I think you have essentially answered your own question...everyone learns at a different pace and has different backgrounds. You mention that your background is desktop tech. These certs have a lot to due with server infrastructure and Active
Directory. If you have no experience with any of these, it might be a tough task to pass 5+ test in 7 weeks. That rate is steep for even experienced people.
Tim Harrington | MVP: Exchange | MCITP: EMA 2007/2010, MCITP: Lync 2010, MCITP: Server 2008, MCTS: OCS | Blog:
http://HowDoUC.blogspot.com | Twitter:
@twharrington