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I'm currently studying for my 70-740 and have my exam soon. I was given advice from other users on here and I can honestly say I've come a long way with the resources I used. I started studying on and off in September but I would say 3 solid months would be sufficient in a typical 'full-time work/family life' situation. You could smash it out earlier if you wanted to put in the time, but I personally found that going at a steady pace you will retain the information better. These are the resources I have been using:

CBT Nuggets - IMO this is probably the best resource I used. You sign up to a monthly subscription for $59 which you can cancel at any time (you also get a free week if you want to try it out). With this you get the full range of course videos by excellent trainers. I was able to retain a lot of information from their teaching methods. Very interesting stuff. You also have access to pre-built labs specific for each video and can follow along with the trainer. I'm more of a visual/hands-on learner so this was very beneficial. You also have access to mini quizzes and the Kaplan practice test. Personally I found the test slightly off-topic in some areas and the question styles don't match Microsofts, however it's still useful to benchmark yourself and identify weak areas.

https://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training/microsoft-windows-server-2016-70-740-installation-storage-and-compute

EdX Notes - I started off with this. It's basically a collection of notes directly from Microsoft giving you all the information you need to know for the Server 2016 exams. If you go to their website and search for Server 2016, there are around 30 different sections you can use, however for the 70-740 exam I would only focus on Infrastructure, Virtualization and Basic/Advanced Storage. Other course notes such as Networking or Directory services can be used for later exams.

https://www.edx.org/course?search_query=server+2016

70-740 Exam Ref by Craig Zacker - Very in-depth which covers all the objectives in the exam. I felt it was necessary to add a bit of extra theory to the videos. The book is fairly cheap off Amazon and goes into a little more detail on certain objectives that may have been missed in CBT Nuggets. I find that a combination of books/videos helps.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/70-740-Installation-Storage-Compute-Windows/dp/0735698821/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550575563&sr=8-2&keywords=70-740

Microsoft Docs - Invaluable resource. Their documents cover everything up to date in the current Server 2016 world. If I was ever unsure about anything I would go here and read up on it. For example, a quick google search 'Failover Cluster MS Docs' would take me straight to where I wanted to be and I could go over the areas I was weaker in.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/failover-clustering/failover-clustering-overview

MeasureUp Practice Tests - I always use MeasureUp for all of my exams. It's a great resource for testing yourself towards the end of your studies. Their tests are customisable and they give detailed responses to both correct and incorrect answers, so you can actually see why something might be different to what you answered. Recommended by MS and included in their exam bundles.

https://www.measureup.com/

There are other resources but this is just what I used. You can also create your own server labs at home and play around with the stuff if you're new to Windows Server, however I didn't do that just because of my current home setup and where I work uses the technologies anyway. CBT Nugget labs were enough for me. But if you're not experienced with servers then some form of labbing or practical content is a must.

Last point - do not rely on practice tests 100%. MS keeps changing their objectives and not all the tests are up to date. Use them to get use to 'Microsoft style questions' and fill in any gaps you are unsure about.

My test is on Tuesday. I'll let you know how I get on.

First off, congratulations!

I'm the only IT personnel at a small school with Windows 2008 R2 Server. I have more than a decade of using Windows Server, and I feel so incomplete if you know what I mean. I know just enough to make things work (setup the DC, create users, configure roaming profiles, some GPO, pretty basic). To cut to chase, I want to be a more dedicated admin by taking MCSA 2016.

I have the CompTIA triad, ITIL v3, and MOS. But never any Microsoft Technical certs.

My first question is: are most of the questions scenario-based? How much Powershell questions are there in your test?

The MOS test I took last year (Access 2013) was like that, but it felt like I was just following instructions.

I am currently attending a bootcamp, but I felt it wasn't enough, and I might redo it (free retake for a year).

My second question is: how intensive was your lab when you were preparing for the test? Do you need to connect some clients to the server? I can create Virtual Machines, and I guess that will be enough.

Third: did you watch any other videos besides the Infinite Skills? Did you use any books in addition to the videos? I am currently enrolled in two courses on udemy, but I find it hard to focus. I'm looking for a book (I have the three Exam Ref provided by the school), but I'd like to know your input if you had used different ones for 740. There's not enough reliable printed resources for Server 2016, but I am keeping an eye on Sybex 740 Guide by William Panek.

Fourth: do you think it is advisable to take other exams first before the 740?


I apologize for the long post; I just want to get 740 out of the way before October, as I am planning to enroll at WGU by December. Too many things going on for me, but one of my priorities is the MCSA, particularly the 740.

