If you’re pursuing certain MCSA, MCSE, or MCSD certifications from Microsoft, you could get a reduced price and a free second chance on your certification exams. Microsoft is offering a free “second shot” on all of its regularly priced individual technical exams through May 31, 2013. In addition, it is offering a 15 percent exam price reduction and free second shot on the following MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certification exam packs:
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) – MCSA: Windows Server 2012; MCSA: Windows Server 2008; and MCSA: SQL Server 2012
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – MCSE: Data Platform; MCSE; Business Intelligence; MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure; MCSE: Server Infrastructure; and MCSE: Private Cloud
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) – MCSD: Web Apps and MCSD: Windows Store Apps
What is a Second Shot?
What does Microsoft mean by “second shot”? Under normal circumstances, if you fail a Microsoft certification exam and want to try again, you will need to pay another exam fee. With the second shot program, you can retake the certification exam a second time for free. However, you do need to register for the program in advance in order to get a second shot exam voucher.
According to Microsoft, the second shot vouchers for individual Microsoft certification exams expire on May 31, 2013. For Microsoft certification exam packs which contain multiple exams for a certification track, availability ends on May 31, 2013 and the vouchers expire on December 31, 2013.
Giving it Your Best Shot
What does all this mean to you? The second shot program can save you hundreds of dollars if you fail your Microsoft certification exams on your first try and need to try again. While getting a free second shot can help, we’d rather see you pass your certification exams the first time around. After all, even if you can retake the exam for free, failure is disheartening. Plus, retaking an exam is a time-consuming hassle.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Register – Register for your certification exams through Microsoft’s second shot program so that you have a free second shot voucher just in case. In addition, if you order a certification exam pack, you’ll save at least 15 percent on your exam fees by registering through the second shot program.
- Prepare – Prepare to pass your exams on the first try. K Alliance offers online and disc-based Microsoft certification training covering all of Microsoft’s technical certifications. Watch instructor-led videos covering all of the exam objectives at your own pace and thoroughly prepare yourself for the certification examination process.
- Plan for Success – Set and reach milestones before scheduling your exams. The second shot vouchers do expire, so you have a deadline. Set specific milestones so that you’ll be thoroughly prepared to take your certification exams well before the expiration date. For example, set milestones based on mastering each set of the exam objectives by certain dates. This way, you should be completely ready to pass on the first try because you’ve achieved all of the milestones you’ve set for yourself. If for some reason you do not pass, you’ll still have sufficient time to address any weak areas and take the second shot exam before the expiration date.
Participating in a solid Microsoft certification training course is your best shot. By choosing a flexible, self-study certification course specific to the Microsoft certification exams you will be taking, you can acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to pass your certification exams on the first try. That said, registering for a free second shot can serve as “Plan B” and save you some money at the same time, especially if you plan on purchasing a Microsoft certification exam pack.
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