7/9/2001 -- The Computer Technology Industry Association has announced that both A+ exams (Core Hardware and OS) will go to adaptive format later this summer.

"Effective August 31, the adaptive format will be the only format of the exam[s]," the organization's Web site states. "All translations...for the A+ exam[s] will be [in this] format."

Adaptive testing is a method of identifying the level of a candidate's knowledge using the fewest number of questions possible. 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. Thus, the total number of questions asked depends on the test taker. (For a detailed explanation of adaptive testing, see our Certification Lexicon.)

In their current format, the exams feature 70 questions each. With the transition to adaptive format, the tests will feature only 20 to 30 questions, and the time limit for each exam will be cut to 30 minutes.

According to CompTIA, the pass rates for both exams will remain the same, and candidates who take one exam in standard format before the deadline can take the other in adaptive format -- e.g., mixing and matching is allowed.

Adaptive format is not new to the A+ certification program. The previous version of the exams, based on a set of objectives released in 1998, were given in adaptive format until their retirement earlier this year.

For more information on this announcement, please visit the A+ section of the CompTIA Web site and click on the "Adaptive FAQ" link. -B.N.