This just in from MCT Sharee English:
Sacramento SharePoint User Group (SPUG) was founded to serve the greater Sacramento area Information Technology (IT) community. We bring professionals together from various public and private businesses to share tips, tricks, and ideas on the uses of the various SharePoint products and technologies. The user group is targeted towards end users, administrators, implementers, developers, and anyone who likes to learn about technology. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at the Maidu Community Center in Roseville. Membership is free to registered users.
Do you belong to a user group that supports or advocates training and certification on Microsoft products? Let us know so we can help spread the word!
Posted by Krosen
Comments
Monday, October 27, 2008 4:50 PM by User Group of the Day at MS Tech News
PingBack from http://mstechnews.info/2008/10/user-group-of-the-day/
Monday, November 03, 2008 9:40 PM by Rob Roach
I am a member of a the Central Ohio SharePoint User Group - COSPUG - we have organized a study group with the goal of getting certified.
No TechEd without a party or two every night to choose from, but if you are an MCT, MVP, MCM or TechNet Plus subscriber, this is one you may not want to miss:
On Thursday, 6 November, at 21:00 (9:00pm), get ready to rub shoulders with some of the world’s most powerful IT Professionals and community influencers.
Exclusively for Microsoft MVPs, TechNet Plus Subscribers, Microsoft Certified Masters and Microsoft Certified Trainers, the Microsoft International Community Party held the week of TechEd IT Pro Week in Barcelona, Spain, is your opportunity to network with industry peers and key Microsoft executives, learn about other communities and special offerings, and enjoy an evening full of music, traditional Spanish tapas, drinks, and fun—all compliments of Microsoft.
Party attendance is limited, so be sure to register today to reserve your spot at TechEd’s only community party!
Register Today: https://microsoft.crgevents.com/IntlCommunityParty/
MCTs please use registration code: TEMCT
MVPs please use registration code: TEMVP
Microsoft Certified Masters please use registration code: TEMCM
TechNet Plus subscribers please use: TETN
Enjoy !
Posted by Tjeerd Veninga
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 4:46 AM by Helmer
Cool ;) Another party...hehe it s gonna be a party-week next week...
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 9:39 AM by Born to Learn
If you re at TechEd this week, come say hi at the Microsoft Learning booth! We re here all week, but
Saturday, January 10, 2009 10:38 PM by Sergey
Who knows when will be next Microsoft International Community Party
Wowzers—Is TechEd really only nine days away! Yikes—better get cranking on my slides… (one of these days I’m gonna get them done early)
Very cool to see that so many of you will be joining us at our biggest European geekfest of the year… please do stop by the MSL booth and say hi!
Better yet—come to our sessions and be the first to know of some very cool upcoming opportunities for MCPs, including the very cool new benefits package that Sarah’s been working on:
Thursday, Nov. 6th, 10:50 – 11:35 in Theatre 1: Microsoft Certification: New Exams, New Credentials, and New Benefits for IT Pros!
Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 10:50 – 11:30 in Theatre 1: Microsoft Certification: New Exams, New Credentials, and New Benefits for Developers!
And during IT Pro week, don’t miss this all-star panel discussion on Thursday, November 6, 14:00 – 15:00:
The Value of Training & Certification – Panel Discussion!
Are you Microsoft certified? Or considering training or certification? Why not come along to this 60 min panel discussion and get the lowdown on the options. Also we would like to know what you really think and what if any improvements could be made. Get the answers to your questions and more. Panelists: Andy Malone, Gheorghe Dobrea, Thomas Lee, Marco Timmermans, Mark Michault, Eric Denekamp
Are you Microsoft certified? Or considering training or certification? Why not come along to this 60 min panel discussion and get the lowdown on the options. Also we would like to know what you really think and what if any improvements could be made. Get the answers to your questions and more.
Panelists: Andy Malone, Gheorghe Dobrea, Thomas Lee, Marco Timmermans, Mark Michault, Eric Denekamp
Yes, it’s a topic near and dear to our heart, but frankly I’d go listen to these guys talk about anything. I know each of them well—they’re all MCTs, and to say that their combined list of additional credentials is impressive is to criminally understate.
