10 Tips to Pass Microsoft’s MCSA 70-741 Exam

Microsoft’s 70-741 exam: Networking with Windows Server 2016 is the second of three exams you must pass to achieve the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification.

Passing the 70-741 exam proves you have the skills and knowledge to:

• Prepare and install Nano Server
• Plan a server migration
• Select appropriate enterprise storage solutions
• Deploy and manage Windows and Hyper-V containers
• Build and manage deployment images

Whether you’re self-studying or taking an official Microsoft course, you’ll benefit massively by making the most of online and offline revision resources and exam 70-741 tips. Here are 10 tips to pass Microsoft MCSA 70-741 exam first time.

• Make use of Microsoft revision guides
• Get started with Windows Server practice labs
• Join a study group
• Take a look at Microsoft’s Virtual Academy
• Join a forum
• Take a practice test
• Consider official Microsoft training
• Avoid brain dumps
• Get the Windows Server 2016 trial
• Follow an expert

When you pass this exam you’ll be able to move onto the final exam of the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification - 70-742: Identity with Windows Server 2016. If you're also studying for the 70-740, take a look at these 10 Tips to pass Microsoft's MCSA 70-740 exam.


If you're preparing to take the 70-741 exam, this article is for you. Read on for Firebrand's 10 tips to pass Microsoft's MCSA 70-741 exam.

1. Make use of Microsoft revision guides

Study guides are essential when self-studying and these useful resources allow you to structure your revision in the way that suits you best. Revision guides will highlight areas covered in exam 70-742 that you might have missed.

Exam Ref 70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016 is one such study guide. Written by Andrew Warren, this is the official study guide for Microsoft certification exam 70-741. This handy exam study guide aligns its content with the exam objective domains. For more information on the guide, or to purchase it, you can find it on Amazon UK.



Another option is the unofficial MCSA: Windows Server 2016 Study Guide 70-741. This exam guide is written by four-time Microsoft MVP Winner, William Panek, and contains hundreds of practice questions as well as access to an interactive online practice test environment. Find it on Amazon UK.

2. Get started with Windows Server practice labs

Avoid practicing on your businesses’ instance of Windows Server; practice labs are an incredible way to get familiar with software and technologies in a safe environment. Hands-on knowledge is essential to achieve the demanding MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification and Microsoft actually provide virtual labs aligned to this technology.



Microsoft TechNet currently list 11 virtual hands-on Windows Server 2016 labs, allowing you to experience the product first hand – and get invaluable exam 70-741 preparation!

3. Join a study group

You cannot underestimate the value of learning alongside others as you prepare for your exam. Study groups allow you to share tips, experiences, challenges and questions with one another as you revise.

Microsoft’s Born To Learn site is a training and certification community that discuss relevant certifications and news articles. Select the technology and exam you’re focusing on under the ‘Study Groups’ - here you’ll be able to talk to others sitting the same exam as you.



Unfortunately, there are no study groups set up yet for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016. For now, consider using the Born to Learn forum as a substitute. Start with this useful discussion from fellow Windows Server 2016 students and the resources they’ve tracked down.

4. Take a look at Microsoft’s Virtual Academy

The Microsoft Virtual Academy is a brilliant (and free) learning resource. Here you’ll find videos, presentations and learning materials for the full range of Microsoft technologies – including Windows Server 2016.

For a comprehensive look at exam 70-741, consider watching the Preparing for Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016 course.

This comprehensive video course covers the implementation of the Domain Name System, DHCP, IP address management, network connectivity, network solutions and network infrastructure. Navigate to the Microsoft Virtual Academy, or watch it below:



The free resources found in the Microsoft Virtual Academy will form an excellent starting-point for your 70-741 exam prep.

5. Join a forum

Joining a forum is a great way of accessing niche communities – like those studying for the same exam as you! Start with the TechNet forums, an excellent resource for anyone looking to become a Microsoft Certified Professional or simply to resolve technical issues. There’s a wide range of topics available, and a chance someone has already answered your specific query!

Use this link to access the Windows Server 2016 General and Essentials forums on TechNet.

6. Take a practice test

Practice tests for exam 70-741 are useful resources to familiarse yourself with exam formats, preparing you for the type of questions you’ll be faced with when you take the test.

Importantly, exam tests will help fill the gaps in your knowledge that you might not realise exist until you’re sitting in front of your exam.

Get paid 70-741 practice exams on MeasureUp.com. This useful site provides official Microsoft Practice tests, offering arrange of questions and pricing options to get you started.

MeasureUp’s practice exams are well-respected and are a great way to dig into some useful revision material.

7. Consider official Microsoft training

If you don’t have the time or environment for the dedication demanded by self-study, consider an official Microsoft course. In terms of learning, there’s nothing better face-to-face tuition from a Windows Server 2016 expert while your alongside peers that are focused on achieving the same certification.


For those that want to get certified quickly, Firebrand provide an accelerated 11-day MCSA: Windows Server 2016 course alongside individual courses aligned to the 70 740, 70 741 and 70 742 exams.

8. Avoid brain dumps

Avoid brain dumps at all costs. Not only are they illegal in the context of Microsoft certification exams, they will fail to provide you with the hands-on skills you need. After all, a certification is only as good as the skills it validates.

9. Get the Windows Server 2016 trial

Get familiar with the technology you’ll be tested on in your exam with the trial version of Windows Server 2016.

While the trial version limits you to 180 days, this should be more than enough for you to gain the necessary experience for your MCSA certification. Immerse yourself in the technology – this practical revision will be invaluable when sitting your Windows Server 2016 exam.

10. Follow an expert

Involve yourself with Microsoft technologies and stay up-to-date with the latest developments by following personal blogs – like that of Senior Technical Evangelist and Microsoft MVP Robert Smit.

Keep updated on the wider industry with excellent personal blogs and you’ll get the inside scoop on a wide range of certifications and technologies.