Microsoft Moves to Pass/Fail Scoring System
1/16/2002 -- MCP Magazine has been given official word that Microsoft will no longer give test-takers an overall score on exams, opting instead for a simple pass/fail system.
Anne Marie McSweeney, Microsoft’s director of certification skills and assessment, said in an interview with MCP Magazine editors that the new grading method started in December 2001 and will include all future exams.
Even though the pass/fail system was introduced last year, most members of the certification community weren’t aware of the change. Microsoft didn’t make a general announcement about the revamped scoring, originally releasing the information in a FAQ section on its Web site.
“People will notice it most with 70-218,” McSweeney said. 70-218 (Managing a Windows 2000 Network Environment) is a core test for the new MCSA credential, which Microsoft expects to be very popular.
Microsoft decided to drop scoring, according to McSweeney, because, “scores are misleading. People put too much credence into what the scores mean.”
McSweeney added that giving an overall score, “introduces a mysterious element and gives odd perceptions ... At the end of the day,” McSweeney continued, beta testers said that, “pass/fail was what they cared about.”
Aware that Microsoft could appear to be imposing its will on the MCP community, McSweeney said, “We don’t want to look arrogant. The onus is on us to present our case” to the public and explain Redmond’s rationale for the change.
This is the second recent change Microsoft has made to how it notifies test-takers of their scores. For years, the company gave not only a total score, but section-by-section scores so testers could identify areas of weakness. More recently, Microsoft dropped section scoring in favor of an overall score and pass/fail bar. -- MCPMag.com
|
There are 101  user Comments for “Microsoft Moves to Pass/Fail Scoring System”
|
|
Page 3 of 11
|
| 1/19/02: Andy - Ohio says: |
With the pass-fail, how are you supposed to prepare for the next one if you fail? OK, I drop $125, the least you can do is tell me how GD stupid I am before dropping another $125 for the retake. Again, again.. Obviously, more-better preparation is needed, but I think some frame of reference is warranted. |
| 1/20/02: E.T. from Pluto says: |
I think that test takers know when they know the material and when they don't know the material. If you get a question in your certification test and you don't feel very secure that your answer is correct. I think is time to look yourself in the mirror. Open your eyes and recognize that you have to work harder in getting a lot better. When I worked in the computer store; my boss didn't care so much if you get perfect in a certification test. He cared more about you having the skill than the paper. You may find an individual that scores 600 but he has the skill. He answer his test with minimum study and mostly experience. Know you can have an individual that buy study materials. Study, study, study, pass with a 900 but he have minimum skills. How you think is going to get the job?. My advice is that study hard, built yourself a HAN (If your budget allows it), develop those skills and take your test. The best feeling in the world is when you take a test an answer each question with confidence, because you are sure that you know what the correct answer is. At the end what really is going to make a difference is how much you really know and if you can get the job done right. So guys and gals don't let this new grading policy stop you. Just be the best of the best. Bye |
| 1/20/02: The God says: |
Only the low achievers are happy about this! This will be the start of end. Within a year Microsoft's certifications will be considered crap. |
| 1/20/02: Mike from Jacksonville, Fl says: |
I do not mind the pass/fail thing but would like to see the individual areas graded to show weak areas.. I have never failed an MS exam and never made less than 800 but still like to see the areas I should knwo more about. For Microsoft to be serious about their cert. they need to include hands on labs for their prodcuts graded by a proctor or something. Changing the grading method for a written test will not rid the world of paper MCSE's!! |
| 1/20/02: Lurking in the shadows from USA says: |
I think this move by Microsoft is a big thumbs down! When you take a Microsoft Certified Exam and fail, you want to know what areas you missed (your weaknesses) before taking the test again. This way you can concentrate on those specific areas instead of refreshing ALL the material again. You might have a clear grasp for one component of the test and really suck in other areas. If they stick to the "Pass/Fail" theory this defeats the purpose of not only getting getting certified, but the TRUE understanding of the material. I think it's a bogus attempt on Microsoft's part to generate more revenue!! Personally I would like to see their faces when they release new software to the public (especially Beta testers) and the testers giving feedback of only a pass / fail response. I could imagine it now.... Microsoft: "What did you especially like about the software?" Tester: "I didn't like it." Microsoft: "What made you not like the software?" Tester: "I just didn't like it." Do you think Microsoft would take that kind of response in line with their "pass / fail" theory??? I don't!! |
| 1/20/02: Open Mind from US says: |
OK gang.... Ever since Microsoft issued the tests, everyone took a "passing is passing" attitude toward getting Certified. This still holds true, even as I write this note. Now all you hear about is this pass-fail change that Microsoft has issued with taking exams that count toward certification. I think that the pass-fail issue is the way it should be. Everybody is bitchin' because they don't show your weak points or areas after you take the test anymore. So what? Either you know the material or you don't! For those individuals who get higher test scores, and think they are better than the rest..... are probably the ones that are paper MCSE's! Ya know....the ones that only study and pass the tests with NO real world experience to back it up! Those individuals with REAL world experience might score lower on the tests, but that doesn't make them low achievers one bit.(that's because they know the fact that in the real world, things don't always get resolved by Microsoft methods.) People like that should be whacked over the head with a stupid stick! It's the "my dog is better than your dog" syndrome. Someone once said "The proof is in the pudding." They didn't say " The proof is in each essential ingredient and how it reacts with the other ingredients in the pudding, to produce a higher standard of pudding." - Translated: Either you like the pudding or you don't! |
| 1/20/02: Cybercop (Open Mind II) from Qatar (Middle East) says: |
I Wonder why someone should have problem with pass/fail method whatever. I think these guys at microsoft certification did the right think..yes and if u have problem with that, then try others vendor certification.. say Cisco!!! let us hope this decision will help to eliminate paper MCSE's Good job..ungle Bill A+, CCNA, CCND, MCP,MCSE, |
| 1/21/02: Dr. Evil from Moon says: |
Listen to yourselves! Everyone of you scored at least 100% on every exam you have ever taken, so what are you worried about? |
| 1/21/02: Anonymous says: |
Great now you won't know if you fail how close you were. Do I need a quick brush-up or am I off in left feild and need to take some classes. Only way to tell is to take the test again and again and again... Great way to make more $$$ for MS |
| 1/21/02: Loud Mouth Shnook from Above the Chin, Beneath the Nose says: |
Since M$ is in a minimalist frame of decision-making right now, they ought to keep the "no grade" test result concept and align it with the concept of "one exam per product". They could charge more for a combined exam covering SQL Server 2000's 70-228 & 70-229, and simply name the designation MCP (for) SQL Server 2000. Yeah, nothing but MCPs only, that's the ticket. It would encourage more people to write exams for designations, and, would certainly level the employee-marketability playing field among peers. Another enlightened posting essentially states that the only papers which matter are the B.Sc or B.Comm or B.A. (or bs for that matter). Let's face it... he or she is right on about designations.... they are nice to have, but it's not worth it to lose our heads over them; instead, M$ should do away with all the elaborate alphabet soup and silly (albeit useful) grading schemes in one foul swoop. Simplest is best for everyone involved.... Do I sound bitter?? |
First Page Previous Page Next Page Last Page
|
|
|
|