Fantastic, knowledgeable, objective (not a single Microsoft employee among them) speakers all, and getting to hear them go at it on a panel is certainly going to be one of the highlights of the conference for me!
See you in Barcelona!
Sunday, October 26, 2008 3:20 AM by Certification MCSE » Microsoft Learning at TechEd EMEA 2008
PingBack from http://certificationmcse.com/archives/1002
Sunday, October 26, 2008 11:59 PM by Michael D. Alligood
So where can I pick up my airline ticket, Ken? :-)
This just in from MVP, MCT, and MC-more-acronyms-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at Zubair Alexander:
Seattle Windows Networking User Group (WNUG) was founded to serve the greater Seattle area Information Technology (IT) community. We bring professionals together from various public and private businesses to collaborate on Windows networking technologies. WNUG is primarily focused on Microsoft networking technologies, such as Windows Server 2008/2003, Windows Vista/XP, Active Directory, SharePoint, Exchange, SQL Server, ISA Server, SMS, etc. Our goal is to provide useful information to IT professionals so that they can better configure, deploy, maintain, support, manage, troubleshoot and secure Microsoft networking products and utilities. We offer free membership to registered users. Registration is pain-free and we do not use the information you provide to spam you and we do not sell your information to anyone.
Seattle Windows Networking User Group (WNUG) was founded to serve the greater Seattle area Information Technology (IT) community. We bring professionals together from various public and private businesses to collaborate on Windows networking technologies.
WNUG is primarily focused on Microsoft networking technologies, such as Windows Server 2008/2003, Windows Vista/XP, Active Directory, SharePoint, Exchange, SQL Server, ISA Server, SMS, etc. Our goal is to provide useful information to IT professionals so that they can better configure, deploy, maintain, support, manage, troubleshoot and secure Microsoft networking products and utilities.
We offer free membership to registered users. Registration is pain-free and we do not use the information you provide to spam you and we do not sell your information to anyone.
Remember: if you’re part of a user group that advocates or supports Microsoft certification, we’d love to help spread the word! Let us know!
If your plans include PDC next week, you may have your eye on some collectible PDC Badges.
We’ll have a very limited number of special badges available at the Microsoft Learning kiosk. You can get your hands on one if you show us your MCP wallet card, and ask nicely…
Registration is extended till December 17th for testing New Virtual Lab based Exam 70-113: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Have you seen the future of Microsoft certification exams yet? If not, you still have time: We’re extending the registration for exam 70-113 until December 17th. Call your nearest test center before December 17th to register and experience the new virtual lab based testing and prepare for your experience during scored testing. The new pilot exam 70-113: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring tests your ability to actually perform tasks and solve problems in a virtual lab environment, like you would do it normally in the real world. Can’t do it? Then you can’t pass it! We are pleased to offer you this exciting opportunity to test the scope of your abilities with this pilot exam at no charge and we are eager to receive your opinion.
The virtual lab based pilot Exam 70-113 is available worldwide, with a high concentration of test centers ready to receive registrations for this pilot exam in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt, UAE, South Africa, US, India, Eastern Europe, Russia (Moscow) and China.
Upon completion of this pilot exam, the first 3000 candidates will receive three (!) free exam vouchers that can be used to register for any Microsoft Certification exam delivered at a Prometric testing center. The vouchers will be distributed electronically up to four weeks after the end of Pilot (i.e. in February 2009). This pilot exam will not provide you with a score as with normal beta exams. This pilot is a test of the exam experience, so only a portion of the final exam will be presented to you during this pilot. This pilot exam will not be added to your transcript and you will need to take the exam in its released form in order to be awarded the credential. Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-640.mspx
Registration Information
You must register at least 7 days prior to taking the exam. Register before December 17th to take the exam before December 31st. Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: H640 (promo code is active till December 31st) Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the pilot; we recommend that you register immediately.
