Exam Profile: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8 (70-688)
Date: Feb 8, 2013
Exam 70-688 represents the next logical step for those who have passed Exam 70-687. While Exam 70-687 focuses primarily on the initial Windows 8 deployment and configuration process, Exam 70-688 focus on long term management and routine maintenance tasks for Windows 8.
Exam Details
- Number of questions: Microsoft does not disclose the number of questions on their certification exams, but this exam is estimated to have about 50 questions.
- Types of questions: Microsoft does not disclose the exam format, but the bulk of the exam is reported to be made up of multiple choice questions. You may also encounter simulations, reorder, or build a tree questions.
- Passing score: 700/1000
- Time limit: Microsoft does not disclose the time limit for their exams, but most exams have a time limit of about two hours.
- How to register: Prometric
Trouble Spots
For many, the most difficult part of this exam will be the section on designing an installation and application strategy. This section places a great deal of emphasis on non-native tools that may be unfamiliar to some administrators, such as App-V.
In addition, it is important to make sure that you know how to use AppLocker to restrict applications and to lock down the app store. You can expect to see a number of questions related to application control and application compatibility.
Preparation Hints
Anyone who has ever worked with Windows 8 knows that it has a lot in common with Windows 7. Not surprisingly, a lot of the material on this exam should be very familiar to those who are proficient with Windows 7.
While it is a good idea to review all of the material covered in the exam objectives (which are outlined below), it is best to spend a minimal amount of time on the material that is leftover from Windows 7 and focus instead on some of the more challenging aspects of the exam. For example, you might spend a relatively little amount of time reviewing printer management and file recovery so that you can spend more time on topics such as cloud application strategies or Client Hyper-V.
Recommended Study Resources
Microsoft offers live classroom training for Exam 70-688 in the form of a five day training class called 20688A: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8. In addition, a number of other study resources are available including:
- Exam Ref 70-688: Managing and Maintaining Windows 8
- Exam 70-688 Managing and Maintaining Windows 8
- Exam 70-688 Managing and Maintaining Windows 8 Lab Manual
Exam Objectives
The objectives for this exam, as stated by Microsoft include:
Design an Installation and Application Strategy (25%)
- Design an operating system installation strategy.
- Design an application strategy for desktop applications.
- Design an application strategy for cloud applications.
- Design a solution for user settings.
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: Windows To Go; Operating system virtualization; Native VHD boot; Multi boot; Upgrade vs. migration
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: Application compatibility using Client Hyper-V; Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP); Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT); and App-V; Application updates; Application co-existence; Application reputation; Internet Explorer 10 management
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: Microsoft Office 365; Metro applications; Restricting Windows Store content; AppLocker; Internal content
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: User profiles; USMT 5.0/WET; Windows Live integration; Folder redirection; User experience virtualization (UE-V)
Maintain Resource Access (27%)
- Design for network connectivity.
- Design for remote access.
- Design for authentication and authorization.
- Manage data storage.
- Manage data security.
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: IPv4 and IPv6; Name resolution; Wireless; Network security; Network settings
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: Off-network use and management; Metered networks; VPN; RDP; DirectAccess; Remote administration
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: Two-factor authentication including certificates, smart cards, picture passwords, and biometrics; Workgroup vs. domain; Trust relationships; Local account vs. Microsoft account
This objective may include but is not limited to: Resolve data storage issues; Manage pools; Manage data availability using BranchCache
This objective may include but is not limited to: Manage share/NTFS permissions for storage spaces; Configure EFS; Configure security for removable media; Manage BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
Maintain Windows Clients and Devices (27%)
- Manage hardware and printers.
- Manage mobile devices.
- Design a recovery solution.
- Manage endpoint security.
This objective may include but is not limited to: Resolve hardware and device issues; Sync devices and resolve sync issues; Monitor and manage print servers
This objective may include but is not limited to: Resolve mobility issues; Manage mobile device policies including security policies, NFC, secure SIM, and remote access; Manage mobile access; Manage Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync in mobile devices
This objective may include but is not limited to the following design considerations: PC refresh/reset; Windows 7 file recovery; Recovery drive; System restore; User files including local files, SkyDrive, and file history; User profile settings; Application settings
This objective may include but is not limited to: Resolve endpoint security issues; Manage updates using Windows Update; Manage client security using Windows Defender; Manage client security using the Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection client; Configure application reputation
Manage Windows 8 Using Cloud Services and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (21%)
- Manage clients by using Windows Intune.
- Manage public cloud services.
- Monitor and maintain clients by using MDOP.
This objective may include but is not limited to: Manage updates and update groups; Configure the company portal; Monitor on-network and off-network machines; Manage asset inventory
This objective may include but is not limited to: Manage Windows Live services including Trusted PC, storage, SkyDrive/Live Mesh apps, and groups; Implement Office 365 using the Office 365 Desktop Setup; Manage Office 365
This objective may include but is not limited to: Remediate startup issues using the Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT); Monitor clients using System Center Desktop Error Monitoring; Manage the App-V client; Manage BitLocker and BitLocker To Go using Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM)
Where to Go from Here
Those passing the 70-688 do not automatically receive a Microsoft certification. This exam counts as credit toward the MCSA: Windows 8 certification. In order to receive this certification, you must pass the following exams:
- Exam 70-687, Configuring Windows 8
- Exam 70-688, Managing and Maintaining Windows 8