Things You'll Need:
- Discipline
- Time
- Patience
- Study software
- Cash for the test and the study software
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Step 1
There are a lot testing software manufacturers that would like "help" you pass a Microsoft test. How do you choose the right one?
First skip ever testing software manufacturer that you and your friends and coworkers have never heard of. If you can't find anyone who has used the software, why should you be the guinea pig?
If you are looking for third party software vendors to help you prepare for a Microsoft test, then your best bet would be somebody who displays the Microsoft certification logos on their website. MeasureUp is a company that does this and I have purchased some of their test materials.
I have also used Transcender though a quick look at their site did not reveal the Microsoft affiliation signs and symbols. They are associated with Kaplan. Kaplan is well known is the field of academic testing.
Buying lots of testing software can get expensive. However, it can be worth a lot of money over your working life time. If you pass the test, the money might well have been worth it. -
Step 2
Another method you should consider can be a lot cheaper. Take classes, preferably at your local community college. Community college classes are much cheaper than say private university classes. In any case, good classroom experience, from a competent teacher, who has actually worked in the field is the next best thing to getting the experience for yourself.
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Step 3
If you look at what Microsoft says you need to pass Microsoft certification tests, they often say, three years on the job or something like that. This presents a catch 22 situation. How are you going to get a job and gain the experience without the certification? But you supposedly need the job experience to get the certification.
A Microsoft certification is more like a indication that you know what you know. It is not supposed to be an measure of potential but rather a measure of experience. Which is one reason why it seems so odd to see professional test takers gaming the system and getting lots of certifications with no experience. -
Step 4
If you go to the Microsoft site and looking up things like certification and learning you will find resources that can help you study for the certification tests. I mention Microsoft last because I generally find I don't get much out of Microsoft's officially study materials. Your mileage may vary. You should at least look at the Microsoft study guide before buying testing software or taking courses. Make sure you are paying for something you actually need.
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Step 5
A major caveat is there are professional test takers who run what are called brain dump sites. These sites supposedly reveal information from people who have already taken and past the tests. Since Microsoft seems very unhappy with the sites I must caution you against them. How would Microsoft know that you have been on such as site? How would Microsoft punish you if you had? I have no idea. I do think that if you went onto such a website with all flags flying, shouting your full, legal Christian name, and using your credit card to buy all the nefarious test taking materials that aren't tied down, there might possibly be some unpleasant surprise in your future. Consider this scenario for instance. Remember that organization that sued a 12 year old girl for illegally downloading songs off the internet? Well, what if some judge sides with Microsoft and argues that everyone who used a brain dump site knowing engage in theft and fraud. Why then the fact that you left information that could be traced back to you at that site might figure prominently in whatever it is Microsoft would decided to do. A word to the wise. If you want to be certification wizard, don't dump.
Comments
iellemarie said
on 9/14/2009 excellent article on getting microsoft certified rated and recommended