Overview of Windows 7 MCITP Certifications

Microsoft released Windows 7 to the public in 2009 and several certifications based on this new technology. These include the MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7 and the MCITP Enterprise Administrator 7 . Candidates for both these Microsoft certifications should have knowledge and hands-on experience in implementing, managing and configuring Microsoft Windows 7 in an enterprise environment.

The 70-680 exam, is required for both MCITP certifications. Prior to taking this exam you should understand how to upgrade to Windows 7, overcome compatibility issues and manage and maintain the Windows 7 system. Mainly, this exam measures your initial ability to configure windows and perform a clean installation/upgrade of Windows 7. The exam will test your ability to deploy Windows, configure applications and hardware, network connectivity, access to resources (i.e. shared folders, printers etc), backup and recovery options, maintaining the personal computer and mobile computing. This exam covers everything from the essential process of installation to the configuration of software, hardware and resources.

The Desktop Enterprise Technician 7, next you will need to take exam 70-685, which focuses on identifying issues, from initial setup and configuration issues to failure issues. Exam 70-685 tests these skills in the following areas; Desktop applications, networking, hardware, performance, wireless connectivity, remote access and security. This exam focuses on understanding the causes of such issues and how to resolve them.
For the Enterprise Administrator 7, the next required exam is the 70-686 exam, which tests your ability to develop the strategy for managing and supporting the infrastructure as well as applications. The exam mostly focuses on the administrative side and concentrates on creating standard images for windows clients, designing Windows 7 client configurations and deployment, planning and managing a strategy for hardware, software and licensing, acknowledging any issues or problems (i.e. network issues) and managing applications.

To prepare for these exams, it is recommended that you study using a variety of resources. You should also have hands on experience with Windows 7. Microsoft certification exams are knowledge based as well as practical, so you’ll need to be able to put your knowledge into practice.