MCSD Test 70-100

[ChrisB]

I have already passed the VB Desktop and Distributed tests for my MCSD certification. Next is 70-100: Analyzing Requirements and Defining Solution Architectures. This is the 2 1/2 hour test that is 20 questions with the case study format.

Can anybody suggest the best way to prepare for it? The people I have talked to say that there are no books that really help you. Transcenders, MS Case Studies, MS Demo Exam, and OTJ experience are about all you can do.

I appreciate the help.

Thanks,
Chris

[Johnny101]

Everything you just listed is exactly what I used to prepare. I did a lot of reading about building multi-tier apps and designing database systems. Being able to diagram a system is very important. Building table relationships as well. Recoginizing the relationships between different business processes also. Try to think about some of the systems you are familiar with (at work, at school etc) and try to re-design them on paper to a true 3-4 tier system. Think about how the tables in the DB would be, their relationships - primary and foreign keys etc. When you're done, try to get someone else that has been around for a while to analyze your design. That helped me a lot because it's about as close to real-world as you can come with out actually implementing it. :)

When you take the Transcender exams, afterwards, read their explanations of the answers - to date, that was the best preparation. You'll start to notice patterns in the answers that will help you define the process flows.

Good Luck,
John

John Pirkey
MCSD
www.ShallowWaterSystems.com

Agreed. The Transcender is VERY similar to the actual test. If you can pass the Transcenders, you should have no problem with the real thing. The books are truly of no help, though they do contain valuable information for organizing development projects.