· Go to the Prometric Website: http://www.prometric.com/microsoft
· Find Microsoft exam 70-113: TS: Windows® Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
· Use Promo Code H640 (promo code is active till December 31st)
Send your opinion about exam experience to: http://blogs.technet.com/betaexams/ and to: [email protected]
Sunday, October 26, 2008 3:20 AM by Certification MCSE » Braindumps? Schmaindumps!
PingBack from http://certificationmcse.com/archives/1004
Monday, October 27, 2008 8:42 AM by KomatoZo
Well... I ve just visited the exam. Cool. Actually the Lab is the easiest part for a guy who is able to think and have some common sence. I think I d passed the exam if the score would be available for it.
Now just one rhetoric question: am I eligible for the three vouchers??? =))
Monday, October 27, 2008 1:58 PM by pedmil
Excelent
for the first time, i dind t get sleepy, at the exam. Until the questions part of course :D
Microsoft, please continue, this is the way.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:22 PM by Strate SQL
Hopefully that I got your attention! Microsoft is offering three free exam vouchers for the first 3,000 people that take the 70-113 exam. This is the Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring exam. Myself, I m going to hit the books a bit and
Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:42 PM by Strate SQL
Hopefully that I got your attention! Microsoft is offering three free exam vouchers for the first 3,000
Monday, November 17, 2008 1:09 PM by DReller
Question:
What about those of us who sat the beta exam previous to this announcement? Will we receive the three free vouchers?
Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:46 PM by Jonn
dang.. the 3000 limit has been hit.
Thursday, November 20, 2008 2:44 PM by DReller
Great... apparently missed out on the first one, and now nothing here, too. Curses!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:59 AM by DReller
I retract my previous statement - I received an e-mail from Prometric today with 3 free voucher codes. :) *does happy dance*
It’s widely-known that Microsoft Certified Trainers are some of Microsoft s most active evangelists. They showcase our products to their students and speak on behalf of MS at events such as TechEd and user group meetings. Over the past few years, a number of MCTs have taken their support of MS beyond the classroom and onto the internet.
AskTheMCT.com is Stephen Charles Rea’s entry into the MCT blogosphere and has tallied more than 25,000 hits since it started on January 1, 2008. Steve, or as he’s know to his friend, the Rev or .rev, is an MCT at the New Horizons in Greensboro, NC where he specializes in the ITPro curriculum. A former stand-up comedian and radio disc jockey, Rea now delivers most of his jokes in the classroom, with a few sneaking into the interview he did with Microsoft in July.
Why did you start this blog? The reason I started this particular blog is there just isn’t anything out there that caters in the direction that I want to go. There are a lot of blogs about specific projects, but I decided I wanted to build a blog that was really specific to helping people get certified by giving someone the tools they need.
What do you hope to achieve with AskTheMCT.com? Fame, fortune…nah, just kidding. For me, it’s kind of an extension of who I’ve become as a trainer. I was a Security Admin 4 ½ years ago and was sick of having a desk job. I decided to make myself marketable, and thought,” Hey, I’ll go take some tests.” I’d been in IT about 8 or 9 years, but had never tested before. So, I went out and took some classes and about half way through my MCSE courses, thought, I could do this, I could teach. Maybe this would be a way to bring the 2 sides of my personality together: giant nerd with an addiction to attention. In August 2004 I quit my job, and by October, started training full time. The website is an extension of that. I really enjoy what I do and I enjoy empowering others. I want to attract other authors to contribute to the site because it’s not about money, it’s really about trying to build a community and bring information to the audience.
Who is your audience? My audience is the startup to mid-level IT guy. I don’t really cater to hardcore technical specifications. There are enough whitepapers, TechNet articles and MSDN content so that people can get that information. For me it’s about giving the guy who’s starting a certification or the guy who is maybe in the middle of his cert track, giving him a little leg up. Plus, the hard-core know-it-alls annoy me.