Thanks in advance, and good luck on your remaining exams!

I'm scheduled to take the 70-697 exam in a couple days as well. I've used CBT Nuggets, Panek's book and the green Microsoft study guide book to prepare. I'm also using the Measureup practice tests that came with my voucher. I've probably have close to 200 flashcards made up as well. Haha

Heres one of the books I've been looking over. A lot of people I know who have taken the test already found it to be very helpful.

Exam Ref 70-697 Configuring Windows Devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/1509307850/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2dDVCbAF8SS1J

Good luck!

I agree with /u/brother_bean except I don't know if you can keep that pace up, it will probably take you longer due to the lack of experience.

Using Powershell is definitely the best way to learn it and I wouldn't be too stressed about it, following along with the videos from CBTNuggets or Pluralsight will give you what you need. If you feel like you need more there is a book a lot of people recommend.

My career advice is to not focus so much on passing the exam, the skills you learn along the way will end up being way more valuable. If you're seeking a job as a junior SysAdmin somewhere the certificate will get your foot in the door but speaking intelligently on the subject matter is what gets you the job. Make sure you're actually learning the material instead of memorizing to pass the test.

Here is your best bet:

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Inside-Current-Service/dp/1509302484/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=server+2016&qid=1565742949&s=gateway&sr=8-8

Also if you want to become good server admin learn Powershell early and learn it well. Build many core servers and learn to set them up only using command line and power shell.

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Windows-PowerShell-Month-Lunches/dp/1617294160/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=powershell+in+a+month+of+lunches&qid=1565743055&s=gateway&sprefix=powershell+in+&sr=8-1

Congrats on the new gig

I squeaked by on the 412 with a score of 720. I studied for 3 months, at least a couple hours a day though I am sure I skipped a day here and there. Are you labbing? Hands on is critical. Were you weak in the same areas on both tests?

These are the books I used: Training Guide by Orin Thomas and the Exam Ref also by Orin Thomas.

I also followed the Pluralsight video series and basically built out his lab. I spent a lot of time reading technet. For practice exams I used Kaplan and Boson; Boson was expensive and kicked my ass but in a good way and their answer explanations are awesome.

Another method I found helpful is to copy out the exam objectives and then use those as an outline for detailed notes. I used OneNote so I could pull them up whenever I wanted, sitting in a drive thru, getting an oil change etc. For final prep make another copy of the objectives and plug in everything I can think of relating to the topic from memory and then compare to my notes.

For the earlier exams I did the CBTNuggets series with the virtual labs but the 412 series didn't have labs so I skipped it, and I think that hurt me. I still did labs on my own but being able to hop on from anywhere and run through stuff was really helpful. I also skipped the Complete Study guide by William Panek which I had used for 410/411. I think I just had exam fatigue and was tired of studying.

Hope that helps!

https://www.amazon.com/MCSA-Windows-Server-2016-3-Pack/dp/1509303669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541302016&sr=8-1&keywords=70-740&dpID=51xxOXuS%252BBL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

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These books are pretty good and you can get them cheaper on kindle. They're pretty good for a reference.

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I subscribed to CBTnugget couple weeks prior to my test to recap with the videos, and it gives you access to Transcender test which in and of itself is worth it. It's a great practice test. I like how it explains why the wrong answers are wrong. It comes with digital flash cards too.

I got around 50 questions. Besides powershell, make sure you know Hypver-V really well and study up on IPv6 too.

I used Don Poulton's 70-410 book mainly and William Panek's MCSA Complete Study Guide as supplement.

Good luck!

First, you should have gotten a printout with bar graphs indicating which areas you were weak/strong in. Compare that to the exam objectives here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-697.aspx to decide which areas to focus.

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If you haven't already, sign up for a free Azure trial and play around with InTune. Hands-on experience with it will go a long way on the test. Know how InTune can be used to manage Mobile devices, compliance vs configuration items, App Deployment methods, etc.

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If you have a PC that can handle it, the Microsoft 365 Powered Lab Kit will set up a number of VMs on your machine for practice. It includes guided labs that will prep you for the exam (and your MCSE: Mobility). It can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-microsoft-365-powered-device-lab-kit

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Learn the basics of PowerShell if you haven't already. You don't need to know how to script, but a basic understanding of cmdlet syntax and some basic cmdlets will get you by. PowerShell in a Month of Lunches (https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Windows-PowerShell-Month-Lunches/dp/1617294160/ref=dp_ob_title_bk) is highly recommended by others here, and I recommend the (free!) MVA videos on PowerShell with Jason Helmick and Jeffery Snover (the first one is here: https://mva.microsoft.com/en-US/training-courses/getting-started-with-microsoft-powershell-8276)

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For books, I used Panek's guide (https://www.amazon.com/MCSA-Microsoft-Windows-Study-Guide/dp/111925230X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538429066&sr=8-5&keywords=70-697+configuring+windows+devices). It is out of date now for InTune, but the rest of it should still be relevant.

