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Microsoft Considers Change on Pass/Fail Policy
4/10/2002 -- Changes may be in the air for the pass/fail scoring system Microsoft implemented on its certification exams earlier this year. (See "Microsoft Moves to Pass/Fail Scoring System"). In an interview during Tech-Ed, being held this week, Director of Microsoft Certification Anne Marie McSweeney said her group is trying to "look at the approach we took before... to give [testing candidates] more information."
Previous exams provided candidates with a diagnostic report at the end of the test, which provided both a numeric score and a module-by-module summary of his or her performance. This provided candidates who failed an exam with an idea about those areas of the test objectives that needed additional study.
The latest approach, widely scorned by many MCPs, provides only a pass or fail verdict.
McSweeney said the group will probably not return to a numeric scoring, since a pass score changes depending on what version of an exam the candidate has taken and what questions are in that particular exam.
But, she said, Microsoft does want to provide at least enough information to those candidates who fell short so that they know whether they failed "miserably or just a little bit."
McSweeney said the group may hold online chats about the topic with MCPs in the near future to get feedback.  -- D.S., courtesy of MCPMag.com
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There are 46  user Comments for “Microsoft Considers Change on Pass/Fail Policy”
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| 4/22/02: Anonymous says: |
Funny how all those 'uber-gurus' state that area identification is only for those who fail. Wait until they try a tough cert like CCIE, and 'fail', then hear them cry ' I wanna know what went wrong'. Simply put, if you view the cert as the reward, you will live with pass-fail and be happy. If you view the cert as simply another step in your career, you will want to know those weakness or strengths. Otherwise, you will simply keep taking those certs that get you the most short-term leverage at salary time. Then when you get downsized, you will agonize over why every interviewer doesn't bow to you in awe of all those certs, but instead requires you to take a practical examination and be subject to multiple technical interviews before you are considered for a position that you 'earned' with those certs. |
| 4/23/02: Linh Pham from Bay Area says: |
If the test taker is provided with a module performance, it would be helpful. This would give them an ideal of which subject area they need more practice. Its better to get the concept, rather than to gamble. |
| 5/8/02: Craig from Georgia says: |
Once again certification is going to change. Also, Microsoft in a few months may be changing to a field certification which will prove once and for all there are more people who know how to pass test than be able to do the actual job. I have been in IT for over 15 years,have worked for some of the largest Fortune 500 companies in the world and have never gotten certified by any one. Yet I can run circles around most CNE, CNA's and MCSE's. In my opinon Cisco's certification is the only credible one on the market because its hands on. We are about to start our IT certification called ITQE (Information Technology Quality Expert) that will cover hands on Netware, Microsoft, Cisco, Linux, Net+, A+ and Apple all in one. It's all hands on and in a few years will be more credible in corporate america than any certs on the market today. |
| 5/29/02: Andrew from Chicago says: |
I just took 70-210 this last Friday (May 24th, I believe) and I recieved a score at the end. I took it at a VUE location and got the printout and everything. I don't know what that is. I thought it was kind of stupid, as you get told that you need a 540 to pass... 50Q's - how much are they worth? What does it matter anymore? |
| 8/29/02: gmr from Los Angeles, CA says: |
Maybe MS would do better if they just gave the details IF you fail and nothing if you pass. I know that I am definately interested in my short comings after a test of $125 but am not interested in those same shortcomings if I passed (as I am sure that any possible employer would be). I realize that MS wants only the best to pass and become certified but couldn't they try and help . . . a little? |
| 9/10/02: Anonymous says: |
MS should reconsider the scoring decision. Having pass and fail may be the ultimate goal but for those who fail should have a right to know what went wrong. Failing miserably or failing by a bit again met nothing unless there is a numeric score. So if the scoring report states "Failed ... miserably" with nothing else doesn't help the candidates. So if MS is going to modify, do the following: put back the number score or break down the modules or objectives |
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