Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM Exam 70-401) Certification Guide

Posted on April 7th, 2010 by Veronica Henry

Systems Center Configuration ManagerAs we continue our look at Microsoft’s System Center Certifications, we’ll take a deep dive into System Center Configuration Manager. SCCM is a tool for IT Managers looking for a solution that consolidates management of multiple computing environments.

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

Consolidation and simplification are the hallmarks of SCCM. Assess, deploy, and update your servers, clients, and devices — across not only physical, but virtual, distributed, and mobile platforms. Processes that may have been previously managed under multiple products, can now be controlled under one dashboard.

Required Skills

Those interested in the SCCM certification should have at least one year of experience using Systems Management Server (SMS) or Configuration Manager 2007. Candidates should also have experience using Active Directory and the Windows server system.

SCCM Certification

Exam 70-401: TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 measures configuring and using System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to deploy and manage software and perform asset management. Exams are typically multiple choice and performance based.

By passing the 70-401 exam you will earn the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuration Certification.

You will also earn credit toward these certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003

70-401 Exam Breakdown

Deploying a System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM) Server (9%)

  • Set up and configure an Active Directory schema
  • Migrate from an SMS 2003 hierarchy to SCCM 2007
  • Configure an SCCM hierarchy
  • Set up and configure security accounts

Configuring an SCCM Infrastructure (19%)

  • Configure client agents
  • Configure site boundaries
  • Configure core site system roles
  • Configure discovery methods
  • Configure client installation
  • Configure SCCM infrastructure for Internet-based client management

Managing Resources (14%)

  • Build an SCCM collection by using queries
  • Meter software usage
  • Manage assets
  • Manage inventory flow
  • Manage client agents

Distributing Applications (17%)

  • Manage packages
  • Manage programs
  • Manage advertisements
  • Schedule distribution
  • Track success and failure rates for distribution
  • Manage distribution points

Deploying Operating Systems (13%)

  • Capture a reference computer image
  • Manage task sequences
  • Configure site system roles related to deploying operating systems
  • Deploy operating system packages
  • Customize user state migration
  • Deliver applications

Securing a Network Infrastructure (13%)

  • Configure Network Access Protection (NAP)
  • Maintain NAP
  • Migrate from Inventory Tool for Microsoft Update (ITMU) to Windows Software Update Services (WSUS)
  • Deploy software updates
  • Manage vulnerability compliance

Managing and Maintaining an SCCM Infrastructure (15%)

  • Manage system health
  • Configure automatic maintenance tasks
  • Create custom reports
  • Maintain clients
  • Manage systems by using configuration management
  • Manage Wake on LAN

SCCM Training

Although there are no practice tests for this exam, there are plenty of resources to aid in your exam preparation.

System Center Configuration Manager Video Training

System Center Configuration Manager TrainingTrain Signal’s SCCM training provides complete coverage for the 70-401 SCCM exam and includes iPod video and Mp3 audio files so you can take the training with you on the road.

Your instructor, Scott Lowe, has tons of experience and is able to present even the most complex concepts in an easy to understand way. Plus he’ll make you do plenty of hands-on work to make sure you get some experience with SCCM, not just study for the exam.

More info and a demo of the SCCM training is available here.

Classroom Training:

  • 6451B: Planning, Deploying, and Managing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (5 Days)
  • 6451A: Planning, Deploying and Managing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (5 Days)

SCCM Books:

There’s a number of books available for SCCM, here are a couple of good choices:

Online Microsoft Resources:

Microsoft Learning Community: A collection of newsgroups and community forums where you’ll find peers who can offer advice and suggestions on study resources and certification.

TechNet: This site includes the learning community features as well as how-to’s, best practices, downloads, and other technical resources.

SCCM Team Blog: The official blog of the SCCM product group at Microsoft, this will serve as a great resource as you learn and work with SCCM.

Where to Take the Exam

All Microsoft exams are scheduled and taken at Prometric Testing Centers.

Recertification

According to Microsoft’s website, MCTS, MCITP, or MCPD certifications will only expire when Microsoft discontinues support for the associated tool or technology. If past trends are any indication, support ends about 7 to 10 years after initial product release. So if you certify this year, you might expect to have to recertify, on the replacement technology in a minimum of 7 years.

More to Come!

Join me for the next article in this series, as we take a deeper look at the System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) certification.

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