How do you pick your topics? Student suggestions, things they want to see, things that come up in class, things I find myself explaining a lot. These are the things that I write about. I’m currently working on 2-3 different articles right now. My most recent article, “What’s with all these tests,” explains my interpretation of what I believe MS was trying to do with the new generation certifications. I answer this question a lot in person, so I thought it’d be good to get it on the blog.
What kind of feedback do you receive on your blog? I actually received a lot of feedback on the very specific articles. I probably get 4 times the volume of email rather than comments. I’ve received about 30-40 comments on the “What’s with all the tests” article. For instance, I had one guy email me that he hated the Microsoft new generation certifications. He thought all these tests were stupid and read my article and wanted to tell me that now that he’d read my article he was headed back to certification. For me that was really cool.
What is your dream outcome of the blog? It’s a little bit about recognition. It’s not the driving motivation, but everyone wants some recognition. I get a little satisfaction when people know my name, but for me the total outcome is that I want it to become a community with a bidirectional flow of knowledge with multiple authors. I want to open up a community that at least in some way ties into and takes note of the other resources available on the internet. At last count, since January 1st, I’d had about 25,000 hits. I was impressed until my 60 year old mother started blogging 9 weeks ago. She works for a little small-town newspaper and they wanted everyone to start blogging and she chose country music (Countrychatter.wordpress.com) and she gets about 11,000 hits per week. I thought I was on fire with 14,000 hits a couple of months ago.
Posted by Dana
Remember that opportunity for fame and stardom I posted a few weeks back? We’re actually filming next week, and we still have spots available if you’ll be in the Redmond/Seattle area and would like to tell the world why you love Microsoft certification.
Let me know if you’re interested!
Learn more about Virtualization and take some home with you !
Just wanted to point out this traveling circus which, if you are in the US, you may want to go and see! It s all about virtualization and this is a great opportunity to hear more about virtualization and experience it! We ll offer Hands on Labs where you can really dive into the technology and get trained by our Microsoft Certified Trainers. (to all MCTs who read this: we can always use more trainers, if you want to help out please let me know!)
This event travels through the US, I ll post other events as I come across them, see https://www.getvirtualnow.com/usevents/cityselect.aspx. Enjoy!
Comments:
Monday, October 20, 2008 10:43 AM by Benjamin
Are the cities set in stone? Would Salt Lake City be out of the question?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:53 PM by David Lawlor
Already signed up for the Chicago stop, looking forward to it!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:14 AM by Erwin Blonk
No virtual session? ;)
On a more serious note, I ve been focusing on online event more over the last year or so. Saves time and money, especially in the present times.
Friday, October 24, 2008 2:09 AM by Tjeerd Veninga
# re: Get Virtual Now!
Are the cities set in stone?
I followed up and the answer is: Yes for now, depending on their success we may do more and we may do something online. If you can attend any of the currently announced events I d go for those, if I hear of more events I will definitely announce them here!
Niall Merrigan will discuss Microsoft certifications for .NET developers at the final 2008 meeting of the Stavanger branch of the Norwegian .NET User Group, on the 5th of November. The bumper agenda also includes talks on Microsoft PDC, Silverlight and MOSS, and Virtual Earth. Niall will show the upgrade paths from MCAD/MCSD to MCPD and also present the new tracks for .NET 3.5.
For more information (in Norwegian) and to register, visit the NNUG site.
If you’re involved in community organizations or events where Microsoft certification is on the agenda, let us know—we’d be glad to help spread the word!
Microsoft Press is celebrating the 25th Anniversary with a "Free E-book Offer of the Month". Sign up for Microsoft Press Connection newsletter to get monthly update.
This month (offer expired Oct 22):
Windows Server(r) 2008 TCP/IP Protocols and Services, by Joseph Davies: This in-depth technical reference delivers must-know information for any IT professional working with TCP/IP in the Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista operating systems. Download this e-book today! Programming Microsoft Robotics Studio, by Sara Morgan: Visualize, build, and deploy the next innovation in robotic applications with this practical guide to Microsoft Robotics Studio. Download this e-book today!
Second Shot now offers two incentives to get certified!
