Pluses of Implementing Utilizing a Committed IT Training Centre in the UK
With so many choices for an MCTS Training centre available in the UK, it’s no wonder that many companies don’t know where to begin. Here’s some information about what to expect from a top-rated training centre for IT.
After your UK company has IT training needs, one of the decisions you need to make is whether to hold the training inside (the trainers come to your site) or outside (you go to the trainers’ site). Numerous profits arise when you take off site training. These are some motives for employing an IT training centre.
IT Training Centre - The Value of Schooling and Instructor
Such Businesses as Adobe, Microsoft, and Apple, at times, will observe the IT certification training supplied on their goods so as to be certain that the training received is appropriate, applicable, and first-rate. At the time you are trying to find training involving acceptable software products, make sure to get a training centre which offers excellent teachers who have industry certification and are devoted to keeping updated on the newest hardware technology and software. This devotion must too be shown in the courseware that is a reference resource which the student leaves with from the training course.
IT Training Centre - Training Centre
Having training in a training centre of IT guarantees that the trainees are implementing the most updated hardware and software contained within a skilled classroom location. Such classrooms are almost always fitted out with training aids like projectors and graphics displays that reinforce the course content. Nothing is equal to interactive training and outside training courses permit trainees to use their very own computer. Many IT training companies have locations across the country and worldwide, so if your company has multiple locations, you’re assured that every employee in every location receives the same training. Several training places aid in organizing transportation and connected expenditures.
IT Training Centre - Course Content and Intent
IT training courses and technical training are designed to provide sample projects and exercises that are rooted in the real world while offering a conceptual framework that helps students see a complete picture. Many centres offer classes at a variety of skill levels, so students never feel overwhelmed. On the other hand, students that already have significant experience will receive validation of their knowledge by qualified professional instructors. The majority of UK IT training courses give certificates of completion that are highly recognised and appreciated. For those trainees who need to receive certification straight from Apple, Microsoft, or a comparable company, IT training centres lots of times will offer the required examinations.
When choosing training for your UK workforce, employing an MCTS Certification centre is a energetic and cost-efficient means of bringing complex and technical matter efficiently.
Other Aspects of an Excellent IT Training Centre
A common occurrence related to business courses and corporate training is that a course sometimes is cancelled if not enough people enrol. Some centres offer protection against cancellation and guarantee that they will offer the course in the time frame you have planned and at the cost quoted. Also, inquire as to what type of guarantee is offered, if any. A high-grade training centre may offer a money-back guarantee to those who withdraw from a course before the second day of course training begins. Since most people have to interact with colleagues in the work environment, a portion of any IT computer training course should include working in teams. This enforces the social interaction so necessary for successful functioning in a business environment. At all stages of the course, whether in the lab or in the classroom; the instructors in high quality training courses engage and challenge students for a highly effective learning experience. For students seeking certification from entities like Microsoft or Cisco, IT certification training should be a vital part of any training centre’s curriculum. But such training should not be focused on just passing an exam. It should focus on teaching students the skills they need to perform a job competently.
For companies who want to assure an agile and well-trained workforce, selecting the right UK IT training centre is a critical decision that can have far-ranging effects.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Learning MCTS online
Learning MCTS online
This step-by-step article shows you how to use Host Headers to allow multiple host names to share a single IP address.
IIS allows you to assign any number of sites to a single IP address and distinguish them by using host headers. When IIS receives a request for a Web page, it looks at the information sent in by the browser. If the browser is HTTP 1.1 compliant (Internet Explorer 3.x and later, or Netscape Navigator 3.x and later), the HTTP header contains the actual domain name requested. IIS uses this to determine which site should answer the request MCTS Training.
If the browser is not HTTP 1.1 compliant, you can program a core page to display all sites available and allow the user to choose which site to use. For instructions on how to do this, see the references section at the bottom of this article MCTS Certification.
Configure Host Header Names in IIS 5.0
To configure host header names in IIS
Start the Internet Service Manager (Iis.msc).
Right-click the Web site to be configured, and then click Properties.
On the Web Site tab, select the IP address that the site will use.
Note: if you only have one IP address on the server, select All Unassigned, and set the TCP Port that should be used (usually 80).
Click Advanced.
In the Multiple identities for this Web Site list, select the identity that you want to use.
Click Edit, and then add the desired host header name.
NOTE: If you want this site to respond to more than one host header name, use the Add button to add additional identities to this list. Specify a different host header name for each identity, but be sure to use the same IP address and port.
Apply these changes and start the Web site (if it is not already running).
Register the host header name with the appropriate name resolution system.
If the computer is on an intranet (a private LAN that uses Internet technology), register it with the intranet's name resolution system, such as the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS).
If the computer is on the Internet, register the host header name with the Domain Name System (DNS), which is administered by InterNic.
After the host header name is registered with the name resolution system, test it from a browser by attempting to browse the host header name. The browser should open the expected Web site.
