Q. Which testing technologies do Microsoft Certification exams include? A. Microsoft is introducing innovative testing technologies to determine, more effectively, who meets the criteria for certification. Read on for descriptions of the innovations that are available for you to try now, and see more of what will be available in future Microsoft Certification exams.The same exam questions are used in both adaptive and traditional fixed-form exams. Candidates are expected to understand the exam content, regardless of how it is presented. Therefore, Microsoft changes the exam format and questions occasionally. In addition, Microsoft does not identify the format of any given exam at the time of registration. Both practices help protect exam security and the value of Microsoft certification. To prepare for the exam, candidates should use the exam objectives listed in the exam preparation guide.
Computer adaptive testing A computer adaptive test (CAT) is customized to the individual exam taker. Examinees all start with an easy-to-moderate question; those answering the question correctly get a more difficult follow-up question. If that question is answered correctly, the difficulty of subsequent questions similarly increases. Conversely, if the second question is answered incorrectly, the following questions will be easier. This process continues only until the CAT determines the candidate's ability. The key difference examinees notice between adaptive exams and conventional exams is that they cannot skip or go back and review previously answered items on adaptive exams. A screen at the start of the exam informs exam takers that reviewing previous items will not be allowed. (The downloadable demo that follows is intended only to help candidates become familiar with the testing technology. The content may not be technically accurate and should not be used as a practice test.)
