Tag: exams

Training & Certifications – Success!

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post ( https://thecrm.ninja/2019/05/08/training-certifications/), I’ve been updating my knowledge and studying for the MBP-900 exam.

At the same time, I’ve also been studying for the MB2-15 and MB2-716 exams, in order to attain the MCSA qualification. These had an inherent deadline, as the 716 exam and MCSA qualification are ending at the end of June 2019.

Once I felt that my knowledge level was up to the necessary levels, I went to book all three of them! My preference is to take the exam using the Remote Proctored method, whereby you use your own system, and the audio/video is monitored by a remote exam proctor. They check the workspace, room (to make sure that no-one else is there), and keep an eye on things.

The date for my exams was June 19th 2019 (yesterday). I staggered the exams to give some time between each to relax and get ready for the next one.

Amusingly as part of the whole process, I memorised the script that the proctors use…which didn’t necessarily endear me to them, as they’re not allowed to skip any part of it 😀

Having taken the 715 and 716 (and passing!), this then resulted in the MCSA award. Knowing that the MCSE was tantalisingly in reach (and also stopping at the end of June 2019), and only needing one more exam to attain, I decided to book the 717 exam for late afternoon – I’ve been looking at the material for it, but wasn’t sure if I would be able to pass it or not.

The next exam was the MBP-900. This is the new format of exam (only lasting for an hour, with around half the number of questions of the previous exams…at least that’s what I had during it). Thankfully due to the marvellous course by Julian, I was extremely well prepared, and sailed through it. One question didn’t make sense at all, so had to guess it – not sure if I answered correctly or not….

Then the last exam of the day was the 717. I took more time on this than any of the others (almost ran out of time), due to not having spent a lot of time studying the material. Thankfully….I managed to JUST scrape in with a PASS!. And as a result, also got the MCSE for Business Apps.

Many thanks to Mark Smith for the motivation, Julian Sharpe for the MBP-900 training course, Neil Parkhurst for the materials on his blog, and many others as well.

All in all, an intense day, but with a real feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment from it. And not to forget – I also get badges! Woop woop

Training & Certifications

As many people know, it’s usually considered quite important to keep up to date with training and certifications. Sadly, although I’ve been doing the former, I’ve neglected the latter.

This is something that I’m now in the process of taking care of. Marvellously (where’s the sarcastic emoji when you need one!) Microsoft has now updated the curriculum. So most of the studying that I’ve done recently is now no longer applicable, and I need to re-do various things.

One of the best trainers that I’ve come across is Julian Sharp. Not only does he have one of the most impressive beards that I’ve ever seen across both devs and non-devs (see picture below, which isn’t up to date!), he’s been giving training for a LONG time. His approach is easy to follow, and although technical at times, is simple and clear to understand.

I’m currently enrolled in his MBP-900 Fundamentals course, which I’m thoroughly enjoying.

He also has a wonderful blog, located at https://ukcrm.wordpress.com/ . Take a look – it’s got some amazing resources published and linked on it

Another resource worth mentioning is Neil Parkhurst’s blog – https://neilparkhurst.com. When I started out recently on my learning and revision path, Neil’s site was extremely helpful with working out what I actually needed to take a look at

There are already a plethora of blogs and sites out there which have exam/revision content, so I’m not going to start my own (especially as I’m new to blogging).