83-640 versus 70-640: Which MCTS: Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration is which?
February 3, 2009 at 1:04 pm | In Microsoft | 17 CommentsTags: 70-113, 70-640, 83-640, MCTS
As a follow-up to our previous post, here are some points to clarify any confusion between the two tests (70-640 and 83-640) for MCTS: Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration.
- 83-640 will gradually replace 70-640: MCTS: Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration, in 2009. The study objectives are the same for both exams; the content has not changed, just the format.
- The lab-based exam was beta tested as the 70-113 pilot.
- Microsoft is using the 83-### numbering scheme to distinguish lab-based exams from the traditional multiple-choice and interactive item-type exams (70-###) and the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist simulation-type exams (77-###).
- To date, 83-640 has only been rolled out in three countries: Ireland, Singapore, and Canada. There is no word yet on when it will be released in the rest of the world.
- In areas where 83-640 hasn’t been released, test-takers will take 70-640. Both versions count equally toward certification.
- The lab-based exam also includes traditional multiple-choice item types. Microsoft does not plan to discontinue that type of question at this time, since some points are better tested in a question/answer format than by demonstrating a technique.
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I tried to take the 83-640 twice last week and the lab kept disconnecting, not allowing me to do the lab portion. When the lab is disconnected your time keeps going. Prometric did reschedule my test at another facility but I still have a fail on my record due to buggy software. Hopefully I can get through it today.
Comment by Joshua Cuellar — July 9, 2009 #
Any luck so far?
Comment by The Transcender Team — July 13, 2009 #
I think is not fair. How come everyone else can write the old exam but people in Canada has to do the new one?
Comment by Anonymous — July 31, 2009 #
Actually I have a few problems with this change.
1. If they’re going to change it, then fine. It’s Microsoft’s choice how they want people certified, but this should have been done before the 70-640 tests were made available. Don’t change it midstream.
2. For people who are trying to take exams right now (myself included), this is proving to be difficult. I’ve spent time studying and practicing 70-640 material only to find (at least in the U.S.) that I can’t even schedule a test through normal testing centers. It’s either not available or available in limited locations. They should at least keep 70-640 available in all locations until 83-640 is widely available.
Comment by Dave L — August 25, 2009 #
These would be excellent comments to direct right at the place where it will do the most good:
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/
Comment by The Transcender Team — August 27, 2009 #
Dave, are you saying that you can’t find a testing center that offers EITHER version of the test, or that you can ONLY find testing centers that offer 83-640? Because the actual material you are studying is the same for both tests. The only difference between the two is that one has the virtual portion. Everything that you are asked to perform in the virtual lab, though, is 100% from the 70-640 objectives.
Comment by The Transcender Team — August 27, 2009 #
Does anyone know how the labs are scored? Do I lose points for not going to the right spot right away? For example – looking for a tab I know is there, but having to open up a handful of properties windows to find it.
Comment by Kevin — September 25, 2009 #
Actual scoring methods are, of course, proprietary, but in concept, I don’t think you lose anything by clicking the wrong spot. From what we’ve been told, the point of virtualization is that the results can be obtained by any process you choose. You’re scored on solving the problem, not how you solved it. This is what sets the new breed of virtual lab exams apart from simulations, which only allow a set route through a given scenario.
Check this post for more info:
http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/2009/06/microsofts-virtual-lab-exams-going-inside-the-black-box
Comment by The Transcender Team — September 25, 2009 #
I took this exam yesterday and passed, but what was disappointing is the labs were still buggy. The first one would not let me use one of the two VM, but I was able to complete it by chooding the other domain controller in the MMC snap ins. The second lab, did not work at all, so they moved me to another computer, that did not work right away either. I had to lock the VVM and unlock it to get it to respond. I hope MS fixes theses buggy labs for future exams.
Comment by Kevin — September 30, 2009 #
[...] in the actual OS/environment. They forced you to use a specific method, using a specific tool. 83-640 versus 70-640: Which MCTS: Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration is which? The … It would be nice to get the feedback from those who have taken an 83 series exam… Also, I have [...]
Pingback by Are Microsoft/Cisco certifications worth it? - TechExams.net IT Certification Forums — October 6, 2009 #
I agree, I took the exam last Friday and got the 70-640 and failed due to lack of any preperation. Went to retake it Tuesday and got the 83-640 instead and passed. I’d have to say the 83-640 with the labs was buggy for me as well. The range in difficulty of tasks and questions varies wildly. I’d have to personally say to get the 70-640 while you can.
-D
Comment by DennisN — October 9, 2009 #
Dennis, thanks for commenting. You can comment directly at Microsoft’s Born to Learn blog if you need to pass your opinion along.
Comment by The Transcender Team — October 9, 2009 #
What is that supposed to mean? This wasn’t an opinion, the test WAS buggy and more difficult as it took over twice as long.
Maybe you should post YOUR opinion there.
Comment by Dennis N — October 14, 2009 #
The Born To Learn blog is a great resource, because it’s a place to interact with the team that creates the Microsoft certification tests. If you want them to know about your experience, I suggest you comment there. Thanks for reading!
Comment by The Transcender Team — October 14, 2009 #
Add the UK to the list of places that you have to take this in too. 4Hrs of a test scheduled time may explain why its not availiable everywhere yet.
Comment by alex — November 1, 2009 #
Must you sit the 83-640 exam in uk?
Comment by draga — November 9, 2009 #
You will need to confirm that directly with Prometric – I would hate to tell you the wrong thing. Good luck!
Comment by The Transcender Team — November 9, 2009 #