Troubleshooting
When your computer boots or when you manually start the Microsoft Internet Information Server service, Event Viewer may log the following event:
Event ID : 115
Source : w3svc
Description : The service could not bind instance X.
This problem can occur when some or all of the Web sites that are using Host Headers have the same port number defined for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Internet Information Server 4.0 does not support the use of Host Headers for SSL. For more information, see the references links below.
Erratic behavior can occur when applying a host header name to the default Web site if add-on packages for IIS (such as Microsoft Proxy Server) are also being used. For this reason, it is generally not recommended that you apply a host header name to the default Web site created by IIS.
This step-by-step article shows you how to use Host Headers to allow multiple host names to share a single IP address.
IIS allows you to assign any number of sites to a single IP address and distinguish them by using host headers. When IIS receives a request for a Web page, it looks at the information sent in by the browser. If the browser is HTTP 1.1 compliant (Internet Explorer 3.x and later, or Netscape Navigator 3.x and later), the HTTP header contains the actual domain name requested. IIS uses this to determine which site should answer the request MCTS Training.
If the browser is not HTTP 1.1 compliant, you can program a core page to display all sites available and allow the user to choose which site to use. For instructions on how to do this, see the references section at the bottom of this article MCTS Certification.
Configure Host Header Names in IIS 5.0
To configure host header names in IIS
Start the Internet Service Manager (Iis.msc).
Right-click the Web site to be configured, and then click Properties.
On the Web Site tab, select the IP address that the site will use.
Note: if you only have one IP address on the server, select All Unassigned, and set the TCP Port that should be used (usually 80).
Click Advanced.
In the Multiple identities for this Web Site list, select the identity that you want to use.
Click Edit, and then add the desired host header name.
NOTE: If you want this site to respond to more than one host header name, use the Add button to add additional identities to this list. Specify a different host header name for each identity, but be sure to use the same IP address and port.
Apply these changes and start the Web site (if it is not already running).
Register the host header name with the appropriate name resolution system.
If the computer is on an intranet (a private LAN that uses Internet technology), register it with the intranet's name resolution system, such as the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS).
If the computer is on the Internet, register the host header name with the Domain Name System (DNS), which is administered by InterNic.
After the host header name is registered with the name resolution system, test it from a browser by attempting to browse the host header name. The browser should open the expected Web site.
Troubleshooting
When your computer boots or when you manually start the Microsoft Internet Information Server service, Event Viewer may log the following event:
Event ID : 115
Source : w3svc
Description : The service could not bind instance X.
This problem can occur when some or all of the Web sites that are using Host Headers have the same port number defined for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Internet Information Server 4.0 does not support the use of Host Headers for SSL. For more information, see the references links below.
Erratic behavior can occur when applying a host header name to the default Web site if add-on packages for IIS (such as Microsoft Proxy Server) are also being used. For this reason, it is generally not recommended that you apply a host header name to the default Web site created by IIS.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Exam-70-270-Training
Exam 70-270:
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
Published: February 22, 2008
Language(s): English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese
(Brazil), Chinese (Simplified)
Audience(s): IT Professionals
Technology: Microsoft Windows XP
Type: Proctored Exam
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training
Special Offer:
Get a discount on this Microsoft Certification Exam from testkingdom.com
Find out how you can save 15 percent off the price of this certification exam,
and help advance your career.
Overview:
Audience Profile
Candidates for this exam operate in medium to very large computing
environments that use Windows XP Professional as a desktop operating system.
They have a minimum of one year of experience implementing and administering any
desktop operating system in a network environment.
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring,
and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, you complete the
requirements for the following certification(s):
* Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP
Professional: counts as credit toward the following certification(s):
Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003
certification
Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Windows Server
2003 certification
Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Microsoft Windows
2000 certification
Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator on Microsoft
Windows 2000 certification
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior
notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include
adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify
the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to
prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being Measured
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed
below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on
the exam.
Installing Windows XP Professional
Perform and troubleshoot an attended installation of Windows XP Professional.
Perform and troubleshoot an unattended installation of Windows XP
Professional.
o Install Windows XP Professional by using Remote Installation Services (RIS).
o Install Windows XP Professional by using the System Preparation Tool.
o Create unattended answer files by using Setup Manager to automate the
installation of Windows XP Professional.
Upgrade from a previous version of Windows to Windows XP Professional.
o Prepare a computer to meet upgrade requirements.
o Migrate existing user environments to a new installation.
Perform post-installation updates and product activation.
Troubleshoot failed installations.
Implementing and Conducting Administration of Resources
Monitor, manage, and troubleshoot access to files and folders.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot file compression.
o Control access to files and folders by using permissions.
o Optimize access to files and folders.
Manage and troubleshoot access to shared folders.
o Create and remove shared folders.
o Control access to shared folders by using permissions.
o Manage and troubleshoot Web server resources.
Connect to local and network print devices.
o Manage printers and print jobs.
o Control access to printers by using permissions.
o Connect to an Internet printer.
o Connect to a local print device.
