Helmers Blog

Just received an e-mail from Microsoft inviting me for the 71-659 : TS: Window Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization. So if you have an up to date SME Profile with the right expertise mentioned, you probably received the same e-mail:

Register for Beta Exam 71-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization

You are invited to take beta exam 71-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization. You were specifically chosen to participate in this beta because of your Microsoft Learning SME Profile or previous participation with Microsoft Learning. This opportunity will also be offered to the general public. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form.

By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to development of exams in their released version. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.

71-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

· MCITP: Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator

Availability

Registration begins: December 1, 2009

Beta exam period runs: December 4, 2009– December 31, 2009

Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta. We recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

 

For everybody who hasn’t got a SME Profile already, just go and read here how to create your own SME Profile. Somewhere next week the information on how to register for the beta exam will be posted on the MS Learn blog….this will include the promotional code to register for the exam for free!

The Microsoft Learning and Evangelism team has put an announcement on the Born to Learn blog in which they are looking for IT Pro’s who want to help with the development of the MCITP Windows 7 Desktop Administrator exam. A small quote from the blog :

Many of you will notice that Desktop Administrator is an entirely new role. We’re excited to add this role to our exam portfolio and believe that it reflects what’s going on in the real world. For those of you who are not already familiar with the term, Desktop Administrators (DAs) are IT Professionals who are responsible for provisioning desktop PCs and deploying service packs and updates to these PCs. They are also responsible for setting the strategic direction for the desktop operating system and applications. DAs work with other lines of businesses in their company and are responsible for addressing high-end desktop infrastructure needs. DAs are Tier 3 level support and mostly handle escalations related to system and large site issues.

Techiebird’s comment about the need for an advanced desktop cert is what motivated me to write this post. [Surprise, we're listening!] My question is, are you listening? We’re looking for a few people who are experienced Desktop Administrators to help us with developing the DA exam. If you (1) are already doing the job described in the previous paragraph, and (2) have experience with Windows 7, and (3) would like to volunteer for a 20-minute exercise that will help shape the DA exam.

If you would like to be part of the development, must visit their blog and send Krista an e-mail!