2 for 1 Exam Vouchers Available

Question

Microsoft has released 2-for-1 exam vouchers to assist with the transition to SQL Server 2012, Windows 8 (Client), Windows Server 2012 (Private Cloud) and Visual Studio 2012. Individuals may purchase up to five "2 for 1" exam vouchers per technology path and need to sit qualifying exams by 30th June 2012.

Qualifying Technology Paths*

SQL Server 2012

To be eligible for free SQL Server 2012 exam vouchers, you must sit one of the following SQL Server 2008 exams:

• Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Installation and Maintenance
• Exam 70-433: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• Exam 70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance
• Exam 70-450: PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008
• Exam 70-451: PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008
• Exam 70-452: PRO: Designing a Business Intelligence Infrastructure Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Windows 8 (Client)

To be eligible for free Windows 8 (Client) exam vouchers, you must sit one of the following Windows 7 (Client) exams:

• Exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring
• Exam 70-686: PRO: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator
• Exam 70-685: PRO: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Windows Server 2012 (Private Cloud)

To be eligible for free Windows Server 2012 (Private Cloud) exam vouchers, you must sit one of the following Windows Server 2008 (Private Cloud) exams:

• Exam 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• Exam 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
• Exam 70-646: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator
• Exam 70-647: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator
• Exam 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring
• Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization

Visual Studio 2012

To be eligible for free Visual Studio 2012 exam vouchers, you must sit one of the following Visual Studio 2010 exams:

• Exam 70-511: TS: Windows Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Exam 70-513: TS: Windows Communication Foundation Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Exam 70-515: TS: Web Applications Development with Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Exam 70-516: TS: Accessing Data with Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Exam 70-518: PRO: Designing and Developing Windows Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4
• Exam 70-519: PRO: Designing and Developing Web Applications Using Microsoft .NET Framework 4

Additional information can be found here 2 for 1 Exam Vouchers

*Purchase a qualifying exam at full price with the voucher code provided when you click on "Request your Voucher" above and take the exam by June 30, 2012. When you do this you will receive an email containing one exam voucher valid for any qualifying next version exam in your chosen technology path. Your next version exam voucher code will be valid for 90 days after the availability of the next version Certification.

Source: http://blog.wharton.com.au/2012/04/26/microsoft-2-for-1-exam-vouchers-are-back/

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 1

Great program and great information. Thank You for breaking out which tests qualify. Will be very helpful for me to help students understand the program better.

Answer 2

Hello,

i have purchased 70-659 from prometric but i didnt include the voucher provided when i click on "Request your Voucher" above.

how can i add this voucher to my scheduled exam ?

thanks,

Regards,

Mohamad Chahla

Answer 3

Hello,

i have purchased 70-659 from prometric but i didnt include the voucher provided when i click on "Request your Voucher" above.

how can i add this voucher to my scheduled exam ?

thanks,

Regards,

Mohamad Chahla

You will need to contact Prometric on http://www.prometric.com/TestTakers/ContactUs/default.htm

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 4

Great news! I'm studying for 70-646 right now so i' ll make sure to get a free voucher. Thank you for the information!

Answer 5

Great news! I'm studying for 70-646 right now so i' ll make sure to get a free voucher. Thank you for the information!

You're welcome :-)

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 6

i have purchased 70-659 from prometric but i didnt include the voucher provided when i click on "Request your Voucher" above.

how can i add this voucher to my scheduled exam ?

@Mohamad -

I did the same thing. Were you able to get Prometric to apply the voucher after the fact? Totally bummed. I figured that you needed to apply for the voucher after you took the test successfully.

-Damien

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Visoft, Inc - Home | Blogs

Answer 7

You need to apply for the voucher before you sit the exam.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 8

I think it matters less, if you apply for the voucher before or after, but it's preferably to clear it out before writing the exam. So, apply for the voucher before the exam.

Answer 9

I think it matters less, if you apply for the voucher before or after, but it's preferably to clear it out before writing the exam. So, apply for the voucher before the exam.

It does matter.  You need to use the voucher number when you book the exam.  If you don't use a voucher, you won't get the free upgrade exam.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 10

I took few SQL exams and didn't use the voucher for some misunderstanding , contacted MS and this was the answer

"

We would like to inform you that you are correct. Once the voucher coded 
had not been entered during registration for first exams (the ones that 
you paid full price for) you did not use the special offer and therefore 
you are not entitled to any free upgrade exams for the technologies. 

We kindly inform you that we have already received feedback from Prometric. Therefore, please be informed that there is no possibility to use the special offer anymore.

 

"

it's kinda bummer that they can't include voucher to be eligible for next exams , people already purchased exam according to the offer and a small glitch shouldn't disqualify them.