Today, Second Shot provides the benefit of a free retake if you fail a Microsoft Certification exam.
From October 15 – December 31, 2008, you will also be rewarded for passing the exam!
If you pass, you can now use the Second Shot offer to enjoy 25% off a different exam!
The Offer – 3-easy steps :
1. Register for Second Shot offer and sit for the exam by December 31, 2008!
2. If you fail the exam you will receive a free retake exam that can be utilized until June 30, 2009
3. If you Pass, you will get 25% off a second exam. You have until February 28, 2009 to utilize the discounted exam.
Note: If you pass the first exam but fail your 25% off second exam, you will not get a free retake on your second exam.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/secondshot/default.mspx
(Got to like it!)
Posted by Sarah Grant
Okay - not really on the fish sellers! However, if you do sell fish - PLMK :)
What I am looking for is if you will be at PDC at the end of the month in LA to go see my Microsoft peeps Gerry O’Brien, Colin Lyth and Ben Ryan as they will be at the Microsoft Learning kiosk in the Microsoft Pavilion. Stop by and visit with them for a bit. They’ll be giving out a nifty Microsoft Learning Sampler CD that includes some great ebooks and sample chapters from MS Press as well as info about Microsoft Certification and other learning products. YOU WANT THIS !!
These guys also have an ulterior motive for being in LA … they’re looking for your opinions regarding certification. And we’ll have two different opportunities for you to share your thoughts.
#1 Stop by the MSL kiosk and pick up a Quick Survey Card. When you turn it in you’ll be entered to win a very cool, limited edition, red, 80 GB, Powered by Learning Zune Media Player. These questions are quick and easy, plus this is a pretty rad Zune. And to sweeten the pot even further, we’ll send you a 40% off certification voucher – if you like. J
#2 Sign up to participate in one of our focus groups. Gerry is looking for some vocal folks to share their thoughts on certification for VS10. Do you have opinions? Do you like to talk? Then this is the place for you. There will be 2 sessions on Wednesday, October 28th: 1:30-2:30 and 3:00 – 4:00. In appreciation for your time, Gerry will pay for your next certification exam (actually, he’ll give you a voucher). We’ll also give you first crack at taking home one of the MS Press books we’ll have on display in the kiosk. You just need to sign up and reserve your spot. And then show up for the focus group, of course.
Until later – I’m a PC - Sarah
And this is not cheating! Phew!
Register Soon for MCP Live Meeting: System Center and Virtualization Certifications
In this 45 minute live meeting with the certification planners, we will introduce the certifications available to help you show off your skills on System Center—and introduce our plans for certification supporting your virtualization skill set. We will walk through the exam roadmaps so you understand your path to certification, and provide pointers to the training and resources that will help you pass your exams and certify on System Center technologies and the latest in virtualization from Microsoft.
October 15, 2008 at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time
Do I have a treat for you if you are going to be at the TechEd in Barcelona next month! This is just in from Theresia (and read TWO great offers depending on what fits you!)... She is offering a discount exam voucher, plus Second Shot and a free tee.
Get Certified at Tech·Ed EMEA 2008 IT Professionals – Pre-register NOW! 3 - 7 November, Barcelona, Spain
Visit us at Tech•Ed EMEA 2008 IT Professionals and take advantage of our special onsite testing offer! Benefit from an exam voucher with 25% discount and a free retake (“Second Shot”) if you don’t pass the exam at your first try. If you pass your exam at Tech•Ed EMEA 2008 IT Professionals benefit additionally from a free eLearning Voucher. PLUS, the first people to get certified will receive a T-Shirt “Certified at TechEd 2008 Barcelona”. To receive your voucher code for pre-registration, please send an email to [email protected].
