11/6/2000 -- In an effort to clarify some of the confusion surrounding certification terms, we are pleased to present the beginning of CertCities' Certification Lexicon. Here you will find the meanings of those cryptic acronyms, as well as explanations of other obscure (or not-so-obscure) terms used in the certification process.

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This first installment focuses on more basic terms, as well as some Microsoft-specific acronyms you've probably heard battered about before (and wondered what the heck they were). We'll be adding more terms on a regular basis. If there's a term you'd like explained, or a definition you'd like to submit, e-mail us at editor@certcities.com. (Editor's Note: For a guide to the acronyms for many certifications, please see CertCities.com's Certification Database.)

AATP
The Authorized Academic Training Partner program is Microsoft's effort to integrate product-specific training into an academic environment. AATPs differ from CTECs in that the coursework can only be offered to registered students of an accredited secondary or higher institution, and can only be scheduled within the standard academic curriculum. In other words, AATP classes are offered over the course of an academic period (quarter or semester), at a rate of no more than five hours of instruction per week. Many AATPs offer courses as part of their continuing education program, intended for non-degree adult learners, while others see the courses as an adjunct to their IT degree program.

adaptive testing
One of the most discussed and feared testing innovations was the move to adaptive testing. First introduced by Novell, this method has been adopted by Microsoft and Cisco, among others. Adaptive tests are designed to quickly identify the knowledge/skill level of the candidate by honing in on their strengths and weaknesses. In an adaptive test, the candidate is given a relatively easy question. If that question is answered correctly, a more difficult question follows, and so on until a question is missed; if incorrect, an easier question is asked in the same process. Similar to an indexed search method, this form of test quickly brackets the candidate's level.
Test takers will notice three differences between adaptive tests and traditional tests:

1. The test does not state how many questions are on the test; rather, a minimum and a maximum number of questions are presented. The actual number depends upon how quickly the test can determine your level. Having to answer only the minimum number of questions does not imply that you did well; you could still be asked the same number of questions if you got them all wrong.
2. You only get one shot at a question; you cannot go back and review or change previous questions, since doing so would change the path of the test.
3. Since you are not asked a specific number of questions on certain topics, the results do not indicate your performance on those topics.

For more information on adaptive testing, see http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/content/downloads/adapt.doc.

brain dump site
Brain dump sites are Web sites containing actual exam questions (and sometimes answers) that people with good memories regurgitated after taking the tests. In many cases, these are mutual exchanges of information between individuals (in the same way that Napster only facilitates the private sharing of music). In other cases, contributors were paid for their remembered questions. Although some of these sites still exist, contributing a real question to a brain dump site constitutes a violation of the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required of all test takers by virtually every exam vendor. Brain dump sites contributed to the tightening of enforcement of NDAs, as well as restrictions on the number and frequency of times one individual can take any one test.

case study-based question
Case study-based questions are among the most complex and difficult, usually relying on many different types of questions, with multiple exhibits and background information. By structuring questions within the framework of a case study, certifying bodies are better able to determine a candidate's ability to analyze information, determine relationships, and make decisions. These types of questions more accurately reflect what systems professionals do in their daily work.

CBT
Computer-based training is a generic term applied to any learning mechanism which involves self-paced instruction through a computer, as opposed to an instructor led classroom experience. Although initially CBTs were either floppy- or CD-based, the term has expanded to include Web-based training as well.

core
Within most multi-level certification tracks, certain exams are considered mandatory, while others are optional. The mandatory tests make up the core, while the optional tests are called electives.

CTEC
Microsoft's Certified Technical Education Center program authorizes training companies to deliver and resell Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) training. CTECs concentrate on short-term (one week or less), instructor-led classroom and lab training, as opposed to the AATP channel, which provides training within an academic environment and schedule.

elective
In most multi-test certification levels, certain tests are required of all candidates (the core exams). The rest of the tests needed to meet the number required for certification are referred to as electives. The candidate can choose these exams from a number of possibilities, depending upon job requirements, interests and so on.

exam retirement
Periodically, certification sponsors will retire exams. This is typically done because of a product update or when a product is discontinued. Different vendors have different requirements regarding retired exams. Some, like Microsoft, require that the replacement exam must be passed within a defined period, usually six months or a year after the retirement of the previous test.

instructor-led
Traditional classroom training is said to be instructor-led. Although many online courses also have guiding or mentoring instructors, the term is generally used only for in-person classroom instruction.

MCP
The first level of Microsoft certification, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status is reached after the candidate passes one certification test (currently excluding the Networking Essentials test). An MCP can then go on to achieve higher levels of certification."

NDA
To protect the integrity of the tests, most certification programs require candidates to sign or otherwise agree to a Nondisclosure Agreement, by which they agree not to disclose any details, such as questions and/or answer options, about the test to third-parties. Although NDAs have been in effect since the beginning of certification, the rise of brain dump sites caused the certifying authorities to strictly enforce these agreements. Those caught violating NDAs forfeit any certifications they may have as well as the opportunity to regain them.

paper MCSE
The first certifications were opportunities for professionals with plenty of experience to objectively demonstrate their expertise by taking a test. As a result of achieving certification, those professionals were often given more and better opportunities, as well as more and better compensation. This caused inexperienced individuals to pursue certification, which in turn gave rise to a whole industry dedicated to preparing them for the tests. Those who achieved these certifications solely on the basis of book reading or other non-experience-based means are referred to as "paper MCSEs." Employers, burned by paying bonuses for certification to new hires with no immediately useful skills, have swung back to desiring experience over certification.

psychometrics
Psychometrics is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "the psychological theory or technique of mental measurement." Professor L. L. Thurstone of the University of Chicago was instrumental in developing this field in the 1920s and 1930s. With regard to certification testing, psychometrics is used to determine the most effective means of evaluating an individual's knowledge and skills.

recertification
There are two circumstances that typically require recertification. Periodically, certifying bodies retire exams, whether it's because the underlying technology has changed or because it has been discontinued. In some cases, candidates who passed such an exam are required to take a replacement exam (or another elective exam) in order to maintain their certification. Alternatively, certificate holders may be required to attend refresher training and/or pass a general update test periodically in order to maintain the currency of their certification.

score report
Upon completion of a certification exam, the candidate is given a document indicating their performance on the test. In many cases, this may be a simple pass/fail statement. Microsoft used to give actual score versus score required to pass, as well as a section breaking down the performance into various test objectives, but has changed this policy, stating "Certification exams are measurement tools that are neither designed nor intended to provide performance feedback."

testing center
A testing center is a location where candidate take certification tests. The two most popular testing vendors are Prometric (formerly Sylvan Prometric), www.prometric.com, and VUE (Virtual University Enterprises), www.vue.com. The testing center itself is an independent organization, such as a training company, college or other business, which provides the facilities necessary for testing.

transcript
A transcript is an official list issued by a certifying body that lists certifications achieved as well as tests passed and their dates. Transcripts are in many cases the only documentation certified professionals have to prove their status.

As this article grows, we hope it will help more and more in decoding the alphabet soup of the certification process. Again, we invite you to send in questions as well as terms that you would like to see explained in this feature. Send your comments and submissions to editor@certcities.com, or using the posting forum, below.

More articles by Steve Crandall:

College v. Certification: A Tale of Two Credentials