HOW COMPUTERIZED TESTING WORKS


The majority of computerized certification tests offered today are given in either conventional or adaptive format. Because you are studying A+, which is considered an entry-level certification, it is likely that this will be one of your first computerized testing experiences. For that reason, it is important that you understand the basics regarding each of these testing techniques. It’s kind of like having a home field advantage if you fully understand how the test (your opponent) ‘thinks’ and ‘reacts.’ As a general rule, you should always educate yourself on the particular testing format in which the tests you choose to take will be presented. Next, we will discuss the basics of conventional and adaptive testing.

Conventional Testing

A conventional computerized test is a test that is fixed in length. It has a set number of questions that you must answer in a certain amount of time. You will often find conventional tests referred to as fixed length, traditional, or linear.

Both of the A+ Certification 2003 Objectives tests are in conventional format. You will be allotted 90 minutes to complete each 80-question test. You must answer all 80 questions in order to finish each exam. A timer in the upper-right-hand corner of the test screen displays the amount of time you have remaining to complete the test.

Again, you will be required to answer all multiple-choice questions. Be careful—some questions require more than one answer. If there are circles next to your choices, you must choose only one answer. However, if you see squares next to your choices, you will have the option to select one or more answers. Read the questions carefully; they usually say, “Choose Two” or “Choose Three.” If a question asks you to “Choose Two” and you select only one answer, the test will prompt you to choose two before you can proceed. The same is true for “Choose Three” and so on.

There will be questions that require you to click a graphic radio button to display a diagram or image. Be careful when viewing graphics; some are notorious for being unclear. Make sure you know what you are selecting on the images. It is likely that you’ll be asked to select the correct answer or best choice from the displayed diagram or image. Some diagrams require you to select or identify several choices. You will be allowed to refer back to the diagram to make your selections. This is a good place to use scratch paper to keep your thoughts straight.

As with most conventional exams, you will have the option to ‘mark’ a question for later review. In other words, you will have the ability to review previously answered questions by going backward.

You will encounter many situational questions on these new exams. To be more specific, you will be presented with a problem situation. You will have to choose which troubleshooting method or approach is best to resolve that particular situation. Some of the more difficult questions may ask in what order certain steps should be taken to isolate and ultimately resolve a problem.

When you have finished the last question on the test, your final score will be tabulated, and your test results will be instantly presented to you. You will know then and there whether you have passed or failed the test.

Each exam will be graded on a scale from 100 to 900.

Adaptive Testing

Many certification exams are given in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. Traditionally, CompTIA has released its new exams in conventional testing format and then eventually converted them to adaptive format. As stated earlier in this chapter, the current exams are in conventional format. But again, it is better for you to have a clear understanding early in your test-taking career of how adaptive tests work. It is very likely that you will encounter them once you have passed A+. For that reason, the following information on adaptive testing is provided.

The adaptive testing software engine will evaluate your most recently answered question. If you answered the question correctly, the next question is generated from a group of more difficult questions, until the testing software is satisfied that you have met the required level of knowledge on that subject matter. If you answered the question incorrectly, a less difficult question is generated. This process continues as the testing engine accurately keeps track of your knowledge level. Picture a graph running behind the scenes, keeping track of your answers. The more questions you answer correctly, the higher above the passing line you move. The more you answer incorrectly, the farther you fall below the passing line. If you are approaching question number 20 (on a typical 30-question adaptive exam), and you have answered most of the questions correctly, the testing software will determine that you know the subject matter and may end the test. However, if you are answering the questions inconsistently and riding the pass/fail line on the graph, you may be required to answer up to 30 questions until the software determines whether you pass or fail.




The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook
The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook (Charles River Media Networking/Security)
ISBN: 1584503726
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 390

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