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[edit section] All About the Microsoft MCSE 70-298 Designing Security on a Windows Server 2003 Network Exam

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Synopsis of the Microsoft 70-298 Exam

Along with the 70-297, the Microsoft 70-298 Designing Security for Windows exam is among the most-feared tests in the MCSE certification track. It covers many concepts relating to security of clients and servers as well as various public and private services utilized in Windows. It is also one of the “design” exams, meaning that it is highly theoretical but also will require you to use this textbook style knowledge and apply it to real-world situations in which you will need to implement security on a Windows Server 2003 network. Candidates who have already passed the 70-297 need not take the Microsoft 70-298 exam as only one of the two is necessary for certification, but those who have not taken or passed the 70-297 may consider the Microsoft 70-298 exam as a viable alternative to the Active Directory focus of the 70-297. At any rate, both exams require a good deal of study discipline and knowledge of Windows Server 2003 networking.

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Scope and Difficulty of the Microsoft 70-298 Exam

The Microsoft 70-298 exam is known to be one of the most difficult MCSE track exams and is certainly one you would only attempt after completing the preceding 70-270, 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, and 70-294 certification exams. Even after completing those exams, you will not be prepared for the 70-298 as it will require intensive study. So, the difficulty of this exam cannot be stressed enough, but keep in mind it is doable – it will just take a lot of work. Part of what makes this exam so particularly difficult is that it introduces some new concepts related to security that are not covered on the preceding exams. Many candidates find these new concepts easy to grasp, but some do not, and therefore experience with an easier security certification such as the Security+ may be helpful. Some of the topics covered on the Microsoft 70-298 exam include:

• Analysis of baseline security
• Security framework
• Technical constraints and feasibility
• PKI
• Authentication
• Automatic updates
• IPSec
• Wireless security
• VPN and extranet
• Role specialization
• Access control strategy
• Physical client security

While some of these concepts may be familiar to you, many of them may be new. Don’t worry – even if you have already passed the 70-294, many of these topics were barely discussed before!

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When and why should I take the Microsoft 70-298 exam?

Our advice for this exam is identical to our advice for the 70-297. You would only want to take this exam if you are a candidate for MCSE certification. 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 70-298 exam unless you are a candidate for the MCSE track. Also, 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. Many of the concepts involved in the security design aspect of this exam require a strong background in Windows networking.

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Ok, I want to take the Microsoft 70-298 exam! Now what?

If you do meet the prerequisites we discussed before and you are a candidate for MCSE certification, great! Now you just need to determine your study schedule and set a test date (read more about Microsoft testing and vouchers here). Once you have signed up for a testing date, you should begin daily study of the objectives on the Microsoft 70-298 exam using our resources such as ProProfs Quiz School and Flash Cards. You should also buy a study guide or book to help guide you through these new and difficult concepts. If possible, run through some of the common security design tasks, like setting up PKI and VPN, as hands-on experience is crucial to your success. We wish you the best of luck!

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