The Second Shot promotion gives two chances to pass each certification exam, instead of just the one, as long as you register before taking the first exam. According to the FAQ, "To take advantage of this offer, you must register and pay for the exam by using a Second Shot exam voucher. To take advantage of this Second Shot offer, you must register, pay for, and take your exam by May 31, 2008. (The Second Shot offer is valid through June 30, 2008.)"

More information on this offer can be found here.

Register To Be Notified of Windows Server 2008 Exams
If you register with Microsoft under its "First to Know" program, you'll be automatically notified when changes to the status of the Windows Server 2008 exams occur -- and, possibly, save some money.

According to Microsoft's Web site:

"Upon availability of the Windows Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams (estimated availability in March 2008), you will receive an e-mail notification that contains your 40 percent savings code, which you can use on your choice of one of the first three exams (70-640, 70-642, or 70-643)."

The offer continues:

"Upon availability of the Windows Server 2008 Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) exams (estimated availability in April 2008), you will receive an e-mail notification that contains your second 40 percent savings code, which you can use on your choice of one of the final two exams (70-646 or 70-647)."

More information on the notification program can be found here.

Book of the Week: 'Security Administrator Street Smarts'
One of the most difficult things to do is to take the objectives for an exam that's almost wholly knowledge-based (read: memorization) and make it apply to the real world. Security Administrator Street Smarts: A Real World Gide to CompTIA Security+ Skills treads that path well.

The authors, David R. Miller and Michael Gregg, have essentially divided the five domains of the certification exam into 10 "phases" (think chapters). Beneath each phase are a number of tasks that address the objectives.

Beneath each task, there's a:

• Scenario: An overview of what you need to do.
• Scope of task: Stating that it should take 60 minutes, outlining the setup and caveats.
• Procedure: Step-by-step walkthrough of the task.
• Criteria for completion: What should exist when you finish.

To get a better feel for the way the material is presented, visit the sample chapter here (PDF). Once you do, you'll find this is a good way to not only memorize material to pass an exam, but to understand it fully, as well.