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Microsoft’s exam 70-086, “Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0” is an elective requirement for these certifications: MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) on Microsoft Windows 2000; and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

It is designed for candidates who “implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) version 2.0.” There is no specific prerequisite for this exam.

This exam is moderate to hard in difficulty and costs $125 USD. It may be taken from Pearson Vue or Thomson Prometric.

At one time this exam had a passing score of around 653, but this is subject to change. “Beginning with the release of the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003–related exams, Microsoft will provide numerical scores on exams. By the end of September 2003, most exams will have the new score report format, which includes this numerical score... The new scale requires a minimum passing score of 700 on all exams. The maximum score on the exams will vary depending on the complexity of the skills being measured.” - Microsoft Exam and Testing Procedures FAQ

Note that Microsoft does not document the format of a particular exam: “Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented.” In the past, though, this exam was form-based multiple choice with around 52 questions.

The topics covered by this exam include:

• Planning
• Installation and Configuration
• Configuring and Managing Resources
• Integration and Interoperability
• Monitoring and Optimization
• Troubleshooting