Microsoft has posted explanations of some interesting changes to the testing for MCSE. This represents an ongoing shift in philosophy of certification testing, with a major emphasis on questions that reveal "experience" rather than memorization.


To ensure that the MCSE credential remains valuable and credible, it is critical that MCP exams be valid and relevant and that MCSEs be up to date in the most advanced technology. Microsoft has made significant changes to the MCSE certification to retain its validity and value and meet the technical needs of competitive organizations. The major program enhancements include the following:

-- A Windows 2000 MCSE candidate is expected to have at least one year of hands-on experience implementing and administering a network operating system to pass the exams.

-- Nearly half of the core required exams' content demands that the candidate have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.

-- A large percentage of the Windows 2000 exam items includes progressive item types such as select-and-place items and case-study based questions. The exams, which include real-world, complex scenarios, are designed to discourage memorization of exam items. These sophisticated exams increase exam security and ensure that candidates are being tested for their hands-on knowledge rather than "book learning."

-- Beta versions of the Windows 2000 exams will be available in March and April 2000. To ensure that the candidates taking these beta exams represent the appropriate candidate population, Microsoft is offering the Windows 2000 beta exams to selected candidates by invitation only. Selection criteria, including years of experience, geographic region, and other demographic factors, will help Microsoft ensure that the final versions of the released Windows 2000 exams precisely measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an MCSE.


The article is at: http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/certstep/mcsechanges.htm