The Microsoft 70-688 exam is part of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification track. It focuses on the skills required to manage and maintain a Windows 8.1 enterprise environment, including tasks like installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

The Microsoft 70-688 exam, also known as 'Managing and Maintaining Windows 8.1,' is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and maintain Windows 8.1 environments in a corporate setting. It covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, and troubleshooting of Windows 8.1 systems.

The Microsoft 70-688 exam typically consists of 40-60 questions.

The passing score for the Microsoft 70-688 exam is 700 out of 1000.

The competency level required for the Microsoft 70-688 exam is intermediate to advanced, as it tests the ability to manage and maintain Windows 8.1 in a professional environment.

The question format of the Microsoft 70-688 exam includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, and simulations.

You can take the Microsoft 70-688 exam at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers or through online proctoring.

The Microsoft 70-688 exam is offered in several languages, including English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.

The cost of the Microsoft 70-688 exam is typically $165 USD, but it may vary based on your location and currency.

The target audience for the Microsoft 70-688 exam includes IT professionals, system administrators, and support technicians who manage and maintain Windows 8.1 environments.

The average salary of a professional certified with the Microsoft 70-688 exam can range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience and job role.

The testing providers for the Microsoft 70-688 exam are Pearson VUE and Certiport.

The recommended experience for the Microsoft 70-688 exam includes at least one to two years of experience managing and maintaining Windows client operating systems in a networked environment.

There are no formal prerequisites for the Microsoft 70-688 exam, but it is recommended that candidates have experience with Windows 8.1 and a basic understanding of networking and Active Directory.

The Microsoft 70-688 exam was retired on July 31, 2016, and is no longer available for certification.

The Microsoft 70-688 exam was part of the MCSA: Windows 8 certification track. Candidates who passed this exam, along with the 70-687 exam, earned the MCSA: Windows 8 certification.

The topics covered in the Microsoft 70-688 exam include managing and maintaining Windows 8.1, configuring hardware and applications, managing network connectivity, securing Windows 8.1 devices, and recovering Windows 8.1.

Sample questions for the Microsoft 70-688 exam can be found on the official Microsoft website or through various certification training providers.

The difficulty level of the Microsoft 70-688 exam is considered to be moderate to high, requiring a good understanding of Windows 8.1 management and maintenance tasks.