Configure and manage file systems.
o Convert from one file system to another file system.
o Configure NTFS, FAT32, or FAT file systems.
Manage and troubleshoot access to and synchronization of offline files.
Implementing, Managing, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and
Drivers
Implement, manage, and troubleshoot disk devices.
o Install, configure, and manage DVD and CD-ROM devices.
o Monitor and configure disks.
o Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot volumes.
o Monitor and configure removable media, such as tape devices.
Implement, manage, and troubleshoot display devices.
o Configure multiple-display support.
o Install, configure, and troubleshoot a video adapter.
Configure Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI).
Implement, manage, and troubleshoot input and output (I/O) devices.
o Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot I/O devices, such as printers,
scanners, multimedia devices, mouse, keyboard, and smart card reader.
o Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot multimedia hardware, such as cameras.
o Install, configure, and manage modems.
o Install, configure, and manage Infrared Data Association (IrDA) devices.
o Install, configure, and manage wireless devices.
o Install, configure, and manage USB devices.
o Install, configure, and manage hand held devices.
o Install, configure, and manage network adapters.
Manage and troubleshoot drivers and driver signing.
Monitor and configure multiprocessor computers.
Monitoring and Optimizing System Performance and Reliability
Monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot performance of the Windows XP Professional
desktop.
o Optimize and troubleshoot memory performance.
o Optimize and troubleshoot processor utilization.
o Optimize and troubleshoot disk performance.
o Optimize and troubleshoot application performance.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Scheduled Tasks.
Manage, monitor, and optimize system performance for mobile users.
Restore and back up the operating system, System State data, and user data.
o Recover System State data and user data by using Windows Backup.
o Troubleshoot system restoration by starting in safe mode.
o Recover System State data and user data by using the Recovery console.
Configuring and Troubleshooting the Desktop Environment
Configure and manage user profiles and desktop settings.
Configure support for multiple languages or multiple locations.
o Enable multiple-language support.
o Configure multiple-language support for users.
o Configure local settings.
o Configure Windows XP Professional for multiple locations.
Manage applications by using Windows Installer packages.
Implementing, Managing, and Troubleshooting Network Protocols and Services
Configure and troubleshoot the TCP/IP protocol.
Connect to computers by using dial-up networking.
o Connect to computers by using a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
o Create a dial-up connection to connect to a remote access server.
o Connect to the Internet by using dial-up networking.
o Configure and troubleshoot Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Connect to resources by using Internet Explorer.
Configure, manage, and implement Internet Information Services (IIS).
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance.
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot an Internet Connection Firewall (ICF).
Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting Security
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Encrypting File System (EFS).
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot a security configuration and local security
policy.
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot local user and group accounts.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot auditing.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot account settings.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot account policy.
o Configure, manage, and troubleshoot user and group rights.
o Troubleshoot cache credentials.
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Internet Explorer security settings.
Preparation Tools and Resources
To help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you
have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following
training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the
topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Classroom Training
* : Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2620B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2619B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2226A: Installing, Administering and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professionnel (2 Days)
* 2223A: Installing, Administering and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professionnel (2 Days)
* 2223B: Installing, Administering, and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professional (2 Days)
* 2618B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2616B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2285A: Installing, Configuring & Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP
Professional
* 2272B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft® Windows® Vista Professional
* 2617B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2227B: Installing, Administering, and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professional (2 Days)
* 2615B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2225A: Installing, Administering and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professionnel (2 Days)
* 2225B: Installing, Administering, and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professional (2 Days)
* 2285B: Installing, Configuring & Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP
Professional
* 2227A: Installing, Administering and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professionnel (2 Days)
* 2224A: Installing, Administering and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professionnel (2 Days)
* 2621B: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5 Days)
* 2619A: (5 Days)
* 2224B: Installing, Administering, and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professional (2 Days)
* 2272C: Implementing and Supporting Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
* 1560C: Updating Support Skills from Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 to Microsoft
Windows® 2000
* 2226B: Installing, Administering, and Configuring Microsoft Windows XP
Professional (2 Days)
Microsoft E-Learning
* 2285AE: Installing, Configuring & Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP
Professional
* 1560AE: Updating Support Skills from Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 to Microsoft
Windows® 2000
* 2285BE: Installing, Configuring & Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP
Professional
Microsoft Press Books
* MCSE Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Practice Tests
* Testkingdom(testkingdom.com)
Microsoft Online Resources
Learning Plan: Get started by creating a step-by-step study guide that is based
on recommended resources for this exam.
Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to
connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your
certification path and studies.
TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions,
best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features
code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers:
* Visit the training and certification forum
For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified
Professional (MCP):
* Visit our MCP newsgroups
To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on
popular topics, visit our community site:
* Visit the Microsoft Learning community
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Upgrade-your-MCDST-certification-to-MCTS-and-MCITP-on-Windows-Vista-certifications
Windows Client Certification
Getting certified on the Windows operating system can help you reach your goals.
In today’s increasingly complex IT environment, a certification on Windows
proves to customers and employers that you have the technical skills necessary
to do the job.