http://www.microsoft.com/emea/teched2008/itpro/
Get Certified at Tech·Ed EMEA 2008 Developers – Pre-register NOW! 10 - 14 November, Barcelona, Spain
Visit us at Tech•Ed EMEA 2008 Developers and take advantage of our special onsite testing offer! Benefit from an exam voucher with 25% discount and a free retake (“Second Shot”) if you don’t pass the exam at your first try. If you pass your exam at Tech•Ed EMEA 2008 Developers benefit additionally from a free eLearning Voucher. PLUS, the first people to get certified will receive a T-Shirt “Certified at TechEd 2008 Barcelona”. To receive your voucher code for pre-registration, please send an email to [email protected].
http://www.microsoft.com/emea/teched2008/developer/
Now - I wonder since I posted this if I can get a tee shirt too, but looks like quanities are limited ~ Maybe the could just say - I wanted to go to Barcelona, but all my boss brought back for me was this tee shirt ;) Just kidding Ken, I prefer precious stones.
Registration open till October 25th for testing New Virtual Lab based Exam 70-113: TS: Windows® Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
Responding to a ton of positive and productive feedback and many customer requests, Microsoft extends the registration for exam 70-113 till October 25th. Call to your near test centers before October 25th to learn and experience it now to prepare for your experience during scored testing. The new pilot exam 70-113: TS: Windows® Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring tests candidate’s abilities to actually perform tasks and solve problems in virtual lab environment like they would do it normally in a real world. We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to experience this pilot exam at no charge and obviously we are eager to receive your opinion.
Now virtual lab based pilot Exam 70-113 is available worldwide, with high concentration of test centers ready to receive registrations for this pilot exam in Ireland, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt, UAE, South Africa, US, India, Eastern Europe, Russia (Moscow), China.
Upon completion of this pilot exam, the first 3000 candidates will receive 3 (!) free exam vouchers that can be used to register for any Microsoft Certification exam delivered at a Prometric testing center. The voucher will be distributed electronically 4 weeks after end of Pilot. This pilot exam will not provide you with a score as with normal beta exams. This pilot is a test of the exam experience, so only a portion of the final exam will be presented to you during this pilot. This pilot exam will not be added to your transcript and you will need to take the exam in its released form in order to be awarded the credential. Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-640.mspx
You must register at least 7 days prior to taking the exam. Register before October 25th to take the exam before October 31st. Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: H640 (promo code is active till October 31st) Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the pilot; we recommend that you register immediately.
•
· Go to the Prometric Website: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp
· Select Microsoft exam 70-113: TS: Windows® Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
· Enter Promo Code H640 (promo code is active till October 31st)
Heading off to sunny (I hope) Santa Fe, New Mexico on holiday—I leave you guys in my team’s hands until I return the week of October 13th.
In the meantime, though: raise your hand if you’ll be at TechEd EMEA in early November in Barcelona. I’ll be there along with John Schoenstein (who manages our certification marketing team) and Gerry O’Brien (our product planner for developer certifications (and whose blog you should be following if you’re a developer!)) to share what’s new and coming soon in the world of Microsoft certifications—including new exams, credentials, and benefits!
Our timeslot should be finalized shortly, so I’ll share it when I get back from vacation. Hope you can join us!
I wanted to follow up on Ken s post. The comments did vary greatly from Ken’s Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Vanishing Lapel Pins posting. One did standout because it was a bit harsh. Aaron Nelson has a strong opinion on certificates. I appreciate that. I am glad he shared and I see this as a great example where this MCP community has great and varied opinions. Some people don’t care about individual certificates, and only want an uber nice credential certificate. Some want better rewards for being part of the community. Some feel we should be focusing all attention on job resources. I did a survey about 2 months ago and found that there were opinions all over the board. I was able to make a trend analysis on it and vetted it out internally with management. The changes were looked into and actually are still being looked into now from a price modeling standpoint.
A community this large will always have those who rave (thank you) and those you want us fired (I like my job – I think I will opt out of this one). I am pushing to get some fire back into MCP benefits. Actually, get something to role out and then for it to WORK. Truthfully, if this whole new welcome kit, reward (loyalty) program, or job resource projects (just to name a few things in the work for this fiscal year) don’t work – they will be eliminated and we will try something new. I thank you all for comments & yes, I do listen.