Microsoft gets tough on tests

Microsoft is clamping down on practice test providers for its certification programmes, following concerns that its exams are becoming too easy.

The software giant has employed an anti-piracy manager in its certification and training division, and warned that litigation is likely after discovering that mock exam questions available over the internet had been copied directly from Microsoft's exams.

"We've created a huge market for Microsoft certified services engineers (MCSEs), and a lot of companies have made their fortunes by helping people to get through these exams quickly," said Robert Stewart, general manager of Microsoft's training and certification division.

"Some people pass the tests, but an hour later they remember nothing," he added.

Microsoft has changed its Windows 2000 MCSE certification track following concerns that the exams don't properly reflect the skill sets needed by today's developers. The certification will include a focus on system design.

"One of the biggest issues facing us is making sure that we're arming people with the right skills to tackle the issues facing our largest customers," said Stewart.

He added that the Redmond giant was considering a new certification track aimed at entry-level software developers as a step up to the MCSE level. "The changes to the exams combined with the focus on anti-piracy will help ensure that certification really means something," he added.

Microsoft expects to make an announcement in the next three months about a new certification track for Biztalk and XML technologies.

"We're looking at our MCSD (Microsoft Certified Software Developer) certification and considering ways in which we can make a certification track relevant to web developers. We're looking at the skills needed for software architects with a view to a possible certification track."

Also published in Computing

See also:

MCSE 'lite' exam is due in 2002

New qualification aims to provide a stepping-stone between the MCP and MCSE.  30 Jul 2001

Careers: Skills count in IT

Training is the key to running a successful business, say the skills experts. Companies are kidding themselves if they think they can just find people with the right skills, but companies still find training the most tempting thing to slash from IT budgets. However, highly trained staff could mean the difference between a successful company and an unsuccessful one.  01 May 2001

Microsoft auditors blasted by regulator

Deloitte & Touche is facing the loss of millions of pounds in revenue after a ruling by the US Securities & Exchange Commission over conflicts of interest arising from its audit of Microsoft.  19 Apr 2001

Health club workout for Windows 2000

Health and fitness chain Holmes Place is preparing the second stage of a company-wide roll-out of Microsoft's Windows 2000 and Exchange servers, claiming that it has already made cost savings.  19 Apr 2001

Germany's MoD affirms faith in Microsoft

The German Ministry of Defence has denied reports that it will not use Microsoft software in the future.  17 Apr 2001

Microsoft reveals XP flavours and prices

Microsoft has announced that Office XP, the next version of the long-running Office application suite, will arrive in the shops on 31 May. There will be three flavours: Standard, Professional and Developer.  12 Apr 2001

Microsoft says farewell to Clippy

Microsoft has fired one of its most notorious employees who is now sending out his CV and getting his references from Mr Gates and Mr Ballmer.  12 Apr 2001

HTML bug hits Internet Explorer

Security firms today revealed a "high risk bug" which sneaks malicious code onto a machine running Microsoft Internet Explorer.  12 Apr 2001

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!