Training Kit vs. Resource Kit: Server 2008

I initially posted this in a Microsoft Learning forum, but I think it might
be more relevant in this discussion group. Here's my post:

"How do these two sets of manuals compare to each other? After briefly
looking over the overview for these sets, I have the impression that the
training kits contains the fundamental theory that will be testing during the
certification exams, along with many practical drills, whereas the resource
kits have a more comprehensive coverage of the theory, with much less of the
practical component.

My goal here is to learn everything I can in regard to Windows Server 2008
technology, not simply to aquire the certification. Is my impression of the
two sets accurate? If so, I'd rather get the resource kit set as I create my
own practical drills to do after each section of theory."

 

I always use the Official Microsoft Training Kits. But what is vitally
important to remember is that no 800 to 1000 page manual can cover
everything that might show up on the exam. These books quite often have
links to TechNet and other web based articles. These articles are a MUST
READ!

I also have the Windows Server 2008 resource Kit. Although, it didn't arrive
until after I had taken the 70-649 upgrade exam. There were no Training
Kits for this exam at the time. I've encountered this four other times in
the past and each time it definitely made exam preparation much more
difficult, but not impossible.

Yesterday I just passed my 50th certification exam, and my goal has always
been to learn as much about the topic as I could. The certification is just
a mild-stone along the way. It definitely shouldn't be considered the finish
line.

About the Resource Kits & TechNet:
In the past, I've seen reviews of exams tracing the answer to each question
back to TechNet and the Resource Kit. I feel that this is still the case.
With these two resources, you should be able to find nearly 100% of the
answers for any exam. The problem is that these two resources contain so
much information it can be hard to narrow down your research. Therefore, a
Training Kit can be very useful in guiding you to just the relevant
information.

About Training Kits:
It is a fact of life that some training kits are better than others. So it
can be useful to get a second training kit from one of the third party
publishers.

About Microsoft Exams:
There's no way that a 50 question exam can fully cover all of the exam
objectives with equal details. It is quite common that you will be asked
about some very insignificant fact. The assumptions here is that if you know
this, then you most probably know most of the significant stuff as well.
Also, it is often common to get several questions about one topic and no
questions about other topics that are equally important to know for the
day-to-day support of the product. The assumption here is that since you
never know which questions you will be tested on, you must prepare equally
on all topics.

Finally it is common to get exam questions where none of the given answers
are 100% correct. But if your knowledge is broad enough, you can always rule
out three of the answers as being definitely incorrect. Then even if the
remaining answer is only partially correct (i.e. it states only one step of
a two set process), then you know that it is the answer you should choose.

My recommendation is that, if you have the time and money, I would utilize
both sources. If not, then I recommend using the Official Microsoft Training
Kits and always remember to read the additional web based information that
they point to.