First off dont take this test without looking at at least 50% of the dumps. I used Exam Cram and Osborne books The Microsoft course book appears to be somewhat useful. You must be able to pass the core requirements tests first or this test will be really tough.

This is the hardest of all the certification tests I have taken. It's the only one I didn't pass on the first go round because the self study books on this test simply don't cover what microsoft tests on. After Studying at this site, the 2 books, technet & the online docs I still only passed with a 767.

After all this here are my observations.

1. If you are doing this self study, allow a month to cover the material.

2. If you can, take the course from an instructor, from what others say it helps more than the books.

3. Plan on knowing everything to pass. Each test I took had at least 3 simulation questions that could not be answered because not enough info given to complete the task. Other questions come out of nowhere. Others have typos that confuse things (I had an IP x.x.255.x that was  x.x.25.x in the sim, 255 insn't valid!). The highest score I've seen is an 800 with most falling in the high 700 range. You need to nail the questions that make sense to compensate for Microsofts poor test writing. Read the other dumps and you'll see. On my tests I know I missed 5 - 6 due to typos, incomlete questions and bad wording.

4. Use the brain dumps to show you what is tested. The brain dumps represent 80% of the test questions you'll see, but you need to check the answers. The dumps conflict with each other or sometimes are just wrong. Do the Research!

5. Use your time wisely. Some people breeze through this thing but both times I took the test I finished very close to the total time and both times I had a few answers that I didn't feel I spent enough time with. Use marking and the test reviewer and you'll do well.

6. Know the ODBC errors. There are three questions on every test I took about these. Know them cold and they're gimmes.

7. Get the CICPrep and Self Test practice software. They help alot and feel like the exam. I know some people love the Transcenders tests, but to me they cover to much detail on info that isn't on the tests.

Good Luck to everyone who has to take this test. This was the hardest, worst to prepare for and least interesting of all 6 tests I took to get MCSE. I'm glad it's over.

Michael J., MCSE