As with the other exams, the Outlook 2000 MOUS exam uses a performance-based environment where you complete required tasks using Outlook. Although help is available, frequent use of online help may significantly cut into the available time. The Outlook 2000 exam adds another wrinkle, however, with the addition of multiple-choice (including true/false) questions, which account for about 30 percent of the exam. This part of the test resembles some of the MCP certification exams, which also do not allow access to the program or Help. The Outlook topics covered with the multiple-choice portion, however, could have been tested with performance-based questions. It still seems that demonstrating how-to accomplish a task is a better measure of knowledge than knowing the answer to a specific question.

Although there weren't any trick questions, a number of the exam areas included multiple steps or tasks, some of which were not directly related to the previous step. Read each question carefully so that you do not accidentally miss a task or add extra steps. Also watch your time carefully (a stopwatch displays in the question window) so that you don't run out of time. I finished the exam with almost 15 minutes to spare, but you may find it helpful to create some milestones as to how many questions you should have completed after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. to help you monitor your progress. And don't forget that you will receive partial credit for what you have completed correctly. To pass, you need 790 out of 1000 points. As with other MOUS 2000 exams, the test results are displayed with a breakdown that will give you a general idea of the types of topics that you got correct.

In most cases, you can complete the tasks using any approach that is available to you unless a specific method is detailed in the question. It's always a good idea to review all of the menu options as well as to be comfortable with the shortcut menu that is available from most Outlook items. Shortcut menus, which are accessible with a right-mouse click, will often make a task faster to perform.

Outlook Exam Objectives
The Outlook 2000 exam objectives provide a good overview of the topics covered in the exam although specific, hands-on experience with many of the subjects is important. Read each objective carefully and explore the features in detail.

Many of the questions are related to the primary areas that most Outlook 2000 users work with, that is, Mail, Calendar, and Contacts, but you should also know how to effectively navigate in Outlook, work with Tasks, Notes, and know how to use other Office applications from within Outlook. While using these Outlook areas, explore each of the menu commands, work with customization features, become familiar with the use of categories, and know how to apply workgroup/corporate features.

Other key skills covered in this exam include:

• Communicating with Mail: It should not be a surprise that a good portion of the questions cover some aspect of creating, addressing, sending, and replying to mail. Review each area thoroughly with special emphasis on how to customize and modify your messages.
• Managing Mail: You should be comfortable with the features available for sorting, viewing, archiving and storing the messages that you send and receive. Know how to work with the options and features under the View | Current View menu.
• Calendar: Be familiar with how to schedule and respond to all types of Calendar activities including those that are workgroup-based such as meetings.
• Contacts: In addition to using the Address Book with Mail, you should know how to create, edit, organize and customize the Contacts area.

Some people that have taken the Outlook 2000 exam have complained that commonly used options such as rules, formatting, and signatures were not covered while other topics were asked about multiple times with only a slight variation in the question. These are valid criticisms, but I found this same problem in the other MOUS exams. For instance, while taking the Excel 2000 Expert exam, I quickly grew tired of yet another question on auditing while range names, a timesaving and powerful tool, was barely addressed. It is probably impossible, however, to create a completely objective, comprehensive, ideal exam -- I'm still looking for the perfect training course, the perfect reference book, etc. Also, this is a core-level exam, and so it should be expected that some features might not be tested. If your goal is to truly be recognized for your Outlook 2000 expertise, I believe that it is too narrow a focus to just prepare for the topics outlined in the exam objectives. Instead, explore and learn other features that might also be useful in your on-going work and knowledge with Outlook.

Preparation Resources
For a good overview of Outlook 2000 features, I like Easy Microsoft Outlook 2000, published by QUE. I was able to review features that I knew while picking up new information and tips along the way. If you are interested in becoming an Outlook power user and/or you need to support other Outlook users, pick up a copy of Mastering Microsoft Outlook 2000, which is written by Gini Courter and Annette Marquis. This book covers everything that you would need to know for the Outlook 2000 exam, but the almost 800 pages could be a little daunting if your primary goal is to just prepare for the test. Most other Outlook 2000 books or references would be helpful as long as they adequately cover exam objectives.

Some helpful Web sites on Outlook 2000 for exam preparation and overall use include:

• ZDNet: Help & How-To on Outlook 2000
• Online copy of Outlook 2000 Help
• Outlook 2000 Update

A Few Surprises
As discussed, the Outlook 2000 exam may cause more difficulty due to the testing problems as well as the multiple-choice content. To have a greater chance for success, interview your testing center to determine if they have recently delivered the Outlook 2000 exam without problems; take a few minutes to relax and settle in before starting the exam; review all instructions and questions carefully; read the multiple-choice questions closely; and bring your experience with other MOUS 2000 exams so that you know what to "normally" expect in the testing process. And if you do encounter any difficulties, stop immediately and contact the test administrator.

With good preparation and a close exploration of the topics highlighted in the exam objectives, you should, however, be able to easily pass this exam. Good Luck!

More articles by Dawn Bjork Buzbee:

• Prove Your Word 2002 Expertise
  
• Are You an Excel 2002 Expert?