Well - at least a real test that will requires hands-on vs. theoretical knowledge of a product. A while back I had talked about performance based testing and how it would have two important impacts for Microsoft certifications - reducing braindumps and as a consequence, improve (hopefully dramatically) the value of Microsoft certifications. One of the many benefits of this testing scheme is that there are not pools of questions that braindumpers can download, memorize and regurgitate in the testing booth. True - a braindumper may be able to get a hold of the tasks they are to be performed on the test - but they will still need to know and learn HOW to do the tasks in order to pass the test. This will provide more validity to these tests and their associated certifications (as well as reducing paper MCSE's). The second major benefit is the increased value of these tests and certifications with employers and the IT industry. The CCIE is so highly valued, in part, due to the fact that it is a hands-on test (and a difficult one at that).
Microsoft is encouraging people to take the Pilot test for the new 70-113 Performance based test by offering at least one free exam voucher to the first 3000 people who take this test. This hands-on examination is aimed at testing the "candidates' ability to perform tasks and solve problems in real-world situations". I applaud their effort with this test and hope that they will start to move more test this way very soon. The only drawback to these tests is the testing center. Not all Prometric testing centers have the requisite hardware to run the Performance Based testing - so check first (and as I mentioned before - all of you test centers that don't have the requisite hardware - might be the time t start investing!)
This is a limited time offer that applies to the first 3000 people. You must also register by October 24th and take the test itself by October 31st as well. To register contact a promteric and use the code H640.
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