I'm with Gail 100%, full-on study is the only way through this.

According to Microsoft's site, 60% pass the lab first time, with 80% passing the second time.

The MCM page specifically states the Knowledge exam must be passed before the lab. You don't find out if you have passed for up to 30 days, and you then have to wait 14 days after receiving your score before you can schedule the lab. So forget taking both of them in a week. If you fail an exam you have to wait 90 days before re-attempting it.

I am planning to study hard, upgrade my MCITP 2008 qualifications to 2011, and then take the MCM on 2011. However, anybody who holds MCM 2008 only needs to take the Knowledge exam to upgrade to MCM 2011.

At present I'm a decent all rounder but have minimal clustering experience (even though I know how it works in theory). But I am miles off MCM status. Hopefully I'll take it next year.

Mike.