Microsoft to Introduce Performance-Based Testing in Selected IT Certification Exams

Microsoft is about to incorporate performance-based testing in all core Windows 2003 exams. Through simulated environments, IT professionals taking exams for certification will now be required to demonstrate their knowledge of products and processes they may encounter on the job. This dramatic change in the testing protocol is designed to increase the value and credibility of the MCP credential.

Microsoft wants to offer certification that helps assure MCPs are experienced and qualified to help with their IT problems. But traditional multiple choice tests don’t always do a complete job of testing IT professionals’ ability to perform practical, real-world tasks end to end. So the Microsoft Learning team has developed a new system of testing that evaluates on-the-job skills of an IT pro.