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Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions Certification (70-331)

Introduction to SharePoint Server 2013

Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 is an enterprise-level platform designed to enhance collaboration, content management, and business process automation. It provides organizations with tools to build websites, manage documents, and streamline workflows. The 70-331 exam validates a professional's ability to design, configure, and manage SharePoint Server 2013 environments effectively.

Importance of the 70-331 Certification

Achieving certification through the 70-331 exam demonstrates proficiency in managing core SharePoint Server components. This credential is highly regarded in IT circles as it confirms expertise in installation, configuration, service applications management, and troubleshooting of SharePoint farms.

Target Audience and Skill Development

This course targets IT administrators, consultants, and system engineers who maintain SharePoint environments. It equips learners with practical skills for real-world SharePoint administration and prepares them for certification by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Objectives of the Course

The primary objectives include understanding SharePoint architecture, mastering farm deployment, configuring web applications and service applications, managing security, enabling collaboration features, optimizing search, integrating business intelligence, and performing effective troubleshooting.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will confidently plan, deploy, and manage SharePoint Server 2013 farms, configure security and service applications, support end users, and implement governance policies to ensure compliance and efficiency.

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Detailed Modules of the Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions Course

SharePoint Server 2013 Architecture Overview

This module provides an in-depth look at the architecture of SharePoint Server 2013, covering farm structures, service applications, web applications, site collections, and the underlying technologies such as SQL Server and IIS.

Planning the SharePoint Deployment

Participants learn how to assess infrastructure requirements, design farm topologies, and plan for scalability and availability. This module emphasizes capacity planning and preparing environments for installation.

Installing SharePoint Server 2013

Step-by-step instructions guide learners through prerequisite setup, installation of SharePoint binaries, and configuration of the SharePoint Products Configuration Wizard. Deployment options such as standalone, farm, and high-availability installations are examined.

Configuring Web Applications

This module focuses on creating and managing web applications, including setting authentication methods, defining managed paths, and associating service applications. It explains the role web applications play in hosting site collections.

Managing Site Collections

Participants discover how to create site collections using templates, configure quotas, assign administrators, and activate site collection features to tailor functionality for business needs.

Service Applications Management

Learners explore the various service applications essential for SharePoint’s functionality. This includes Search Service, Managed Metadata, User Profile, Business Data Connectivity, and Secure Store services, focusing on configuration, administration, and troubleshooting.

Security and User Permissions

Security management involves configuring authentication providers, claims-based authentication, and managing user access through permission levels at multiple SharePoint hierarchy levels. This module also covers auditing and compliance policies.

Content Management Features

This section examines how SharePoint supports document libraries, versioning, workflows, retention policies, and metadata management to facilitate effective content organization and collaboration.

Collaboration Tools

Participants learn about co-authoring, alerts, social features like My Sites and newsfeeds, and how these tools enhance teamwork and communication across the organization.

Search Configuration and Optimization

This module covers the architecture of SharePoint search, including crawl components, indexes, query processing, and user interface customization. Advanced features such as refiners, query rules, and result sources are discussed.

Business Intelligence Integration

Learners explore integration of Excel Services, PerformancePoint Services, and Visio Services to create interactive reports, dashboards, and scorecards that support data-driven decisions.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Participants are taught best practices for backing up and restoring SharePoint farms, applying patches and updates, monitoring health, and analyzing logs to maintain system reliability and performance.

Troubleshooting Techniques

This module equips learners with methods to diagnose and resolve common issues using ULS logs, Event Viewer, SharePoint Health Analyzer, and other diagnostic tools. It covers escalation processes and documentation strategies.

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Summary of Course Overview and Modules

Comprehensive Coverage

This course thoroughly addresses all aspects of SharePoint Server 2013 core solutions. It balances theory and practical application to prepare professionals for both certification and real-world deployment.

Progressive Learning Path

Modules are structured to build from fundamental architecture to advanced configuration and troubleshooting, ensuring a deep and broad understanding of SharePoint Server.

Real-World Application

Hands-on labs and scenario-based exercises throughout the course provide learners with the confidence to apply knowledge in enterprise environments effectively.

