MCSE Core Required Exams in a Nutshell: The required 70: 290, 291, 293 and 294 Exams (In a Nutshell (OReilly))

6.1. Preparing for Exam 70-291

Exam 70-291 is a computer-generated exam. The exam is timed, and the amount of time remaining on the exam is displayed by an onscreen timer clock. Most questions on the exam are multiple choice. Multiple choice questions are either:

Multiple-choice, single answer

A radio button allows you to select a single answer only.

Multiple-choice, multiple answer

A checkbox allows you to select multiple answers. Usually the number of correct answers is indicated in the question itself.

Typically, the test environment will have Previous/Next and Mark For Review options. You can navigate through the test using the Previous/Next buttons. You can click the Mark For Review checkbox to flag a question for later review. At the bottom of the screen is a calculator button. You may need to use the calculator in scientific mode to calculate IP addresses, subnet masks, and subnet numbers.

Other formats for questions are used as well, including:

List prioritization

Pick the choices that answer the question and arrange the list in a specified order. Lists initially appear on the right side, and you have to click << ADD to add them in the correct order to the list on the left side. For example, you might have to list the steps for configuring a DHCP server in priority order.

Hot area

Indicate the correct answer by clicking one or more areas of the screen or dialog box provided with the question. For example, you might see a DHCP console window and have to click on the DHCP servers that haven't been authorized yet.

Select and Place

Using drag-and-drop, pick answers from a given set of choices and place them in an appropriate spot in a dialog box or diagram.

Active screen

Use the dialog box provided to configure the options correctly or perform the required procedure. For example, you might see Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box and have to configure the computer for DHCP.

Simulation

Use the simulated desktop environment provided to perform a specific task or troubleshoot. For example, you might be asked to configure a DHCP scope on the server.

With the exception of multiple-choice, single-answer questions, all of the other questions can have multiple answers or multiple required procedures to obtain full credit. If all of the expected answers or procedures are not performed, you will only get partial credit for the answer.

Although many of the questions on Exam 70-291 are multiple choice, hot area, select and place, active screen, and simulation questions are being used increasingly to ensure that the testing process more accurately reflects actual hands-on knowledge rather than rote memorization. Individuals with adequate hands-on administration experience who have reviewed the study guide, performed the practice exercises, memorized the essentials, and taken practice tests should do well on this type of exam. Individuals who lack adequate hands-on experience and have not prepared appropriately will do poorly on this type of exam.