Home > Articles > Microsoft > MCTS

📄 Contents

  1. Exam Details
  2. MCTS 70-640 Exam Objectives
Like this article? We recommend Trouble Spots

MCTS 70-640 Exam Objectives

These exam objectives are reprinted with permission from Microsoft. Please check the Microsoft website to get the most up-to-date information.

This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.

Configuring Domain Name System (DNS) for Active Directory (17%)

  • Configure zones.
    May include but is not limited to: Dynamic DNS (DDNS), Non-dynamic DNS (NDDNS), and Secure Dynamic DNS (SDDNS); Time to Live (TTL); GlobalNames; Primary, Secondary, Active Directory Integrated, Stub; SOA; zone scavenging; forward lookup; reverse lookup
  • Configure DNS server settings.
    May include but is not limited to: forwarding; root hints; configure zone delegation; round robin; disable recursion; debug logging; server scavenging
  • Configure zone transfers and replication.
    May include but is not limited to: configure replication scope (forestDNSzone; domainDNSzone); incremental zone transfers; DNS Notify; secure zone transfers; configure name servers; application directory partitions

Configuring the Active Directory infrastructure (17 percent)

  • Configure a forest or a domain.
    May include but is not limited to: remove a domain; perform an unattended installation; Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) ; change forest and domain functional levels; interoperability with previous versions of Active Directory; multiple user principal name (UPN) suffixes; forestprep; domainprep
  • Configure trusts.
    May include but is not limited to: forest trust; selective authentication vs. forest-wide authentication; transitive trust; external trust; shortcut trust; SID filtering
  • Configure sites.
    May include but is not limited to: create Active Directory subnets; configure site links; configure site link costing; configure sites infrastructure
  • Configure Active Directory replication.
    May include but is not limited to: DFSR; one-way replication; Bridgehead server; replication scheduling; configure replication protocols; force intersite replication
  • Configure the global catalog.
    May include but is not limited to: Universal Group Membership Caching (UGMC); partial attribute set; promote to global catalog
  • Configure operations masters.
    May include but is not limited to: seize and transfer; backup operations master; operations master placement; Schema Master; extending the schema; time service

Configuring Active Directory Roles and Services (14 percent)

  • Configure Active Directory Lightweight Directory Service (AD LDS).
    May include but is not limited to: migration to AD LDS; configure data within AD LDS; configure an authentication server; Server Core Installation
  • Configure Active Directory Rights Management Service (AD RMS).
    May include but is not limited to: certificate request and installation; self-enrollments; delegation; create RMS templates; RMS administrative roles; RM Add-on for IE
  • Configure the read-only domain controller (RODC).
    May include but is not limited to: replication; Administrator role separation; read-only DNS; BitLocker; credential caching; password replication; syskey; read-only SYSVOL; staged install
  • Configure Active Directory Federation Services (AD FSv2).
    May include but is not limited to: install AD FS server role; exchange certificate with AD FS agents; configure trust policies; configure user and group claim mapping; import and export trust policies

Creating and maintaining Active Directory objects (18 percent)

  • Automate creation of Active Directory accounts.
    May include but is not limited to: bulk import; configure the UPN; create computer, user, and group accounts (scripts, import, migration); template accounts; contacts; distribution lists; offline domain join
  • Maintain Active Directory accounts.
    May include but is not limited to: manage computer accounts; configure group membership; account resets; delegation; AGDLP/AGGUDLP; deny domain local group; local vs. domain; Protected Admin; disabling accounts vs. deleting accounts; deprovisioning; contacts; creating organizational units (OUs); delegation of control; protecting AD objects from deletion; managed service accounts
  • Create and apply Group Policy objects (GPOs).
    May include but is not limited to: enforce, OU hierarchy, block inheritance, and enabling user objects; group policy processing priority; WMI; group policy filtering; group policy loopback; Group Policy Preferences (GPP)
  • Configure GPO templates.
    May include but is not limited to: user rights; ADMX Central Store; administrative templates; security templates; restricted groups; security options; starter GPOs; shell access policies
  • Deploy and manage software by using GPOs.
    May include but is not limited to: publishing to users; assigning software to users; assigning to computers; software removal; software restriction policies; AppLocker
  • Configure account policies.
    May include but is not limited to: domain password policy; account lockout policy; fine-grain password policies
  • Configure audit policy by using GPOs.
    May include but is not limited to: audit logon events; audit account logon events; audit policy change; audit access privilege use; audit directory service access; audit object access; advanced audit policies; global object access auditing; “Reason for Access” reporting

Maintaining the Active Directory environment (18 percent)

  • Configure backup and recovery.
    May include but is not limited to: using Windows Server Backup; back up files and system state data to media; backup and restore by using removable media; perform an authoritative or non-authoritative restores; linked value replication; Directory Services Recovery Mode (DSRM); backup and restore GPOs; configure AD recycle bin
  • Perform offline maintenance.
    May include but is not limited to: offline defragmentation and compaction; Restartable Active Directory; Active Directory database mounting tool
  • Monitor Active Directory.
    May include but is not limited to: event viewer subscriptions; data collector sets; real-time monitoring; analyzing logs; WMI queries; PowerShell

Configuring Active Directory Certificate Services (15 percent)

  • Install Active Directory Certificate Services.
    May include but is not limited to: certificate authority (CA) types, including standalone, enterprise, root, and subordinate; role services; prepare for multiple-forest deployments
  • Configure CA server settings.
    May include but is not limited to: key archival; certificate database backup and restore; assigning administration roles; high-volume CAs; auditing
  • Manage certificate templates.
    May include but is not limited to: certificate template types; securing template permissions; managing different certificate template versions; key recovery agent
  • Manage enrollments.
    May include but is not limited to: network device enrollment service (NDES); auto enrollment; Web enrollment; extranet enrollment; smart card enrollment; authentication mechanism assurance; creating enrollment agents; deploying multiple-forest certificates; x.509 certificate mapping
  • Manage certificate revocations.
    May include but is not limited to: configure Online Responders; Certificate Revocation List (CRL); CRL Distribution Point (CDP); Authority Information Access (AIA)

Where to Go from Here

If you are taking the 70-640 exam, you are most likely planning to take additional exams to complete the MCITP: Server Administrator or the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.

Have you taken the TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring exam? Share your experiences by posting to the MCTS thread in our forums.

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020