Certification Preparation

The content aligns closely with the 70-331 exam objectives, making it an ideal preparation resource for candidates aiming to validate their skills.

Introduction to Course Requirements

Before embarking on the journey to master SharePoint Server 2013 core solutions, understanding the prerequisites and requirements of the course is essential. This ensures that learners are adequately prepared to absorb the complex concepts and practical skills necessary for both exam success and effective real-world application.

Technical Background Expectations

The course assumes that participants have a foundational knowledge of information technology concepts. Basic familiarity with Windows Server operating systems, networking fundamentals, and database principles is crucial. Since SharePoint Server 2013 runs on Microsoft technologies, prior experience with Windows Server 2008 or later versions is highly beneficial.

Familiarity with Microsoft Technologies

Given that SharePoint Server 2013 integrates tightly with several Microsoft products, a working knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server is important. Learners should understand database concepts such as tables, indexes, and queries, as SharePoint relies heavily on SQL Server for storing its configuration and content databases.

Experience with Internet Information Services (IIS) is also recommended because SharePoint web applications run on IIS, and understanding web server concepts will aid in troubleshooting and configuring the environment.

Prior Experience with SharePoint or Similar Platforms

While not mandatory, prior exposure to any version of SharePoint or other collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or IBM Connections can provide a helpful context. This background allows learners to grasp the SharePoint-specific features and administration concepts more quickly.

Those entirely new to SharePoint should be prepared to spend additional time familiarizing themselves with the user interface and terminology as part of their study plan.

Knowledge of Active Directory and Security Principles

SharePoint security relies on integration with Active Directory (AD) for authentication and authorization. Understanding how AD manages users, groups, and permissions is essential to effectively configure SharePoint security settings.

Knowledge of authentication methods such as NTLM, Kerberos, and claims-based authentication is important because SharePoint supports these protocols, and administrators must configure them based on organizational needs.

Understanding of Networking and Infrastructure

Because SharePoint is a multi-tiered application dependent on network connectivity, learners should have a grasp of basic networking concepts. This includes understanding IP addressing, DNS, firewalls, load balancing, and network ports. This knowledge assists in troubleshooting connectivity issues and planning farm topology.

Familiarity with virtual machines and cloud computing concepts is a plus since many SharePoint deployments utilize virtualization technologies or hybrid cloud architectures.

Software and Hardware Requirements for the Course Environment

To practice the skills taught in the course, learners must have access to an environment where SharePoint Server 2013 can be installed and configured. This typically means having a lab setup that includes at least one Windows Server machine capable of running SharePoint and SQL Server.

The hardware requirements for SharePoint Server 2013 include sufficient CPU cores, RAM, and disk space to support a development or test farm. At minimum, a quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 80GB of disk space are recommended for a single-server installation. For multi-server farms, resources should be scaled accordingly.

Software Licensing and Installation Media

Participants should ensure they have valid licenses or trial versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013, Windows Server, and SQL Server. Access to installation media and necessary product keys is essential to build a functional lab environment for hands-on practice.

PowerShell Knowledge and Scripting Skills

PowerShell scripting is heavily used in SharePoint administration to automate tasks and configure settings that are not available via the user interface. Therefore, a working knowledge of Windows PowerShell commands, scripting basics, and the SharePoint Management Shell is highly recommended.

The course often involves using PowerShell scripts to deploy solutions, manage service applications, and configure farm settings, so familiarity with scripting enhances learning and operational efficiency.

Time Commitment and Study Discipline

Due to the breadth and complexity of SharePoint Server 2013, completing the course and preparing for the 70-331 exam requires a significant time investment. Learners should plan to dedicate consistent study time, including reviewing theory, completing labs, and practicing exam questions.

Self-discipline and commitment are key to mastering the material, especially when balancing training with daily job responsibilities.

Soft Skills and Analytical Thinking

While the course is technical, successful SharePoint administrators also need strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The ability to diagnose issues, understand business requirements, and translate them into technical solutions is essential.

Good communication skills are also valuable because administrators frequently collaborate with business users, developers, and other IT teams to implement and support SharePoint solutions.

