This is a free certification test for Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 administered by a non-Microsoft company. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this Windows Server Administration exam starting with pay scales and then the details of a timed, non-proctored exam. When such benefits and limits are acceptable; then proceed with the test.
Microsoft Certifications and Job Salary Scales – 2010
According to the TechRepublic 2010 IT Skills and Salary Report where mostly US and Canada IT professionals have been surveyed, the following are the mean salaries of IT professionals with Microsoft Windows Server certifications:
- MCTS – Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration/ 93 Respondents/ $84,338
- MCTS – Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure Configuration/ 68 Respondents/ $83,387
- MCTS – Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration/ 106 Respondents/ $83,033
Free MS Windows Server Administration Test
Note that this free certification for MS Windows Server Administration is issued by a non-Microsoft company. This is the first issue. Second, obviously, the greatest advantage of taking this exam is for ample practice prior to that official Microsoft certification. Third, the test is limited to the following scope:
- Active Directory
- Design and Installation
- Providing Network Services
- Sharing Resources
- Troubleshooting
- Configuration and Management
- Networking
- Security
- Storage
Proctored Versus Non-Proctored Certification Tests
Since this is a timed non-proctored test, please be informed that a test taker might seek assistance while taking the test online. This violates the certification company's terms and conditions as well as casts doubts on the credibility of the exam.
Should there be concerns on how the free certification has been conducted, inform prospective employers that the online exam can be retaken under their direct, close supervision. This way, the certifications testing becomes proctored by no other than the employer themselves.
Moreover, each and every take or retake on the exam is significantly different from the previous. Each test randomly retrieves a specific number of questions from a database populated with a considerable variety of test items that experts allegedly designed.
Although certain questions will be repeated when the exam is taken several times, better retention can be achieved. On the other hand, proctored certifications are the generally accepted standard. These tests are conducted under the direct supervision of professionals to deter cheating.
To demonstrate good faith, job applicants with these type of non-proctored certifications should clearly indicate in their resumés that these are non-proctored along with their proctored certifications, if any.
As for multiple non-proctored certifications, the company, Brainbench also offers many other exam products offered at a flat rate of $49.95 and $25 practice tests. Multiple certifications can demonstrate a job seekers' depth and breadth of skills that employers value.
Likewise, note that Brainbench allegedly has: "...over 6 million members" and works "...with Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, EDS, Ford Motor Company, H&R Block, IBM, Interwoven, JPMorgan, Kaiser Permanente, Manpower, Prometric, SAIC, Siemens, TAC Worldwide, U.S. Government Agencies, Verizon, and Wells Fargo..." according to its marketing vice president, Mike Littman.
Of course, such claims are unverified.
Great Job Improvement Opportunity Now
Finally, this free MS Windows Server Administration Certification exam is offered with a limited-time condition.
With the advantages and disadvantages already identified and discussed, decided examinees should now take the MS Windows Server 2008 Administration. Please follow the website's instructions and guidelines.
Note: As of February 11, 2011, this certification test is no longer free. The website offers new free IT-related tests though.
Melvin Tandoc - Melvin currently works for the project management software company that makes 2-plan Desktop and 2-plan Team.
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