David,

>
>So I assume "open-book" is OK for that test? Any time limits on the test to make that more difficult?
>

Yes. Actually any medical reference was acceptable ( just as it is in the
real world ) for the correct diagnosis. As to time limits you had several
weeks if memory serves correctly.

>
>Two forms of signed ID, with your picture on at least one of them. You then sign an acknowledgement form agreeing to the rules of the testing environment. The last two tests I took were in a room with 7 other computers, all visible through glass windows by the test administrator. My first two tests were in a room with 3 other computers, all visible through a small glass window in the door.
>

As you didn't clarify I will assume that something on the level of a State ID
was one of the requirements and not just a library card with picture was accepted. As I mentioned earlier, from my youth I know that it is very easy to get a State ID with your ( just for sake of argument ) information and my picture. So even this cannot guarentee that YOU actually took the test.

>
>I agree in principle, but alas -- personal standards of integrity are not what they once were in my grandfather's day. Any certification test that is not done in a controlled environment is suspect today. That's why MS has changed their procedures and testing methods so much recently to restore credibility and balance out "exam-cramming". You gotta have some depth of experience to do well with most of the recent tests.
>>

I wouldn't argue ethics or integrity are what they once were either. It is this exact reason why even a M$ tightly controlled test environment cannot guarentee the results of any one individual. So I say these are suspect as well. In fact one might argue that any test created by a organization, for a organization, and admin. by the same might be suspect in and off itself.

However, I will comment that in what you have described it sounds as though M$ has gone out of its way to control the enviorment and therefore increase the integrity of its certification process. The bottom line is do you feel you received something from this process? If you do it really doesn't matter what anyone thinks. The process was successful.

Talk to you again.