Certification exams question

[thirdlegstump]

Just started practicing for MCDST and MCSE and was wondering if the actual tests will include the "adaptive mode" tests in addition to the multiple choice test. I heard that it's no longer the case but I just want to know what to expect.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Most adaptive tests are Multiple Choice. You get asked a set of multiple choice questions. If you get enough of them right, they move on to a different topic.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Ok, in the Measure up practice exams that are included in the Microsoft Press books, the practice tests include 2 testing modes. One is called Adaptive and the other Certification.
I'd imagine that Certification mode is the actual test while Adaptive is more of a learning mode. It's different in that the Cert. mode is straight up multiple choice based on 50 or so questions pulled from about 130 available questions. In Adaptive mode, questions seem to build up in difficulty and include interactive interfaces.

Also the pass/fail grade is like 88% in the certification mode. What is the actual exam passing grade? I was told it was something really low like 70%. Conflicting information galore.

 

[DavemanUT]

I just got MCSE certified and the tests were all multiple choice 30-50 questions and there were sims (3-5) on a few tests that were quite simple. A passing grade is 70%.

There was no adaptive mode, although the material does build on each other.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Originally posted by: DavemanUT
I just got MCSE certified and the tests were all multiple choice 30-50 questions and there were sims (3-5) on a few tests that were quite simple. A passing grade is 70%.

First of all congrats.

Did you study using any of these MS Press books and CDROMS? How close were the simulated exams? Which test modes best represents the actual test?

Why do the practice tests say that 88% is the passing grade?

 

[DavemanUT]

Thank ya much!

I studied the practice exams that my instructor gave us. I took the boot camp course so it was hell and there was no possible way to prepare for the exams by reading all the material. Much was memorization, although common knowledge came into play quite often.

The practice tests say that 88% is the passing grade because that is the % you should get right "practicing" before attempting the actual exam. If you go into an actual exam and only get about 70% right on the practice tests you'll be fubard to no end.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Makes sense but caused some confusion here. Thanks.

edit: do they let you use paper and pen during the tests? Sometimes it's easier to visualize certain things.

 

[DavemanUT]

Yes, they provide you w/ a special yellow sheet of paper and a pen, but you cannot take it out of the exam room. You can also take the tests twice via Microsoft in case you screw up the first time, although I didn't need to. My testing company, Global knowledge even offered a 3rd shot (extra on them) if need be.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Nice man. Nice.

Final question: Is the special yellow paper made of delicate rice and silk?