Q:
Often partners ask what training resources are available to help them prepare to take the exams necessary for the Small Business Specialist Community (https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40021525).
A:
Typically I recommend the following approaches to passing 70-282 or 74-134:
First - nothing beats real world experience. The more hands-on experience you've got, the easier these exams are.
Second - review the exam outlines
For 70-282: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-282.asp
For 74-134: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/74-134.asp
Third - join a study group. Many of the Partner Community Managers host study groups in the local Microsoft offices (contact me to find out who your local PCM is). In addition user groups are a great source of peer study support (www.mindshare.com)
Fourth - if you have the budget, purchase one of the practice exams from:
MeasureUp:
http://www.measureup.com/catalog/product.aspx?vid=5&cid=MCSE&tid=19&pid=1473
Self Test Software:
http://www.selftestsoftware.com/product.aspx?product_id=70-282&Search=1
Trancender:
http://www.trancender.com/product.aspx?product_id=Cert-70-282&Search=1
Fifth - for a short time, Microsoft is offering a special study group that includes the exam. The cost is $350 for the one day session and is targeted at people who are ready to take the 70-282 exam but would like some structured pre-exam preparation. These are currently scheduled for January and details can be found at http://www.msreadiness.com/IL_abstract.asp?eid=5014743&seleid=5014743