Exam Taking Tips

Before You Begin

Before you register and buy an exam, make sure you are aware of any second-shot promotions that Microsoft may be offering.  Second-Shot promotions act like insurance and will give you a "free" second attempt at passing a exam.  Usually these promotions will charge a bit more for the first exam and can help save you some money if you are anticipating a tough exam.  Second Shot exam vouchers usually cannot be used for any other test.  For example, if you are planning on taking the 070-480 exam, you buy the exam and second shot for that exam only. If you pass on the first attempt, usually you cannot use the second shot on another exam, say the 070-486.
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Click the image to the left or this link to learn more about Microsoft's Second Shot current promotions.

Taking The Test

Exam Question Sites
  • Basics.  You exam will be timed (approximately 2 hours).  It will give you a set number of questions (approximately 50).  It will be computer-based.  The exam moderator will get you set up on a computer.  All testing rooms are under video surveillance. No cell phones, paper, keys, purses or anything are allowed in the computer room.  You will be given something to write on and with (usually and erasable marker and sheet).  You will need to bring two forms of ID.  Drivers license and credit card are usually enough.  After you register, you will get a confirmation email.  READ IT!  Many of these details will be in it.
  • Starting The Test.  When you first start your testing session, you will be given a pre-exam survey.  After your test, you will also be given a post-exam survey.  These surveys do not count against your allotted testing time.
  • Arrival at testing center.  Show up early.  It is better to be early than late.  If you miss you schedule window, they may not let you take the exam.  Someone may be coming in behind you for the next time slot. Each center has their own schedule.
  • Scheduling.  Don't schedule your test to far out in the future.   You may find that you may be ready sooner.  I usually try schedule the test about 24 or 48 hours ahead of time.  However, doing this you may run into a situation where seats are not available.  If you are flexible on where you can test, the better. 
  • Rescheduling.  Keep in mind that you can reschedule your exam date as long as you do it 24 hours prior.  Changes cannot be made with less than 24 hour notice.
  • Coverage.  Be aware of the topics that are covered on the exam.  Your testing software will probably cover all of the required topics.  Here are some links to the the tests. 70-480 70-486
  • First Pass.  While taking the test, keep in mind that you can come back to questions later.  I always go through the test multiple times (multiple passes). If you come across a question that you do not know the answer to, "MARK" it and come back to it later.  DO NOT spend 20 minutes trying to figure out the answer. 
  • Be aware of your time.  While taking the exam, you will see a timer that will count down telling you how much time you have left.  If you do not answer all the questions in the allotted time, they will be counted wrong as they were unanswered.
  • Multiple Scenarios.  Some exams are based upon scenarios.  Each scenario acts like a sub test.  When you are done with the questions in a scenario, you can't go back.
  • Keep Track of Question Counts.  If you have multiple scenarios, you can loose track of how many more questions you have left in the test. Each test will tell you how many questions there are.  A scenario might give you 4 questions. Another 5 questions.  How many more scenarios and questions are left. Keep track of how many questions you have been given in each scenario / section so you can balance your time.
  • Mark Questions.  Be aware that you can "MARK" a question.  Doing this allows you to keep track of questions that you want to come back to.
  • Review Questions.  There will be a button on the screen that will take you to a Question Review screen.  This screen will show you which questions you answered, questions that have not been answered, and questions that you marked.
  • Notes.  You will be given something to write on that you will give back.  I use the notes to sometimes track questions that I need to review and the answers that I have eliminated.  For Example:  Let's say question 12 is a tough multiple choice question I am not sure of.  I can usually eliminate a few answers so I will right down 12  A B C D and put an x through the ones I know are wrong (say A B).  I will then mark it and come back.  I now only have to consider C & D for the right answer.

vce
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