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training - MCTS
Training
Upgrade your MCDST certification to MCTS and MCITP on Windows Vista
certifications
As a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), you can upgrade
your credential to include a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
certification and a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification on
Windows Vista, by passing just one exam.
These added credentials validate your comprehension of Windows Vista, your
ability to deploy and support this operating system, and your skills in
troubleshooting network connectivity and application issues.
Current certification
MCDST (Windows XP)
Certification goals
MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
and
MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician (Windows Vista)
Required exam
Exam 70-621: PRO: Upgrading Your MCDST Certification to MCITP Enterprise
Support
Note If you have an MCDST, you can use Exam 70-621 toward certifications that
list Exam 70-620 as a requirement (for example, MCTS: Windows Vista,
Configuration).
Upgrade to MCITP: Consumer Support Technician
After you pass Exam 70-621, you have completed the prerequisite for the
MCITP: Consumer Support Technician credential. This credential highlights your
expertise in supporting a broad range of issues related to Windows Vista,
including client operating systems, desktop applications, mobile devices,
networking, and hardware support. It is the right option if you want to build
expertise in home user support or consumer retail support.
Current certifications
MCDST (Windows XP)
MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician
Certification goal
MCITP: Consumer Support Technician
Required exam
Exam 70-623: PRO: Supporting and Troubleshooting Applications on a Windows
Vista Client for Consumer Support Technicians
MCITP Online Training -
MCITP Online Certification -
MCITP Online Exams
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Program Benefits and Member Sites – FAQ
Learn about the benefits of Microsoft Certification. Find answers to frequently
asked questions regarding program benefits, member site access, and Windows Live
ID.
Q. What are the benefits of becoming MCP-certified?
A. By becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and earning Microsoft
Certifications, you keep your skills relevant, applicable, and competitive.
* Learn more about certification benefits
Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Certification member site?
A. You will find:
* A downloadable certificate of achievement for MCPs
* Your Official Microsoft Certification transcript
* A tool to create and download custom credential logos
* Additional information and offers for MCPs
* Access to your contact preferences and profile
* The Microsoft Certified Trainer enrollment tool
Q. Are welcome kits still available for new MCPs?
A. New members of the community are welcomed with a Microsoft Certification ID
(or MCP ID)—the key to all of the benefits on the MCP member site. The
Certificate Manager tool on the MCP member site allows you to create, download,
print, and store your customized Certificate of Achievement as soon as your new
certification appears on your transcript. The most up-to-date versions of the
program agreement and contact sheet are also available online. To accommodate
customer preferences and an environmentally conscious world, we no longer mail
out welcome kits.
* Sign in to the MCP member site
Q. What is Charter Member certification?
A. Charter Members are the pioneering group of individuals who achieve a
certification shortly after the certification becomes available. When a Charter
Member certification is offered, it is available to candidates who achieve the
new certification within six months after the certification exam is released.
Charter Members are recognized by receiving the Charter version of the
certificate.|
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training -
MCTS Training
Q. How much time do I have to order my Charter Member kit?
A. You can order your Charter Member kit up to six months after the exam
availability date.
Q. I have heard that United States veterans receive reimbursement for MCP exams.
What is the benefit?
A. United States veterans who take MCP exams can use their Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees. If you are
eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), and
Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, you can receive
reimbursement for exam fees of up to US$2,000 per exam.
asked questions regarding program benefits, member site access, and Windows Live
ID.
Q. What are the benefits of becoming MCP-certified?
A. By becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and earning Microsoft
Certifications, you keep your skills relevant, applicable, and competitive.
* Learn more about certification benefits
MCITP Online Training -
MCITP Online Certification -
MCITP Online Exams
Q. What will I find on the Microsoft Certification member site?
A. You will find:
* A downloadable certificate of achievement for MCPs
* Your Official Microsoft Certification transcript
* A tool to create and download custom credential logos
* Additional information and offers for MCPs
* Access to your contact preferences and profile
* The Microsoft Certified Trainer enrollment tool
Q. Are welcome kits still available for new MCPs?
A. New members of the community are welcomed with a Microsoft Certification ID
(or MCP ID)—the key to all of the benefits on the MCP member site. The
Certificate Manager tool on the MCP member site allows you to create, download,
print, and store your customized Certificate of Achievement as soon as your new
certification appears on your transcript. The most up-to-date versions of the
program agreement and contact sheet are also available online. To accommodate
customer preferences and an environmentally conscious world, we no longer mail
out welcome kits.
* Sign in to the MCP member site
Q. What is Charter Member certification?
A. Charter Members are the pioneering group of individuals who achieve a
certification shortly after the certification becomes available. When a Charter
Member certification is offered, it is available to candidates who achieve the
new certification within six months after the certification exam is released.
Charter Members are recognized by receiving the Charter version of the
certificate.|
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training -
MCTS Training
Q. How much time do I have to order my Charter Member kit?
A. You can order your Charter Member kit up to six months after the exam
availability date.
