What Is the Exam Like?

The Upgrading to NetWare 6 exam, like all Novell exams, is computer based. In other words, you take the exam by answering questions on a computer. However, unlike more traditional exams, the Upgrading to NetWare 6 exam is also performance based. This means that instead of just asking you to regurgitate facts, the exam also requires you to apply your knowledge to solve problems. For example, the exam may include scenarios describing network problems or tasks (such as adding a user with specific properties). In those cases, you'll need to use simulations of NetWare 6 utilities to complete the tasks or solve the problems.

The exam is closed book and is graded on a pass/fail basis. You are not allowed to take any notes into or out of the exam room, although the testing center should provide you with two pieces of paper and a pencil (or the equivalent) for temporary notes.

Form Exams

The exam format, number of questions, and time limit varies, depending on when you take the exam. Novell changes these parameters from time to time. If you take the exam early in a product's life cycle, you'll probably be given a form exam. Form exams offer a fixed number of questions (and simulations) in a specific time period, such as 77 questions (including simulations) in 90 minutes.

Adaptive Exams

Adaptive exams, on the other hand, offer questions of varying difficulty based on your last answer. In other words, the exam begins with a fairly easy question. If you answer it correctly, the next question is slightly more difficult. If you answer that one correctly, the next question is even more difficult. If you answer a question incorrectly, on the other hand, the next question is slightly easier. If you miss that one, too, the next will be easier yet, until you get one right (or reach the maximum number of questions allowed).

Adaptive exams allow less time than form exams, because they include fewer questions typically, 15 to 25 questions in 30 or 45 minutes. The number of questions you'll be asked varies, depending on your level of knowledge. If you answer all the questions correctly, you'll be presented with the minimum number of questions. If you answer any questions incorrectly, you'll be asked one or more additional questions up to the maximum allowed.