Microsoft is one of the biggest names in the IT industry because almost every company uses the software provided by this organization. In today’s competitive age, there are a lot of the IT experts looking for jobs, and in order to achieve an employment at a good company, you need to have something to stand out from the crowd.Taking the Microsoft 70-697 exam and gaining the Examsnap MCSA certification is a good way to show the potential employers your skills in configuring and managing Windows, and this can greatly improve your chances of landing a job as compared to the non-certified individuals.
It is important to note that the Microsoft 70-697 exam was retired in March, 2019 because Microsoft announced its plans to reform the MCSA certification. However, for those candidates who are going to sit for other Microsoft tests, or are just trying to gain knowledge of all Microsoft services, it can be helpful to take a brief look over what the exam entailed and the various skills it measured.
- Managing Identity
This section took up 10-15% of the exam, and within this skills area, there are other subtopics. They included the installation and management of software by making use of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Store for Education App or Microsoft Store for Business App. In addition to this, the candidates needed to be able to show their expertise when it came to the identification and resolution of issues related to multi-factor authorization. They had to show their skills in configuring Windows Hello for the purposes of Business, as well as connecting domain accounts and Microsoft accounts.
- Planning Desktop and Device Deployment
It constituted 10-15% and contained four subtopics. The first is the skills to secure mobile devices and knowledge about how to use and operate BitLocker. Secondly, the prepared test takerswere able to configure mobility options, Windows to Go, and offline policies. Thirdly, the applicants were expected to be able to create Hyper-V, manage virtual machines, and know how to configure them. Besides, the test takers had to understand how to migrate data and configure user profiles.
- Planning and Implementing Microsoft 365 Solutions
Similar to the skills sets mentioned above, this skill topic also made up 10-15% of the exam and was divided into subtopics. The candidates were required to know how to protect data by employing different data protection strategies using BitLocker and Windows Information Protection. Secondly, the individuals had to be skilled in the deployment of software updates by making use of Microsoft In Tune. The examinees should also demonstrate the ability to configure automatic updates and make settings in such a way that they can deploy the third-party updates and determine deadlines for updates. The third skill mentioned is managing devices using Microsoft 365 solutions, which include the management of policies along with remote computers. One more skill that the students were required to have was supporting remote devices using sync setting and broadband.
- ConfiguringNetworking
This part also made up 10-15% of the exam and contained three subsets in terms of skills. The applicants were firstly required to be able to configure IP settings such as connecting to networks and configuring network solutions. Secondly, the test takers had to be able to connect to wireless networks that were preferred by their companies. They also were good at configuring their network’s security and making arrangement using firewall security.
- Configuring Storage
Under this skill set, which constitutes 10-15% of the exam, the candidates had to demonstrate that they know how to resolve issues relating to One Drive, storage spaces with fault tolerance, and capacity. In addition to this, they needed to be able to address and solve problems that rose in relation to DAC, Encrypting File System, and etc.
- Managing Updates and Recovery
This section was 10-15% of the exam and came with three subtopics. Under the first subtopic, onewas required to know how they could configure recovery drives, restore points, or perform a recycle or refresh. Secondly, the students needed to be able to carry out the restoration of the previous versions of folders and files, as well as be able to recover files from OneDrive. Thirdly, to pass the 70-697 certification test, the individuals had to have some expertise in managing updates histories and updating policies.
- Managing Apps
Microsoft has structured this exam in such a way that managing apps and the related skills make up 10-15% of the whole test. Firstly, under this section, the candidates were required to be able to configure Desktop Connections and RemoteApp. They had to also know how to use Microsoft Intune for the deployment of desktop Apps.
- Managing Remote Access
In order to pass this MCSA exam, the students were needed to know how to manage remote access as it is a crucial aspect of being an IT expert. They had to be able to configure Remote Desktop Settings and be able to set up VPN connections and authentication. The successful test takers also were aware of the way to configure offline file policies and set up Wi-Fi direct.
- Managing Data Access and Protection
Lastly, an integral part of the 70-697 exam was related to the protection and access to data. To cope with it, the candidates had to understand how they could configure permissions for shared folders and how they could set up shared printers and OneDrive. Secondly, they had to be able to encrypt folders and files using EFS and set up authorization and authentication.
Who Could Take This Exam?
According to Microsoft, in order to take the 70-697 certification test, the individuals should have prior experience in dealing with Microsoft maintenance, administration, and troubleshooting. They should also have a grasp over concepts related to integrated Azure features and security of Windows 10. The target audience for this exam were those Windows device system administrators or device support technicians who are given the responsibility of protecting content, building of solid identities and app management by using Microsoft Store or Company Portal.
Conclusion
The Microsoft 70-697 exam was intended for those who wanted to enhance their skills in configuration of Windows devices and earn the MCSA certification. Undoubtedly, with a credential from Microsoft, a person has more career opportunities. Thus, keep up with the Microsoft updates. And don’t forget that the best study materials for your tests are at the ExamSnap website.