Q. I have heard that United States veterans receive reimbursement for MCP exams.
What is the benefit?
A. United States veterans who take MCP exams can use their Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits to cover examination fees. If you are
eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill (Chapter 30), VEAP (Chapter 32), and
Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, you can receive
reimbursement for exam fees of up to US$2,000 per exam.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ (EXAM SCORING)
Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ ( EXAM SCORING)
Fully prepare for and understand the exam process. On this page, you can find
answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration, preparation,
scoring, testing technologies, question types, formats, policies, and security.
Q. How are exam scores calculated?
A. Here is some general information about exam scoring:
* There is no penalty for guessing. If you choose an incorrect answer, you
simply do not earn credit for that item. No points are deducted for incorrect
answers.
* If a question specifies that you must choose multiple correct answers, you
must choose the exact number of correct answers specified in the question in
order to earn the credit for that item.
* Some questions on the exam might not be included in the calculation of your
score. To gather data to update and improve the quality of Microsoft
Certification exams, we need to present new content to candidates without
counting the results toward their score.
* All Microsoft exams are scaled such that the passing score is 700. The actual
cut score (the number of items you need to answer correctly) is determined by a
group of subject-matter experts. A common misperception is that you must answer
70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam; however, the actual
percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent,
depending on the input provided by the subject-matter experts who helped us set
the cut score. After you complete your exam, the points you earned are compared
with the cut score to determine whether the result is pass or fail.
Prometric's
software generates the scaled score and bars shown on your score report from
scoring information provided by Microsoft.
Q. How should I interpret my score report?
A. There are several important pieces of information on the score report:
Your scaled score and pass/fail status: All Microsoft Certified Professional
exams are scaled so that a passing score is 700. Any score of 700 or greater is
a "pass." Any score below 700 is a "fail." Different passing scores do not
reflect different levels of examinee knowledge.
Because of the way Microsoft sets the cut score, we cannot guarantee that an
examinee who scores 900 is more knowledgeable in the exam's topic area than an
examinee who scores 800. We can only say that both examinees are at least
minimally qualified. The same is true for failing scores. An examinee who scores
400 is not necessarily less knowledgeable in the exam's topic area than an
examinee who scores 600. In this case, both examinees fail to meet the minimum
qualifications for the certification. This is why your exam scores do not appear
on your transcript.
Your section scores: The bars on the score report show your relative performance
in the various subject areas covered by the exam--the longer the bar, the
stronger your performance in that areA. The length of the bars does not
correspond to the number of questions you answered correctly on that subject.
Additionally, because the subject areas contain varying numbers of items, the
length of any bar or combination of bars does not correspond directly to your
overall exam score or Pass/Fail status.
Q. What does the score report look like?
A. The score report details the areas in which a candidate demonstrates
technical strength and the areas in which the candidate shows a need for
improvement. The report provides a numeric score for overall exam performance as
well as a bar graph for each subject area of the exam.
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training -
MCTS Training
Q. What does my numeric score mean?
A. Microsoft provides numeric scaled scores on all exams that provide the
candidate with some indication of their level of performance on the exam.
Microsoft has worked with customers and testing industry experts to create an
exam scale that would be consistent across all exams. The scale requires a
minimum passing score of 700 on all exams. If you receive a score of 700 or
above, it means that you are at least minimally qualified; if you receive a
score below 700, it means that you are not minimally qualified. Because of the
way we set our cut scores, no other judgments about the numerical score obtained
can be made.
Q. What do the bars on the score report mean?
A. The bars indicate how strongly an examinee performed on each skills section
of the exam. The closer the bar comes to the strong end of the continuum, the
higher the score on that skills section. The closer the bar is to the "needs
development" end of the continuum, the lower the score in that skills section.
These results will help all examinees determine areas where they have strengths
and where they need improvement. The skills sections listed on the score report
correspond to those listed in the skills matrix provided in the Exam Preparation
guide.
Q. Does the score report show a numerical score for each section?
A. No. The score report provides a numerical score to reflect pass/fail status
only, in order to prevent confusion. Because exam sections often contain a
different number of questions, combining their numerical results would rarely
provide an accurate final exam result. As an alternative to providing a
numerical score for each section, we provide score bars to show an overview of
areas of strength and weakness relative to overall performance.
On upgrade exams, however, candidates must pass all sections in order to pass
the exam because each section represents a feeder exam. As a result, these
candidates receive a numerical score for each component exam.
Q. The bars on the score report show that I have scored more than 70 percent,
but I didn't pass the exam. Why is this?
A. Each section of the exam may contain a different number of questions;
therefore, the relative results on individual exam sections might not reflect
your final exam result. In other words, there is no one-to-one relationship
between the length of the bars and your pass/fail status.
Q. How many points is each item worth?
A. In most cases, each item is worth one point; however, some questions or
question types may be worth more than one point. Microsoft does not provide
information about how many points specific items are worth.
