Microsoft Online Proctored Exams

djrabes

Hi all,

My nearest test centre is about an hour away and this is quite a drag and means I have to book days off work to go and do the certs that I want.

I'm looking at Microsoft OP exams as they provide good flexibility and means I don't have to travel 100ish miles there and back. Has anyone used these before? Just because its more convenient does that mean its better?

scaredoftests

I have used online exams (HDI and ITIL foundation). It is convenient, (ITIL, though can be a pain in the ass).

Phalanx

The online exams I've taken (ITIL, Microsoft) are a mixed bag. The ITIL stuff was recorded, so that was actually easier. You just read a piece of text and do exactly what it says to setup for the exam.

The Microsoft one is WAY more of a ballache. As it's live, you have to "check-in" with an examiner, who checks literally everything, including the non-existant frame of my clear glasses to see if I am cheating in any way whatsoever. Oh, and if you have any spare monitors or screens within about a mile of your location (I exaggerate, but it feels like it!), then they'll ask you to disconnect the power and video cable, turn it away, cover it with a cloth and probably enchant it with some such encantation.

Oh and expect to take longer doing the scan of the room for them than anything else.

djrabes

Oh great aha. Sounds like they really don't want people to ****

Phalanx

djrabes wrote: »

Oh great aha. Sounds like they really don't want people to ****

Of course, I think we all want that. But they do go overboard, I feel. Of course, it's their system and I choose to pay to use it, I get that, but it could still be done without making the person feel like a criminal.

djrabes

Phalanx wrote: »

Of course, I think we all want that. But they do go overboard, I feel. Of course, it's their system and I choose to pay to use it, I get that, but it could still be done without making the person feel like a criminal.

Would you recommend that though? - I can probably get a small room in work without any distractions (TVs, Screens etc)

Phalanx

Essentially, you need a room where noone will interfere, even in the slightest. No phone calls, no people walking around, no background chatter, etc.

LordQarlyn

Interestingly enough my ITIL exam was exactly how you described your Microsoft experience. I was periodically asked to swing my laptop around to show my desk and my office was empty lol.

Phalanx wrote: »

The online exams I've taken (ITIL, Microsoft) are a mixed bag. The ITIL stuff was recorded, so that was actually easier. You just read a piece of text and do exactly what it says to setup for the exam.

The Microsoft one is WAY more of a ballache. As it's live, you have to "check-in" with an examiner, who checks literally everything, including the non-existant frame of my clear glasses to see if I am cheating in any way whatsoever. Oh, and if you have any spare monitors or screens within about a mile of your location (I exaggerate, but it feels like it!), then they'll ask you to disconnect the power and video cable, turn it away, cover it with a cloth and probably enchant it with some such encantation.

Oh and expect to take longer doing the scan of the room for them than anything else.

mbarrett

Phalanx wrote: »

Oh, and if you have any spare monitors or screens within about a mile of your location (I exaggerate, but it feels like it!), then they'll ask you to disconnect the power and video cable, turn it away, cover it with a cloth and probably enchant it with some such encantation.

multiple VMs feeding into the same physical monitor might be a solution for someone...the whole idea of online cert tests just seems wierd and an open invitation to cheats of some kind.

LordQarlyn

I agree, but, those inclined to **** find other ways to **** anyway. Those who study and earn certificates the hard way will be less inclined to ****.

mbarrett wrote: »

multiple VMs feeding into the same physical monitor might be a solution for someone...the whole idea of online cert tests just seems wierd and an open invitation to cheats of some kind.