Taking a Certification Exam

Taking a Certification Exam

After you've prepared for your exam, you need to register with a testing center. In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Prometric and VUE. Here's how you can contact them:

• Prometric ” You can sign up for a test through the company's Web site, at www.prometric.com. Within the United States and Canada, you can register by phone at 1-800-755-3926. If you live outside this region, you should check the Prometric Web site for the appropriate phone number.

• VUE ” You can sign up for a test or get the phone numbers for local testing centers through the Web at www.vue.com/ms.

To sign up for a test, you must possess a valid credit card or contact either Prometric or VUE for mailing instructions to send a check (in the United States). Only when payment is verified or a check has cleared can you actually register for a test.

To schedule an exam, register online or through a telephone at least one day in advance. To cancel or reschedule an exam, you must call before 7 p.m. PST the day before the scheduled test ( otherwise , you might be charged, even if you don't show up to take the test). When you want to schedule a test, you should have the following information ready:

• Your name , organization, and mailing address

• Your testing ID (if you are appearing for a Microsoft exam for the first time, you will be assigned a testing ID when you register for the exam)

• The name and number of the exam you want to take

• A method of payment, such as a credit card

After you sign up for a test, you are told when and where the test is scheduled. You should try to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You must supply two forms of identification ”one of which must be a photo ID ”to be admitted into the testing room.

All exams are completely closed book. In fact, you are not permitted to take anything with you into the testing area, but you are given a few blank sheets of paper and a pen or, in some cases, an erasable plastic sheet and a marker. We suggest that you immediately write down on that sheet of paper all the information you've memorized for the test. In Exam Cram 2 books, this information appears on a tear-out sheet inside the front cover of each book. You are given some time to compose yourself, record this information, and take a sample orientation exam before you begin the real thing. We suggest that you take the orientation test before taking your first exam, but because all the certification exams are more or less identical in layout, behavior, and controls, you probably don't need to do this more than once.

When you complete a Microsoft certification exam, the software tells you whether you've passed or failed. If you need to retake an exam, you must schedule a new test with Prometric or VUE.

The first time you fail a test, you can retake the test the next day. However, if you fail a second time, you must wait 14 days before retaking that test. The 14-day waiting period remains in effect for all retakes after the second failure.

Tracking MCP Status

As soon as you pass any Microsoft exam, you attain MCP status. Microsoft generates transcripts that indicate which exams you have passed. You can view a copy of your transcript at any time by going to the MCP secured site (www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcpsecure.asp) and selecting Transcript Tool. This tool enables you to print a copy of your current transcript and confirm your certification status.

After you pass the necessary set of exams, you are certified. Microsoft sends you a Welcome Kit in about six to eight weeks. The kit contains a certificate that is suitable for framing, along with a wallet card and lapel pin. In addition, you get a number of other benefits, such as

• A license to use the MCP/MCAD/MCSD logo, which means you can use the logo on your letterhead and business cards (refer to the Microsoft Web site for the logo usage guidelines and terms and conditions)

• Access to the MCP Secure Web site to get the latest technical and product information as well as exclusive discount offers on products and services from select companies

• Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events

• A free subscription to the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online , which provides ongoing data about testing and certification activities, requirements, and changes to the program

Many people believe that the industry recognition of the MCP/ MCAD/MCSD credential goes well beyond the perks that Microsoft provides to newly anointed members of this elite group . We're starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have MCP, MCAD, MCSD, and other certifications, and many individuals who complete Microsoft certification programs can qualify for increases in pay or responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, an MCP credential is a badge of honor in many IT organizations.