Q. Is there a penalty for guessing? Are points deducted for incorrect answers?
A. No. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers; if you answer incorrectly,
you will simply not earn the credit associated with answering correctly.
Q. Why are some questions unscored?
A. Microsoft is committed to continually updating exam content and utilizing
innovative testing techniques. Our goal is to increase the relevance of our
exams, offer a more comprehensive and valuable certification, and ensure the
security of exam content. To gather the data needed to update and improve the
quality of exams, we need to present new content to candidates without counting
the results toward their score.
Q. I have taken this exam multiple times and have received the same score every
time. Does this indicate an error in the results computation?
A. No, it does not indicate an error. It is not uncommon for candidates to
obtain similar or identical scores on multiple attempts of an exam. Receiving
the same score on multiple attempts does not indicate that the program computing
the results is in error.
Q. I scored zero in one of the sections. How is this possible?
A. The number of questions that appear for each section is determined by subject
matter experts. As a result, some sections have more questions than others. It
is not uncommon to score zero when a section contains relatively few questions.
Q. I experienced significant delays between some of the questions. Did these
delays impact the calculation of my score?
A. In some cases, you may experience a delay of up to a minute while your next
question loads. Prometric's software is designed to accommodate this event. A
delay between questions does not impact the responses you have recorded. Your
exam will be scored correctly regardless of delays between questions.
Q. Can I find out whether I answered a specific question correctly, or whether
this answer affected my pass/fail status?
A. No. By not providing this information, we are better able to maintain exam
security.
Q. Where can I find additional information about my areas of weakness?
A. Although Microsoft Certification exams provide feedback about the areas where
examinees need to develop their skills further, Microsoft Certification exams
are not designed to provide detailed feedback. We encourage you to use practice
tests from Microsoft Certified Practice Test Providers (PTPs) as diagnostic
tools to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ
Preparing for and Taking an Exam – FAQ
Fully prepare for and understand the exam process. On this page, you can find
answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration, preparation,
scoring, testing technologies, question types, formats, policies, and security.
Q. What is the most effective way to prepare for a
Microsoft Certification exam?
A. The exam preparation guide for each exam offers a "Skills measured" section
that you can review, as well as a list of preparation tools and resources
provided by Microsoft. The best way to prepare for a Microsoft Certification
exam is to practice the skills listed in the preparation guide.
* Learn more about preparation guides
Q. Can I find out how many questions there will be?
A. We do not provide information about the number of questions included on each
exam. This practice helps protect exam security and the value of Microsoft
Certifications.
MCITP Training -
MCSE Training -
MCTS Training
Q. How much time will I have to complete the exam?
A. The time varies from one exam to another, but it will not exceed four hours
under normal circumstances. In addition to answering the exam questions, you
will have time to review instructions and provide comments after the exam is
completed. To request the duration of your exam, contact Prometric, the
Microsoft Learning test provider; however, because Microsoft reserves the right
to change the exam content and time at any time, the most accurate information
will be obtained if you contact Prometric on the day of your exam.
The testing software provides a notification screen before the exam begins that
shows the maximum time allowed for answering the questions in that exam. Some
candidates may complete the exam before reaching the maximum time.
Microsoft is dedicated to developing technology that is usable for and
accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If certification
candidates are unable to take a Microsoft Certification exam within the standard
exam duration, the MCP program is committed to making all reasonable efforts to
accommodate these candidates.
Inquire about the duration of your exam (Prometric.com)
View specific information regarding special accommodations
Q. What is the most efficient way to use my time during a certification exam?
A. Individuals vary in their approaches to test taking, so there is no one
approach that works for everyone. However, these tips help most candidates:
Note whether a section of the exam is timed. You will be unable to return to a
timed section after you have left it or after it has timed out.
Use all of the time allowed for each section and for the entire exam.
Answer the questions you know first. If you are unsure of a question, mark it
for review, and return to it later. In some exams, you cannot return to a
section of the exam after you have left it; these sections will be clearly
indicated during the exam.
Q. What is the most efficient way to navigate through previous questions on a
certification exam?
A. To return to the question immediately preceding the question that you are
answering, use the Previous button. To return to any other questions, use the
Review Screen at the end of the section or the exam. In some exams, you cannot
return to a section of the exam after you have left it; these sections will be
clearly indicated during the exam.
Q. Why do some questions cover topics that are not specifically called out in
the preparation guide?
A. Our exam preparation guides list key tasks that subject-matter experts have
identified as important for the technology area covered by the exam—but they do
not list all subtopics related to the key tasks. The preparation guides list
subtasks that might be included on the exam, but the actual exam might include
other subtasks. Also, some questions might reference technologies that are
outside the focus of the exam in order to provide appropriate context for the
question. Candidates who fit the audience profile for the exam should have the
experience to understand this contextual information.
Learn more about exam preparation guides
Q. The study materials I used to prepare for the exam included technically
inaccurate information. How can I provide feedback?
A. If you have feedback about an instructor-led Microsoft training course, you
can provide it directly to the instructor. If you have feedback about a
Microsoft E-Learning course, complete the feedback form that appears when you
complete the course. For Microsoft Press books, use the following link.
