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Microsoft introduce performance-based testing for certification exams

Microsoft has announced a renewed focus on certification with the Microsoft Simulations Positioning Framework and a commitment to performance-based testing. Microsoft will be introducing simulated environments designed to more closely resemble real life situations in the Windows 2003 exams from March 2005.

Thomas Lee, Chief Technologist at training provider, QA, commented: "We welcome this framework from Microsoft. It reinforces our view that performance-based training and certification is vital in today's complex IT infrastructure environment.

"Delegates on our courses will benefit from examination results which are a true reflection of their workplace skills, while managers gain the confidence that 'what they see is what they get' - IT professionals have the skills to match their accreditation."

Microsoft say their new framework will mean the certifications will more closely resemble real problems encountered in the workplace and give more credibility to the qualification. They add that those taking the certifications are measured on the outcome of the exam rather than the path they took to achieve it.

Ram Dhaliwal, training and certification manager, Microsoft UK explained further. "We believe this move will be welcomed by training professionals and IT professionals alike. Microsoft's IT certifications are widely recognised as key indicators of IT skills and provide a career path for those in, or looking to move into the IT profession.

"By using performance-based testing Microsoft is incorporating a focus on real world skills that have to be demonstrated in the exams so that the qualification more accurately reflects an individual's capability and not their ability to memorise questions and answers. This will help employers better evaluate the skills of employees or prospective employees and demonstrate more value to the IT professional who will be able to clearly relate the value of certification to their normal job role."

The simulated exams will be available in eight languages; simplified Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Korean, French, Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish.

Related information

Microsoft incorporate performance-based testing into the Microsoft Certified Professional programme
In this Q&A interview, representatives from Microsoft, Thomson Prometric and Pearson VUE answer key questions about the new testing methodology.

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