Recommended Prerequisite Training and Certifications

It is advisable, though not required, that learners complete introductory training on Windows Server administration and Microsoft SQL Server fundamentals before starting this course. Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) on Windows Server or SQL Server can provide a solid foundation.

Some organizations recommend completing the Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013 training to understand core SharePoint capabilities before advancing to the Server 2013 Core Solutions course.

Hardware Setup for Hands-On Labs

For practical experience, a lab environment simulating real-world SharePoint deployment is crucial. This may be a physical multi-server setup or a virtual lab using tools like Hyper-V or VMware Workstation. Labs typically include a SharePoint server, a SQL Server instance, and domain controllers.

Ensuring the lab is properly configured to mimic production settings, including Active Directory integration, service application deployment, and web application configuration, is necessary for effective learning.

Software Tools and Utilities

Learners should familiarize themselves with various software tools used in SharePoint administration, including SharePoint Designer, Central Administration console, SQL Server Management Studio, and monitoring tools like the SharePoint Health Analyzer.

Additional utilities such as logging viewers and PowerShell ISE improve troubleshooting and scripting tasks.

Access to Study Materials and Resources

Participants should ensure they have access to up-to-date study guides, official Microsoft documentation, video tutorials, and practice exams. Many training providers offer labs, simulations, and interactive content to enhance the learning experience.

Engaging with online communities, forums, and study groups can also provide valuable support and insights.

Organizational Support and Practical Experience

For professionals studying while working, having organizational support to practice SharePoint administration tasks in a real environment accelerates learning. Hands-on experience managing SharePoint farms, users, permissions, and workflows complements theoretical study and improves exam readiness.

Summary of Course Requirements

In summary, the Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions course requires a blend of foundational IT knowledge, familiarity with Microsoft technologies, access to appropriate hardware and software, PowerShell skills, and a strong commitment to learning. Meeting these requirements ensures learners can fully engage with the course material and succeed in the 70-331 exam and real-world SharePoint administration.

Overview of the Course

The Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions course offers an in-depth exploration of the essential components and functionalities of SharePoint Server 2013. This comprehensive training is designed to prepare IT professionals for the 70-331 certification exam and to equip them with the skills needed to effectively design, implement, and manage SharePoint environments.

Purpose of the Course

The primary purpose of this course is to enable participants to understand the architecture and capabilities of SharePoint Server 2013. It guides learners through the critical tasks of installing, configuring, and administering SharePoint farms, and highlights best practices to ensure high availability, security, and performance.

Course Structure and Learning Approach

The course follows a structured approach beginning with foundational knowledge of SharePoint architecture and moving toward advanced management tasks. The training combines theoretical explanations with hands-on labs, real-world scenarios, and troubleshooting exercises to foster practical understanding. Interactive sessions encourage learners to engage with complex concepts like service application deployment, search configuration, security models, and business intelligence integration. The use of PowerShell scripting for automation is integrated throughout the course, ensuring participants are well-versed in administrative efficiencies.

Core Topics Covered in the Course

Key topics include farm planning and installation, web application and site collection management, configuring and maintaining service applications, implementing security and compliance policies, optimizing search and business intelligence features, and maintaining farm health through monitoring and troubleshooting. The course also addresses disaster recovery planning, backup and restore procedures, and strategies for scaling SharePoint deployments to meet organizational growth.

Importance of Hands-On Experience

A significant portion of the course emphasizes hands-on labs to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Learners are encouraged to deploy multi-tier SharePoint farms, configure complex service applications, and resolve common issues that arise in production environments. This experiential learning ensures participants can apply concepts confidently and develop the practical skills required for effective SharePoint administration.

Alignment with Industry Standards and Certification

The course content is aligned with Microsoft’s official exam objectives for 70-331, ensuring that learners acquire knowledge directly applicable to the certification. It also incorporates industry best practices and recommendations to prepare professionals for real-world challenges.

Use of PowerShell and Automation Tools

The course integrates PowerShell scripting as a fundamental tool for managing SharePoint Server 2013. Learners gain proficiency in writing scripts to automate administrative tasks, configure service applications, and manage users and permissions, improving efficiency and consistency.