Provide feedback about a Microsoft Press book
Microsoft does not review study materials developed by third parties and is not
responsible for their content. If you have questions or comments about exam
preparation materials developed by third parties, please contact the publishers
directly.
Q. I studied for an exam by using Microsoft training and a Microsoft Press book,
and the exam included material that was not covered in the training or the book.
Why is this?
A. All learning materials related to exams, including Microsoft training and
Microsoft Press resources, are developed independently of exam content, because
the exams are intended to assess real-world experience with the technology, not
the effectiveness of training materials. Although these materials are designed
to help candidates prepare for the exam, it is expected that qualified
candidates will have sufficient experience in working with the technology to
successfully perform the tasks described in the test questions.
Use the exam preparation guide to identify which Microsoft training resources
cover the skills represented in the exam. For a variety of reasons, including
the time available for the course, it is not always feasible to cover all the
exam objectives in a classroom environment. However, Microsoft works hard to
ensure that some form of training material exists for all skills that will be
measured on an exam.
Q. How and when will I get my exam results?
A. You will receive notification of your pass or fail status immediately upon
completing your exam. In addition, you will receive a printed report that
provides your exam score and feedback on the skills measured. The exam provider
will forward your score to Microsoft within five working days of your test.
Beta exam results: You will be notified by mail of your beta exam results about
8-10 weeks after the beta period ends. Some beta exams require additional time
for results to be processed. Call your test registration center for more
information.
Q. If I fail what can I do?
A. If you do not pass a certification exam and want to retake it, review the
exam preparation guide and continue to practice the necessary skills. When you
are ready, call your test registration center to schedule a retake in accordance
with our retake policy. Note that you must pay for each exam you retake.
Review the exam retake policy
Q. What testing formats and question types appear on Microsoft Certification
exams?
A. Microsoft Certification exams include various formats and question types,
which are applied on a per-item basis to accurately evaluate the candidate's
knowledge and skills.
Formats might include:
Case study format
Simulations
Virtual labs
Question types might include:
Multiple-choice questions
Hot-area questions
Active-screen questions
Drag-and-drop questions
Build-list and reorder questions
Microsoft is continually introducing innovative testing technologies.
Q. Can I find out which testing formats will be used in the exam I'm taking?
A. No. Microsoft does not identify the formats of any given exam at the time of
registration. Also, we adopt new testing technologies and question types
periodically. Both practices help us protect exam security and the value of
Microsoft Certification.
To get a feel for the exam testing technologies, we encourage you to take
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) practice tests offered through Microsoft
Certified Practice Test Providers. The following tips may also help you.
Hot-area questions
Q. How do I know which elements are selectable?
A. Selectable elements are marked with a border and shaded when you move your
cursor over them.
Q. How do I select an element or cancel a selection?
A. Click an element to select it. The area around the element will become dim to
indicate that it has been selected. Click the element again to cancel the
selection. To reverse all selections, click the Reset button.
Q. I can't see the complete text of a question. What should I do?
A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.
Active-screen questions
Q. How do I change the text in a text box?
A. To fill in a text box, drag the appropriate text element to the text box. To
replace the text in a text box, drag another text element to the text box. To
remove the text, drag the text element back to its original location.
Q. How do I select an option or a check box?
A. To select an option or a check box, you can either click the option or check
box or click the text of the option or text box.
Q. How do I clear an option?
A. To clear an option, you can either click another option within the same group
or click the text of another option within the same group. To reverse all
selections, click the Reset button.
Q. How do I clear a check box?
A. To clear a check box, you can either click the selected check box or click
the text of the selected check box.
Q. I can't see the whole text of a question. What should I do?
A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.
Q. I tried to select an element, but it isn't responding. Why?
A. In some active-screen questions, not all elements in the dialog box will be
active.
Drag-and-drop questions
Q. How do I answer a drag-and-drop question?
A. Drag the appropriate source objects to the correct target locations in the
answer areA. Target locations are indicated by a dimmed box. When a source
object is within a target, an outline will appear around the dimmed box. The
object will snap into position when you release the mouse button.
Q. How do I remove a source object from a target?
A. You can either drag the object back to its original position or select the
object and press the DELETE key. To replace objects that have been positioned on
a target, you can also drag another object into its position. To reverse all
selections, click the Reset button.
Q. I can't see the whole text of a question. What should I do?
A. You can use the split bar to resize panes. In some cases, you might need to
use the scroll bar to view the entire text of the question or the entire
graphic.
Q. Do I need to use all source objects or targets provided?
A. You might not need to use all source objects or targets provided. Depending
on the question, plausible distractors may be included in either list.
Q. Can I use source objects more than one time?
A. Some source objects can be used only one time, while some can be used more
than once. A source object will appear deactivated when its use limit is
reached. To use this source object again, remove an instance of it from the
answer area.
