Pass 70-410 MCSA Certification Exam Fast

70-410 Exam Has Been Retired

This exam has been replaced by Microsoft with new exam.

Microsoft 70-410 Exam Details

MCSA exam 70-410 would pave the way to an associate-level certification awarded by one of the most prominent bodies in the Information Technology (IT) industry, Microsoft. This test leads to the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 certificate. It validates the candidates’ skills in the Windows Server 2012 infrastructure and successfully pivots in their career journey.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 Certification

The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification demonstrates an individual's skills to install, configure, manage, and maintain a Windows Server 2012 infrastructure. It also verifies the ability of a person to work with Windows Server 2012 in a professional environment. There are three tests one should sit for to get certified. These are given below:

  • 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
  • 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012
  • 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

What Is the Microsoft MCSA 70-410 Exam: Prerequisites, Exam Structure, Extra Details

The Microsoft MCSA 70-410 exam assesses an individual’s core knowledge of implementing and configuring Windows Server 2012 in an existing enterprise environment. Furthermore, this test acts as a platform to develop and gain basic skills in networking which would be a valuable addition to the skillset. Microsoft does not set any prerequisites for candidates although typically they should have a certain level of familiarity with Windows Server.

The format of the exam is quite challenging. It consists of approximately forty to sixty questions that need to be answered in two hours. Questions are mainly provided in the multiple-choice format combined with other types such as drag and drop, case study, short answers, active screen, build list, and hot area. The Microsoft MCSA 70-410 exam is available in several languages, including English, Portuguese, German, Japanese, French, and Chinese.

The test has an enrollment fee of $165. Upon successful payment, applicants are required to log into the Pearson VUE account and register for the exam by searching for the code 70-410. The registration can be completed by following the prompts.

On the day of the test, the candidate is required to present two forms of valid identification, a primary and secondary ID. Also, the exam-taker will not be allowed to carry any personal belongings or unauthorized materials. However, an erasable note board and a marker will be provided during the test.

Candidates are expected to score about 700 points to pass the exam. The results are not subject to expiry and therefore you can work towards obtaining the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification at your own pace. In the event an applicant fails to pass the test on the first try, there is a requirement to wait for 24 hours before the retake. For each subsequent attempt, the candidate should wait for 14 days. Microsoft permits a maximum of 5 attempts per exam within one year.

Who Should Take the Microsoft MCSA 70-410 Exam?

MCSA 70-410 is a fundamental exam that upgrades one’s skills and serves as an indicator of continuous improvement. It is ideal for IT professionals who wish to verify their associate-level competence to get a new job, promotion, or salary rise. It drastically improves the employability of candidates as companies feel more confident to recruit Microsoft certified professionals. It tells the employer that the specialist has acquired the basic knowledge needed to work in a Microsoft environment. The test is also suitable for individuals seeking better prospects and looking to start a career in the IT industry.

Areas Covered in MCSA 70-410 Exam

The MCSA 70-410 exam tests candidates on a wide range of topics such as active directory and networking services. To successfully pass this test, one is expected to be proficient in the following topics:

  • Installation and configuration of servers (this domain includes planning for server roles and upgrade, the use of Features on Demand, configuring PowerShell DSC, etc.)
  • Hyper-V configuration (this objective covers the creation of virtual machine settings, storage, and virtual networks, as well as their configuration)
  • Configuration of server features and roles (the section involves share permissions, NTFS permissions, configuring drivers, down-level server management, and others)
  • Deployment and configuration of core network services (one should be skilled in IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, deploying DHCP service, managing DNS, and more)
  • Creation and management of Group Policy (this domain includes topics focused on the creation of GPOs, security policies, application restriction policies, and configuration of Windows Firewall)
  • Installation and administration of Active Directory (this section emphasizes installation of domain controllers, creating AD users and computers and managing them, administering AD organizational units and groups)

There are plenty of resources available online to help candidates familiarize themselves with the above topics and prepare for the exam. The official course is a great starting point while guides, video tutorials, and exam dumps are also useful to better understand the structure and format of the test as they are based on its real content and environment.

Potential Career Pathways

The Microsoft 70-410 exam leading to the prestigious MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification would certainly create an excess of opportunities for IT professionals. An MCSA certified individual will be able to work as a network administrator, a computer systems administrator, a computer network specialist, a systems engineer, or an Information Technology manager in any company. With this certificate, one can expect a massive jump in the salary scale and a reputation boost. Salaries can vary depending on the organization and the position held by the professional. Typically, an MCSA certified specialist earns around $76,000 on average annually according to PayScale.com.

This certification would be the beginning of a high paying career with endless opportunities. It can act as a stepping stone and a prerequisite for many other courses and certificates. Once got it, applicants can work towards obtaining the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Core Infrastructure certification, the highest level of certificates offered by Microsoft. This one demonstrates the expertise of an individual in the Microsoft environment and server technology.