Who This Course Is For

IT Professionals and SharePoint Administrators

This course is ideal for IT professionals responsible for the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SharePoint Server 2013 environments. SharePoint administrators who manage daily operations, configure security, and support end users will find the course essential for deepening their technical skills.

System Engineers and Infrastructure Specialists

System engineers tasked with designing and implementing SharePoint farm infrastructures will benefit from understanding the detailed architecture, capacity planning, and high availability solutions presented in the course. The content prepares them to build scalable and resilient SharePoint farms.

Consultants and Solution Architects

SharePoint consultants and solution architects who design business solutions on SharePoint will gain insights into core server capabilities and configuration best practices. The course helps them advise clients on deployment strategies and governance policies aligned with business objectives.

Database Administrators with SharePoint Responsibilities

Database administrators who manage SQL Server databases for SharePoint can leverage the course to understand the dependencies between SharePoint and SQL Server. This knowledge enables better coordination with SharePoint teams for performance tuning and backup strategies.

Developers Interested in Deployment and Administration

Developers who build custom SharePoint solutions will find value in understanding the server-side infrastructure and administration aspects. This knowledge aids in troubleshooting and optimizing deployed applications within the SharePoint farm.

IT Professionals Seeking Microsoft Certification

Individuals aiming to earn the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification focusing on SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions will benefit from this course as it directly aligns with the exam objectives and offers comprehensive exam preparation.

Benefits of Taking This Course

Gaining In-Depth Knowledge of SharePoint Architecture

The course provides a detailed understanding of SharePoint’s complex architecture, including service applications, security models, and search infrastructure, enabling learners to build and manage efficient environments.

Mastering SharePoint Deployment and Configuration

Participants develop practical skills in deploying SharePoint farms, configuring web applications and site collections, and managing service applications critical for enterprise collaboration.

Enhancing Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Skills

By learning troubleshooting methodologies and tools, participants become capable of quickly diagnosing and resolving common SharePoint issues, minimizing downtime and improving system reliability.

Improving Automation and Administrative Efficiency

PowerShell scripting skills gained during the course allow administrators to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and ensure consistent configurations across SharePoint farms.

Preparing for Industry-Recognized Certification

Completion of the course prepares candidates to confidently take the 70-331 exam, increasing their professional credibility and opening career advancement opportunities.

Who Should Avoid This Course

Beginners Without Any IT Background

This course assumes a basic understanding of IT infrastructure, Windows Server, and networking concepts. Absolute beginners with no prior IT experience might find the content challenging and may benefit from foundational IT training first.

End Users and Content Contributors

The course focuses on backend administration and technical configuration, so business users or content creators who only need to use SharePoint for collaboration do not need this training.

Professionals Seeking Developer-Focused Training

While developers may benefit from some administrative knowledge, those specifically seeking to build custom SharePoint apps or web parts should consider developer-oriented courses that focus on coding, APIs, and client-side development.

Detailed Course Learning Objectives

Understanding SharePoint Farm Architecture

Learners will be able to describe SharePoint farm components, server roles, and the service application framework. They will understand how these elements interact to provide collaborative services.

Planning and Implementing SharePoint Server Installation

Participants will plan farm topology, prepare hardware and software prerequisites, and perform installation and configuration tasks using both GUI tools and PowerShell.

Configuring Web Applications and Site Collections

Learners will manage authentication methods, create and configure web applications, define managed paths, and administer site collections effectively.

Managing Service Applications and Their Dependencies

Participants will deploy, configure, and maintain key service applications such as Search, User Profile, Managed Metadata, and Business Data Connectivity.

Implementing Security and User Permissions

The course enables learners to configure claims-based authentication, manage permissions, and implement auditing and compliance policies.

Enabling Content Management and Collaboration Features

Learners will configure document libraries, workflows, versioning, and social collaboration tools to enhance team productivity.

Configuring and Optimizing Search

Participants will administer the search topology, manage crawl schedules, and optimize query results to improve information discovery.

Integrating Business Intelligence Tools

Learners will publish Excel Services workbooks, build dashboards with PerformancePoint Services, and use Visio Services for data visualization.

Monitoring, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting the Farm

The course covers backup and restore processes, patch management, health monitoring, and troubleshooting techniques to maintain farm stability.