Build-list and reorder questions
Q. How do I answer a build-list and reorder question?
A. Drag source objects from the list of choices to the answer list, and arrange
the objects in the correct order. You can also click a source object to select
it, and then click the LEFT ARROW key to move the object from the list of
choices to the bottom of the answer list.
Q. How do I reorder objects in the answer list?
A. To reorder objects in the answer list, drag an object to the correct location
in the answer list. You can also click an object to select it, and then use the
arrow buttons to move the object. Note that the arrow buttons might be
unavailable based on the location of the selected object.
Q. How do I remove an object from the answer list?
A. To remove an object from the answer list, drag the object from the answer
list to the list of choices. You can also select the object and press the DELETE
key, or select the object and then click the LEFT ARROW key. In all these cases,
the object will be returned to the list of choices.
Q. How do I remove all objects from the answer list?
A. To remove all objects from the answer list, click the Reset button. Case study
format
Q. Why is the case study exam format used?
A. The case study exam format uses complex scenarios that more accurately
simulate what Microsoft Certified Professionals do on the job. A case study
model also allows us to test your ability to analyze and synthesize information
to make decisions.
Q. When I start a case study, will I be able to review previous ones?
A. No, you will not be able to review a case study after you move to the next
one. When you complete a case study and its associated questions, a review
screen will appear. This screen lets you review your answers and make changes
before you move to the next case study.
Q. The scenarios are long and contain many details. Are the case study questions
designed to test memory?
A. Scenario-based questions are designed to test your ability to analyze and
synthesize information in order to make decisions—not to test memory. You can
refer to scenario details as frequently as necessary while you are working on
questions in a case study.
Q. How do I display the content in a case study?
A. Click one of the round buttons in the left pane. If a list of sections (for
example, Business Requirements or Company Information) appears under the button,
click one of them to display its content. To return to a question from a case
study, click the Question button in the left pane.
Performance-based testing
Q. Why is Microsoft adding performance-based exam items to certain exams?
A. Traditionally, Microsoft uses the format for exam items that most accurately
evaluates the candidate's knowledge and skills. Such formats may include:
Multiple-choice single answer questions
Multiple-choice multiple answer questions
Hot-area questions
Active-screen questions
Drag-and-drop questions
Build-list and reorder questions
Case studies
There are certain skills that are more accurately validated through direct
hands-on methods like simulations and lab-based testing. This varies from exam
to exam.
Q. Which exams include performance-based items?
A. To date, the following exams include performance-based items:
Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure (core Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator and
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer on Windows Server 2003 exams)
Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network
Infrastructure
Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003
Active Directory Infrastructure
Exam 70-431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – Implementation and Maintenance
Exam 70-620: TS: Microsoft Windows Vista, Configuring
Exam 83-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (This exam
will gradually replace the current version of the exam: Exam 70-640: TS: Windows
Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring.)
Note that this list is subject to change at any time. Some exceptions apply in
selected regions.
Locate a testing center near you
In the future, most Microsoft technical certification exams will include
performance-based items.
Q. What is the difference between performance-based testing using virtual labs
and performance-based using simulation technologies?
A. Simulations restrict you to a small number of expected paths to complete exam
tasks, whereas virtual labs allow for any path and tool available in a real
computing environment, as long as the result is correct.
Q. Which exams include performance-based testing items built on virtual labs
technologies?
A. At this time, only Exam 83-640 includes virtual labs testing items. This exam
is currently available in English only and in certain countries. Since the
virtual labs testing items validate the same skills and knowledge as the
multiple-choice items, candidates should not take any different approach to exam
preparation.
Q. Are performance-based exams available in all testing centers?
A. Not at this time. Note that when enough testing centers in a region have
demonstrated that they can deliver performance-based exams, only the
performance-based version of the exam will be available to customers in that
region. In other words, all of the testing centers in a given region will
deliver the performance-based version of the exam.
Q. If the performance-based exam is not available in my area, when will it
become available?
A. Performance-based exams will eventually be available in all testing centers.
Q. When will additional exams with performance-based testing items be released?
A. The decision to apply performance-based testing is made on an exam-by-exam
basis when Microsoft determines that it is the best method to validate a
particular skill. Some exams have many performance-based questions, and some
exams have few or none.
Q. Will the entire Exam 83-640 consist of completing tasks in a virtual lab
environment?
A. There are certain skills that are better tested by more traditional formats,
such as multiple-choice questions. The number of hands-on tasks in an exam
depends on the skills being measured.
Learn more about Exam 83-640
Q. As the exams become updated with lab-based items, am I required to retake
them?
A. No. The skills that are tested do not change; therefore, retesting is not
necessary.
Q. Should I prepare for the lab-based exams differently than I prepare for other
exams?
A. No. As with non-lab-based exams, we recommend that you use exam preparation
guides to find out the subject areas, knowledge, and skills that are required to
pass the exam. When an exam is updated with a new lab-based testing item, the
skills measured remain the same.
Q. Do performance-based exams take longer to complete?
A. Yes, these exams are typically longer than exams that do not contain
performance-based items.
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