Exam Layout and Design

The format of Microsoft exams can vary. In addition to the eight exam question types we will examine next , Microsoft has publicly announced that it may include adaptive testing technology and simulation items in the certification exams. You may not know ahead of time what you are getting into, so you should prepare the same regardless.

Active Screen Questions

The active screen question is one of several new types introduced with the Windows Server 2003 MCP exams. This question type requires you to configure a dialog box by changing one or more of its options, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The active screen question type requires you to manipulate a dialog box to achieve the desired results.

To answer the active screen question, you may need to do one of several things, including selecting and unselecting options, changing values in drop-down menus , and dragging text elements into text areas within the dialog box. When you are done with your configuration actions, you simply need to click the Next button to progress to the next question. You can use the Reset button to reset the dialog box back to its original configuration.

It is important to note that not every element in the dialog box will be active; this can be helpful if you have trouble figuring out where to start with the question. You can use the scrollbars to view the entire text or dialog box area. The splitter bar can also be used to resize the panes as desired.

Build List and Reorder Questions

The build list and reorder question type is not new to the Windows Server 2003 MCP exams, but Microsoft has redefined it since its initial introduction. In the build list and reorder question, shown in Figure 2, you are required to build a list in the correct order that represents the steps required to achieve the required result.

Figure 2. The build list and reorder question type requires you to indicate the correct answer by building an answer list.

You can move objects to the workspace by dragging them. You can rearrange objects in the workspace by dragging them up and down within the list. Should you need to remove an object from the workspace, simply drag it out of the workspace. The Reset button can be used to reset the workspace back to its original configuration. You can use the scrollbars to view the entire text or dialog box area. The splitter bar can also be used to resize the panes as desired.

Create a Tree Questions

The create a tree question type is also not new to the Windows Server 2003 MCP exams, but Microsoft has refined it since its initial introduction. In the create a tree question, shown in Figure 3, you are required to create a tree structure to achieve the required result or answer the question at hand.

Figure 3. The create a tree question type requires you to create a tree structure to answer the question.

You answer this type of question by dragging source nodes into the answer tree in the correct locations. Entries that are present in the answer tree cannot be moved from their initial locations. Answer trees can include five levels of nodes and thus can grow quite complex for some questions. When a source node can no longer be used, it is no longer available to select and drag. If a source node is still available to select and drag, it can be used again as required. You can remove nodes by dragging them out of the answer tree or by selecting them and pressing Delete. The Reset button can be used to reset the answer tree back to its original configuration. The + and “ icons can be used to expand or hide the child nodes that are under a parent node.

Drag-and-Drop Questions

The drag-and-drop question type requires you to drag source objects into their proper place in the work area. In the drag-and-drop question, shown in Figure 4, you are required to place the correct text labels under the items they are associated with.

Figure 4. The drag-and-drop question type requires you to place items in the correct location to answer the question.

You answer this type of question by dragging source objects into the work area and placing them in the correct locations. Place the source object into the correct target when the target area turns gray. You can delete source objects by dragging them back to their initial location or by clicking on them and pressing Delete. The Reset button can be used to reset the work area back to its original configuration.

Hot Area Questions

The hot area question type asks you to select one or more areas on a graphic to indicate the correct answer to a question, as shown in Figure 5. The hot spots on the graphic are shaded when you move the mouse over them and are marked with an obvious border. To select or deselect an element, just click it.

Figure 5. The hot area question type requires you to select one or more areas to answer the question.

After selecting an area, you can unselect it by clicking it again. To unselect all selected areas, click the Reset button.

Multiple-Choice, Single-Answer, and Multiple-Choice, Multiple-Answer Questions

Some exam questions require you to select a single answer, whereas others ask you to select multiple correct answers. Both are standard question types that Microsoft and most other vendors have used for years . Single-answer questions provide radio buttons (circles) for your answer selection. Multiple-answer questions provide check boxes for your answer selections and usually are indicated by one of the following phrases:

• Select two correct answers.

• Select all correct answers.

• Select three correct answers; each answer represents a part of the solution.

Testlet (Quizlet) Exam Format

The testlet is more of an exam format than a question format and is used on the design exams. The testlet format is also known as the quizlet or case study format. Testlets typically consist of 10 or more questions of varying types (from those discussed previously) as well as a significant amount of background material that must be read and understood for you to be able to successfully answer the questions. Figure 6 shows the new testlet format Microsoft is using in the Windows Server 2003 MCP exams.

Figure 6. The testlet is composed of several questions and their related background information.

Each testlet is its own self-contained test. Although you can move back and forth between questions with the testlet, you cannot go back and rework testlet questions you have completed and moved past. Typically, you might expect to find three to five testlets on any one exam, each with around 5 “20 questions and with a timer that is appropriate for the number of questions contained within that specific testlet.

The left pane of the quizlet window presents several areas that contain the required reading and necessary illustrations to answer the questions correctly. Note that each button in the left pane of the quizlet window may actually reveal multiple subselections below it.

Putting It All Together

As you can see, Microsoft is making an effort to utilize question types that go beyond asking you to simply memorize facts. These question types force you to know how to accomplish tasks and understand concepts and relationships. You should study so that you can answer these types of questions rather than those that simply ask you to recall facts.

Given all the different pieces of information presented so far, the following sections present a set of tips that will help you successfully tackle the exam.