards Microsoft certifications. The two most famous certifications from Microsoft are the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer).

Each certification has a number of exams that are associated with it, and when a candidate clears all these exams, he/she gets the certification. After clearing the 70-227, a candidate gets the status of MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). He/she also gets elective credits towards MCSA and MCSE on Windows 2000 certifications. Apart from Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft has exams and certifications for the Windows Server 2003 environment as well. Besides these, there are a variety of other exams too that one can take up.

The skills that are measured in this exam include installing ISA server; Configuring and Troubleshooting ISA Server Services; Configuring, Managing and Troubleshooting Policies and Rules; Deploying, Configuring, and Troubleshooting the Client Computer; and Monitoring, Managing and Analyzing ISA Server Use. Candidates should know how to handle or these technical tasks. A thorough theoretical, as well as practical knowledge with adequate practice is required to clear this exam. The preparation materials for the 70-227 Exam are many. You can choose to go in for classroom training or can even go in for the Microsoft E-Learning option. There are also practice tests certified by Microsoft known as MeasureUp and Self Test Software that can be taken by the candidates appearing for the exam. Moreover, there is a huge range of online resources to choose from.

For learning how to go about implementing and administering security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network, Microsoft has come up with the exam 70-299. This exam is available in a variety of languages including English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and even a simplified version of Chinese. Like most other Microsoft exams, this one is also geared towards providing core credits for a Microsoft certification, which in this case is MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator). Microsoft has a variety of certifications for beginners and IT professionals, two of the most famous being MCSA and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer). Each certification has a set of exams associated with it, and when a person clears all these exams, he/she gets the certification. The 70-299 Exam provides the candidate with a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) status after clearing it. It also provides with core credits for MCSA, and MCSE: Security on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Moreover, it also gives elective credits for MCSA, and MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. There are a variety of technical tasks that you need to know in order to clear this challenging exam. Thus, the skills measured include implementing, managing and troubleshooting security policies; implementing, managing and troubleshooting patch management infrastructure; implementing, managing and troubleshooting security for network communications; and planning, configuring and troubleshooting authentication, authorization and PKI. All Microsoft exams are quite challenging to clear, and the 70-299 one is no different. Microsoft recommends that people have thorough theoretical as well as practical knowledge with hands- on experience and practice. There is classroom training available for the exam along with various online resources that candidates appearing for the exam can access. Apart from these, there are various other kinds of preparation materials too that one can easily find in the market.

Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network is another exam offered by Microsoft. This exam is also known as 70-298 which focuses on network security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003. This exam is available since December 09, 2003 in four languages – English, French, German and Japanese. This exam focuses on IT professionals who want to develop and enhance their skills especially in designing network security. Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network serves as core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): Security on Windows Server 2003 certifications. The objectives of this Exam 70-298 are; Creating the Conceptual Design for Network Infrastructure Security by Gathering and Analyzing Business and Technical Requirements Creating the Logical Design for Network Infrastructure Security Creating the Physical Design for Network Infrastructure Security Designing an Access Control Strategy for Data Creating the Physical Design for Client Infrastructure Security After knowing the basic idea of this Exam 70-298, there are a few tips here for you to prepare for this exam. 1. Classroom Training First of all, it is advisable for you to enroll for a training class. All the trainers are IT experts with globally recognized certifications to train and coach you to pass this exam easily. As for this exam, the suitable classroom training recommended is 2830B: Designing Security for Microsoft® Networks. This is a 3-day training workshop. 2. Study Materials Whenever you want to sit for an exam, you will surely need study materials to aid you in preparing for the exam. Study materials will have adequate notes and lots of question for your self practice before the real exam. You can either buy the study materials online or from IT bookstores. 3. Hands-On Practice As this exam will evaluate you on your network security skills, it is better if you have sufficient hands-on practices in designing security for a network. With this, it will be easier for you to understand the whole system before taking the exam.

For those who are interested in application development, Microsoft has included a new exam in its learning catalogue and related exams by the name of 70-505Exam. It focuses on Microsoft. NET Framework 3. 5, and Windows Forms Application Development. The audience profile of the exam is such that the candidates are expected to work in a team in a development environment where Microsoft Visual Studio. NET 2008 is used, along with Microsoft. NET Framework 3. 5 for creating Windows based applications. Candidates should have at least one year of experience in building Windows applications using these technologies. Exam 70-505 is available in a variety of languages, which include English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and even simplified Chinese. The certification towards which passing this exam gives credits is MCTS: . NET Framework 3. 5, Windows Forms Applications. The exam tests the candidate’s ability to accomplish a variety of technical tasks. The skills being measured in this exam include creating a UI for a Windows Forms Application by using standard controls; integrating data in a Windows Forms Application; implementing, printing and reporting functionality in a Windows Forms Application; enhancing usability; implementing asynchronous programming techniques to improve the user experience; deploying Windows Forms Controls; and configuring and deploying applications. For preparation for the 70-505 Exam, Microsoft provides classroom training with a number of courses. There is also an option of Microsoft e-learning that can be taken by the candidates. Moreover, there are a variety of Microsoft Press Books that are available as preparation material for this exam. The exam is quite challenging, and candidates are expected to have thorough practical as well as theoretical knowledge of the subject. Information on the exam frequency, and changes in pattern and other things such as marking schemes are regularly updated on the Microsoft website. Candidates can check it up for latest updates.