Preparing for the Exchange 2013 (beta) exams

In the upcoming episode 11 of The UC Architects podcast, we discussed about preparing for the Exchange 2013 exams. As I blogged earlier, the new Microsoft Certified Solutions Master: Messaging certification requires the exams 70-341 and 70-342, next to the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012 certification.

Currently the Exchange 2013 exams are in beta, the Release-to-Manufacturer (RTM) version will be published January 15 2013. Being an beta exam means several things:

• Booking is as normal, though the code for the beta exams is 71-341 and 71-342. Unless you have an invite or coupons, you will have to pay the normal fee for the exam.
• You probably won’t get the result immediately as with normal exams. Expect some weeks before you get the results. It’s a pain yes, but Microsoft is still working on the exams including scoring (I assume).
• It’s based on the Exchange 2013 Consumer Preview, so when training with a self built lab it’s probably wise to use those setup files, in case of important differences between the preview and the RTM setup files. However, currently I can’t find download locations of the Exchange 2013 Preview, so if you haven’t downloaded that already use the RTM. Get the bits via MSDN/TechNet (you need a paid subscription for that) or an publicly available evaluation version from the TechNet Evaluation Center.
• There is currently no training material available. This is probably also the case during the first months of the RTM exams, so most of the tips I will present here can be used until training material is available. But do check the pages for the exams regularly for any updates on MS Press Training Kits or other materials.
• Obviously the Online Technet material is one source, but it can be very dry.
• Use the downloadable help files for the RTM version (also can’t find the preview version anymore), if you need the information when offline (during you commute in the train perhaps?).

• Watch the TechEd Australia and/or New Zealand sessions, those events had the first public and recorded sessions with Exchange 2013 content. You can find them on Channel9, you can even download the sessions for offline viewing. Not all sessions are recorded or available (and one session is mislabeled…). I’ve made a list for you of the sessions currently available:
• TechEd 2012 New Zealand Exchange sessions:
• EXL202 Outlook Everywhere – Adam Glick
• EXL301 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Architecture Deep Dive, Part 1 – Scott Schnoll
• EXL302 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Architecture Deep Dive, Part 2 – Scott Schnoll (Note: this is actually still Part 1, but I’ve added this if they correct this)
• EXL303 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Deployment and Coexistence – Scott Schnoll
• EXL304 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Data Loss Prevention – Steve Chew
• EXL305 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 Archiving and Compliance – Steve Chew
• EXL306 Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 High Availability and Site Resilience – Scott Schnoll
• TechEd 2012 Australia Exchange sessions:
• EXL311 Exchange Server 2013 Architecture Deep Dive – Scott Schnoll
• EXL315 Exchange Server 2013 High Availability and Site Resilience – Scott Schnoll
• EXL326 The new Exchange – Data Loss Prevention – Steve Chew
• EXL332 Exchange Server 2013 Deployment and Coexistence – Scott Schnoll
• EXL333 The New Exchange – Archiving and Compliance – Steve Chew
• Use the new Microsoft Exchange IamMEC community site and watch the available videos, the Technical Keynote is a good start (note: this video stopped at 52 minutes, it’s not supposed to). There are a bit more video’s when logged in the (separate) My MecIsBack site and you can download the videos. The Technical Keynote there is the correct complete length, so check that version out. However, it could be that you need to use the credentials used to attend the Microsoft Exchange Conference event. I’m not sure that non attending users can enter…
• Read the Exchange 2013 blog posts from the Exchange Team. Other bloggers can also be a good source of information. Check out the Exchange bloggers from The UC Architects or find others via this page.
• *** Update 2012/11/10 *** There are several Hands-On Labs available for attendees of MEC untill 27 december 2012. Log on using the same credentials used to register for MEC: http://mymec.mecisback.com/Pages/Index/HOL

***Update 2012/11/10 Unfortunately these video on Windows 2012 aren't available anymore. I couldn't find them anywhere else. Too bad… Thanks to Cor Reinhard for the headsup! ***

For those who also need to get the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012 certification, the Microsoft Jumpstart video’s for the 70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 exam are available:

• Session 1: Installing and configuring servers based on Windows Server 2012 http://aka.ms/ufxmff
• Session 2: Monitoring and maintaining Windows Server 2012 http://aka.ms/mljwtn
• Session 3: Managing Windows Server 2012 by using Windows PowerShell 3.0 http://aka.ms/tmw5nk
• Session 4: Managing storage for Windows Server 2012 http://aka.ms/hdqr1v
• Session 5: Implementing network services http://aka.ms/ti0wok
• Session 6: Implementing Direct Access http://aka.ms/odkaob
• Session 7: Implementing failover clustering http://aka.ms/aha3lw
• Session 8: Implementing Hyper-V http://aka.ms/iyoxih
• Session 9: Implementing failover clustering with Hyper-V http://aka.ms/hn3rot
• Session 10: Implementing Dynamic Access Control http://aka.ms/ohbu2a
• Session 11: Implementing Active Directory Domain Services http://aka.ms/nmqrfk
• Session 12: Implementing Active Directory Federation Services http://aka.ms/v4pxgb

I’m taking my exams in about a week and I wanted to share what information I plan to use to (hopefully) pass the exams. Good luck!