Fortunately two factors made my problem less worse 1) I took some beta exams and passed them so no need to retake  2)one exam was registered using a voucher so should be able to take an exam when MS emails me voucher for new exam.

I've a question here by the way : when are the vouchers for new exams will be emailed ? SQL live exams are here since a week.

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Please mark as answer if you think this answers your questions

Answer 11

Is there any chance this offer might be extended? I cannot get a seat to take the exam until July 3rd.

If I book before June 30th will the offer still apply?

Cheers Dwayne

Answer 12

I have not heard anything about this offer being extended.  You need to sit the exam before 1st July 2012 to get the free upgrade exam.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 13

HI Wharty !

I have two confusions;

To be eligible for free SQL Server 2012 exam vouchers, you must sit one of the following SQL Server 2008 exams:

1) Are these SQL Server 2012 free exam includes whole SQL Server 2012 track i.e;
(Exam : 461 + 462 + 463 = MCSA SQL Server 2012) or just a single paper of choice.

2) Do this free voucher scheme applies to one those who have already taken Exam 70-433 before this offer.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Regards,
Hasham Niaz

Answer 14

The voucher is for one exam only. This offer is not available to people who have passed SQL Server 2008 exams already.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 15

Hi Wharty, i have included 2 for 1 voucher code in the first exam, @ 27 June and pass it, then when prometric email me my private cloud  voucher code?

Answer 16

Have you received your voucher code yet for the free exam? I sat for my 70-448 and passed it on June 30th (and used the promo voucher code when I registered for the 1st exam) and I'm wondering when I will get the voucher code for my free exam.

Thanks,

Rob

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Rob S.

Answer 17

Have you received your voucher code yet for the free exam? I sat for my 70-448 and passed it on June 30th (and used the promo voucher code when I registered for the 1st exam) and I'm wondering when I will get the voucher code for my free exam.

I haven't received my vouchers either.  Booked, paid for (and supplied correct 2-4-1 voucher code at time of booking) and passed 70-433,70-450 and 70-451 before 30-Jun. 

E-mailed Prometric and they said the 2012 exams were not released yet and to contact Microsoft for a release date.  70-457,458 & 459 (the upgrade exams i want to take) were all released over a month ago. 

Has anyone received their vouchers under this offer?   Awaiting a reply from [e-mail].

Interesting enough, Prometic said ""

Dave

Answer 18

Here is what prometric told me on July 18th:

"Those vouchers have not been distributed yet. You will receive an email once distribution takes place. Microsoft will likely insist in allowing you sufficient time. Unfortunately Microsoft has not given further information at this time."

This is frustrating, I intentionally prepped for my exam to fit the Microsoft timeline and they can't hold up their end of the bargan. I would just like to get my next exam scheduled and start prepping for the SQL 2012 upgrade.

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Rob S.

Answer 19

I prepped for my exam to fit the Microsoft timeline and they can't hold up their end of the bargan. I would just like to get my next exam scheduled and start prepping for the SQL 2012 upgrade.

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Rob S.

I don't understand where the holdup is.  Prometric told me that the new exams were not released yet, however they are bookable on the Prometric web site.

Anyway - thanks for the update.

Answer 20

I've escalated everyone's concerns.  Will update this thread once I have a suitable reply. 

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 21

Same case when exactly  sql 2012 become available is it from the time i received the confirmation e-mail or before that time and what happens if didnt pass do i need to pass the old one, talked via chat and told me to get to prometric but cant get in touch with them  Thank you, regards.

Answer 22

Hi Jeff,

Do you have an update on this issue?

dave

Answer 23

I am chasing this up again.

The delay in getting upgrade vouchers only affects SQL Server 2012 as it's the only technology to have released new exams.  Exams for the other technologies are still in beta.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 24

Hey Jeff, 

Any update ?

Cheers

Answer 25

No update at this stage as Microsoft are still "looking into things"

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When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer

Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 26

Gents ,

The vouchers started pouring in !

They only work for the same candidate who took original exam so they are NOT transferable , bah!

Enjoy

Answer 27

I've got mine - thanks.

And thanks for the really long expiry date- was getting worried about studying for 3 exams in 3 months.

dave

Answer 28

The SQL server Links are wrong the link point to 70-685 and 70-680 certification pages so windows 7 certifications. Would you fix them?

Answer 29

Hi,

Would you mind adding the URL for the page that has the incorrect links here?  I will pass the information along to the web team for the learning site so that they can correct it. Thanks,

Mike

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Mike Corkery, MCT, MVP (Office Systems), MCSD (Windows Store Apps), MCITP, MCPD, MSF, etc. Please do not forget to click “Vote as Helpful” if any post helps you and "Mark as Answer”if it solves the issue.