Don’t Panic the 640 (Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring) Exam isn’t Dead

Posted on August 21st, 2009 by Lisa Szpunar

Microsoft Virtual Lab ExamIt has actually evolved into something really neat.

Microsoft has been developing and testing a new virtual lab test experience for a while now. At first it was piloted as the 70-113 exam and then started rolling out officially as the 83-640 exam.  All of this might have flown under your radar until recently. We have been getting questions about this here at Train Signal so I thought I would clarify the situation.

Now (as of May 31st actually) the English version of 70-640 has been completely replaced by the 83-640 in the US and Canada.

So why the change in number? I think it is just an organization thing. Like all the beta exams start with 71, the academic versions 72, and now virtual lab exams start with 83.

What to Expect on the New 83-640 Exam

In this case change really is good. The test is more fun (yes I just said fun and test in the same sentence). I encountered some simulation questions when I took 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring. This, however, is an entirely different beast.

For the new 83-640 test you remotely access a virtual machine. You are given a problem or a list of tasks and need to actually solve it on Server 2008. It is a real VM! You could probably add Mickey Mouse as a user if you wanted to. Would this result in a fail? I don’t recommend trying it.

The Born to Learn Blog posted a neat little demo video so that you can get an idea of what this all looks like. I should also mention that there are still some multiple choice questions on the 83-640 exam as well.

Oh and make sure you show up on time for your exam because you have a virtual machine reserved for you at that certain time. Also, there have been some anecdotal reports of latency (not unexpected) and exams completely crashing. Be patient with the slowness but don’t be afraid to speak up if your exam goes kaput.  

What is it Worth?

Microsoft keeps saying that the 70-640 and the 83-640 have the same objectives and count the same. This is all true but have you thought about an additional intangible quality the new exam will bring you?

I think the certification holds more validity and prestige because it can’t be braindumped. You actually get to show that you know how to do configure AD not just the theory behind it. You can give yourself an extra spirited pat on the back after passing this exam.

I can’t wait to see what virtual lab test they decide to develop next. 642? Exchange 2010?

Good News!

Train Signal’s Server 2008 Active Directory Training course is completely able to prepare you for this new exam. Our training already shows you how and not just why. And … Drum roll please … we even include Transcender’s new one-of-a-kind virtual lab-based product. That way you can practice in the same environment that the test has.

Happy studying!

Server 2008 Active Directory Training

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7 Responses to “Don’t Panic the 640 (Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring) Exam isn’t Dead”

  • New 640 Exam - TechExams.net IT Certification Forums Says:

    August 21st, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    [...]   #1 (permalink) New 640 Exam Hello all, I tought you might find this interesting… Microsoft is replacing the 70-640 exam for the 83-640 exam… more details Windows Server HQ by Train Signal.com Don?t Panic the 640 (Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring)… [...]

  • David Lawlor Says:

    August 21st, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    I had first hand experience with the 70-113 and loved it. As someone who has been taking MS Cert Exams for about 10 years this by far was the best testing experience and closest to actually simulating what you do in the field.

    The biggest hurdle you will experience with this test in my opinion is crappy lab computers at the testing centers. Some of these things are just old clunkers that really show their age, especially when flipping between screens on the virtual machine to see objectives.

    I hope these exams are rolled out soon for all of the certs.

  • Lisa Szpunar Says:

    August 22nd, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Dave,

    Actually reading your blog post about your experience with 70-113 was one of the reasons that I got so excited about this kind of test. It seems like everyone out there is saying the same great things.

    Everyone can read his post here:

    http://www.davelawlor.com/ms-performance-based-testing-review-pilot-70-113

  • NP Says:

    August 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 am

    I just wanted to say that the transcender coupon that comes with the trainsignal videos doesnt allow you to get the 83-640 but it does allow you to get the 70-640 from transcender. I didnt as of about June.

  • Lisa Szpunar Says:

    August 24th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    NP,
    You are correct. This is a brand new feature that we just started offering. I am going to send you an e-mail directly. Let’s see if we can work something out.
    Lisa

  • Dan Charlesworth Says:

    September 1st, 2009 at 8:33 pm

    I would like to agree with the general concensus that the new simulation portion of the exam is a great addition. I have been Microsoft certified for almost 10 years, and hope that this will finally lead to the end of the “paper MCSE’s”.

    Cisco has used the sim model for years and I think that is has helped keep their certifications well repected in the industry.

    I sat the 083-640 exam in June after getting the Trainsignal product at Microsoft TechEd 2009 in LA, and found it to be a great tool for preparation.

    What better way to prove that you know your stuff than to actually do it?

  • Jason Says:

    September 11th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    Wow! This was really informative; been so busy lately that I didn’t realized the exams format changed. smh @ me……. Good Post!

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