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[edit section] All About the Microsoft MCSE 70-297 Designing Windows 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure Exam

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Synopsis of the Microsoft 70-297 Exam

The Microsoft 70-297 is one of the two “design” exams on the core track of the MCSE, meaning that MCSE candidates must take either the 70-297 or the 70-298 in order to be certified. Both design exams are unique in that they are more conceptual than their technical counterparts but also require a firm grasp of the technical side of things in order to do well. The Active Directory design exam covers the design of an Active Directory network infrastructure on Windows 2003, meaning that candidates will have to both plan and analyze implementation and logistics of such a system. In general, many MCSE candidates find the Microsoft 70-297 exam to be the most difficult exam of the track and therefore many wait to take the exam until they are done with the others in the core track.

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Difficulty and Scope of the Microsoft 70-297 Exam

As previously mentioned, the Microsoft 70-297 Exam is known to be among the hardest exam in the MCSE certification track as it is highly conceptual and analytical. Many questions require you to decide how implementation of certain features should be achieved, how server topology should be arranged, and so forth. In general, we offer the following breakdown of topics:

• Feasibility studies and availability of service
• Network topology
• Requirements for running Active Directory on network
• Conceptual design
• Security design 
• OU Structure
• Migration 
• Users and Security Groups
• DNS
• Group Policy 
• Active Directory and TCP/IP
• Remote access

As you can see, the topics covered on the Microsoft 70-297 Designing Active Directory infrastructure exam are both quite broad and are many in number, so you will need to devote a great deal of time in studying for this exam. It is known to be a difficult exam for a reason – it tests you on your knowledge of the concepts involved in Active Directory implementation and is therefore comprehensive over most of the other materials from the 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294 exams. It is therefore essential that you master this other content before attempting the Microsoft 70-297 exam.

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When and why should I take the Microsoft 70-297 Exam?

These questions are both quite easy to answer. You would only want to take this exam if you are a candidate for MCSE certification, period. Although it is difficult and many in the certification business realize this, it is also less common than the 70-290/70-291 exams and is therefore less recognizable to potential employers. So, avoid the Microsoft 70-297 exam unless you are a candidate for the MCSE track. As to when you should take this exam, we strongly recommend you wait until the completion of the preceding exam numbers (70-270/70-620, 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294) before attempting this test. You will feel much more confident if you have a stronger background in both Active Directory and Windows Server 2003 networking before taking the test.

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Ok, I want to take the Microsoft 70-297 Exam! Now what?

First, make sure you have already passed the other core MCSE exams mentioned above so that you are adequately prepared to begin your studies. Second, make sure you have enough time to prepare – by this time, you are probably well-versed in exam preparation and do not need to be told this, but we’re reminding you just in case.

Once you have determined you have enough time to set aside for your studies, schedule an exam date. (Read more about signing up for Microsoft exams and vouchers here.) From here, everything is up to you. We hope you use the valuable resources offered at ProProfs for the Microsoft 70-297 Exam, including our Flashcards and Quiz School, but you will need to do more than just read exam materials to excel on the test. You will also need to take a more “hands on” approach and actually perform some of the tasks related to Active Directory implementation to familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions you will be asked. We wish you the best of luck and hope you do well!

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