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Last, remember that you don't need to go deep into any of the tech covered - the test is hard because it is broad.

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If you have specific areas you want materials for, let me know, and I'll post what I can find.

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I have just passed the Examination of 740 last January 31. With the study materials of CBT Nuggets videos, A book which you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/MCSA-Windows-Server-2016-3-Pack/dp/1509303669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519171770&sr=8-1&keywords=mcsa+2016

and some practice test and some Virtual Lab with CBT Nuggets also. And I can tell you, practice test aren't legit. I struggled for almost 30 to 40 mins while taking the exam. Thank God that I barely passed the exam with the score of 760/1k. The passing score is 700. Anyway, It's a good thing that practice test weren't that accurate. It's because you can really test your skills if you really know the course.

Wow, you are really digging deep, mate. I only have this book and the Udemy course.

I also have a few years of experience in System Administration as well. I will see how I will do in the 70-410 exam.

The Microsoft sponsored books are good for complete beginners. Couple this with a Hyper-V lab at home to get hands on experience and the Exam prep book.

Books to recommend:
Exam Ref 70-740 Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016
Published: January 2017
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exam-ref-70-740-installation-storage-and-compute-with-windows-server-2016-craig-zacker/1124816630?ean=9780735698826

or

https://www.amazon.com/70-740-Installation-Storage-Compute-Windows/dp/0735698821/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496963816&sr=8-1&keywords=0735698821

Maybe if you're Michael Kevin Kearney you could.

I'm currently taking an MCSA course at college and it's abysmal. They're using Testout.com to teach and grade the class. Testout is garbage and there's no context to what I'm reading.

I bought an excellent book to supplement my studies: Mastering Windows Server 2012. I'm also using CBT Nuggets, Udemy, and Microsofts training website.

It's pretty deep stuff. I've never had exposure to servers before.

You're mileage may vary.

I would check out PluralSight and maybe Linked Learning which used to be Lynda.com.

The other best way to learn is to setup a Windows server, or a couple of them.

Get the study guides https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Server-Complete-Study-Guide/dp/1119359147/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/145-7316884-9625834?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1119359147&pd_rd_r=3ebe9773-3160-11e9-acf9-71fc83dc301e&pd_rd_w=XFi6u&pd_rd_wg=XP1ZR&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=Y28TXVP9K6BTA30AM6PW&psc=1&refRID=Y28TXVP9K6BTA30AM6PW

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And follow their hands-on labs. You will need a computer / computers for the learning portion.

I got this one:

Exam Ref 70-740 Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016 1st Edition

It goes trough basicly everything the exam wants you to know.

Depending on how far you want to go, I used to get the Mastering Windows server books. They are basicly a complete overview/guide of everything Windows Server has to offer. Mastering Windows Server 2016

You could do this with two NICs, but I'd personally recommend finding a cheap router and placing it behind your existing router. This cheap router would have a WAN IP on the 192.168.1.0 /24 network, and a static LAN IP of 10.0.0.1 /24. On this cheap router, you could then port forward RDP to the Hyper-V host on the 10.0.0.0 /24 network, allowing you to access your lab environment from your main 192.168.1.0 /24 network via RDP.

I use this jenky setup all the time when staging new servers for customer networks -- I configure a spare home router with the same customer subnet, and can set up the server with the exact IP settings of where it will eventually reside. There are more professional ways of handling this, but this is a simple way of being able to have Internet access and perform system updates with the precise network settings.

I personally carry one of these routers in my work laptop bag, as it allows me to run a drop in AP (no routing) on customer networks, or set it up as a small wireless router on a second subnet as described above.

MCSA Windows Server 2016 Exam Ref 3-Pack: Exams 70-740, 70-741, and 70-742 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1509303669/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1hbTBbX2QB1Q2

MCSA Windows Server 2016 Complete Study Guide: Exam 70-740, Exam 70-741, Exam 70-742 and Composite Upgrade Exam 70-743 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119359147/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_slbTBb0HZ0XCV

These ones:

https://www.amazon.com/MCSA-Windows-Server-2016-3-Pack/dp/1509303669/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=mcsa+server+2016&qid=1564598295&s=gateway&sr=8-4