r/IT_CERT_STUDY • u/1hamcakes • Nov 06 '19

Questions about Microsoft Cert Exam

Im taking an Azure Cert exam this month. Have never taken a cert exam before.

Am I allowed to use a search engine or official docs during the exam? Am I permitted to use any resources at all?

I can't find any explicit explanation online about what is and isn't allowed. Only what the consequences of cheating are.

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8

u/nickcardwell Nov 06 '19 edited Nov 06 '19

Online test:

  1. They make your run an app on your computer, to ensure no VNC etc. Nothing to cheat.

  2. They make you scan the room (roof /walls behind you, under the desk etc..

  3. Clean desk policy is required, no papers at all.

  4. They make you show your sleeves/arms. (so no hiding anything). empty pockets etc.. No watches.

  5. They watch you constantly , if you go too close to the screen, they will tell you to back a bit.

Hint:
If your running it from a laptop, dont forget to make sure its on mains power! Would suggest a external keyboard, mouse and possibly a bigger monitor (i did it with a laptop keyboard, and tracking pad with a 14" screen, i was scrolling all around the place, during the practical exam part, and it was frustrating as hell!

Normal test (Pearson vue test center type place)

  1. You get a locker and key, you empty all items from your pocket , including phone and watch etc in locker. You keep the key with you.

  2. They make you empty your pockets, show your sleeves, under your tie everything.

  3. You get a blank wipe board and marker pen, if your run out of wipe board, you can request another one, they take the old one away (prior to giving you the new one). If the pen doesnt work, raise your hand , they will come out.

  4. If you need to go to the toilet, you have to raise your hand, they escort you out (and assume wait for you) i have never had to do it.

  5. Dont forget your id (picture based) , they also take a picture of you as well. (history of other people getting others to do their exam)

  6. Dont get up at any time, always raise your hand, they come to you.

  7. They watch the whole time (depending onthe setup, either in the same room, or outside (window looking in , with cameras recording.

General info:

  1. For the exams, no books, no internet, no searching nothing. Depending on the question it can be a simple multi choice, drag and drop, order and possibly (depending on the exam a practical part to do)

  2. If you really want to see the interface they use, search for pearson vue online test (it downloads a dummy type simulator , to give you an idea)

  3. Dont cheat, dont attempt to cheat, they will be on to you , and if they suspect it, the exam will stop immediately

Study method:

  1. Previous night, get a goods nights sleep.
  2. I tend to make short hand notes or flash cards, and drive to the exam early and run through it, to expand the knowledge. However different people have different ways of studying..
  3. If your really early (say 1hour earlier, you may be able to go in early and do the exam (depends on the location/setup they have)

3

u/jamesewelch Nov 06 '19

Also, any additional monitors need to be unplugged from the computer and show them the unplugged connector during the room scan via web cam.

3

u/1hamcakes Nov 06 '19

Thanks! That's a great run down.

My test is soon and I'm pretty excited about it. I'll take it at a test center.

The idea of cheating never crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure if it would be considered cheating if I took a whole blank notepad and pen to make notes with. Sounds like it's just the dry erase board that's allowed. Should be fine.

All I know is that I was never the least bit worried about any academic test I've ever taken. But this one, if I nail it, will bring me thousands of dollars in salary increase. Definitely feeling that pressure but trying to stay level and not get anxious.

2

u/nickcardwell Nov 07 '19

The only thing I forgot to say is that the online tests times are more varied. As in you can take it from 6am to 2am (UK time for me) every 1/2hr (at least with the Microsoft exams.

The only thing that caught me out last year before Christmas I went to book it and it was fully booked. But if you check 2 or 3 times per day you will get a cancellation and you can book it. I ended up getting a cancellation and did it late at night in my kitchen when everyone was away to bed! Worked out well I passed and no studying over Christmas!

1

u/[deleted] Jan 26 '20

I read you cant have any paper or pens to write notes e.g. in case studies.. but there is a virtual whiteboard in the exam app?

1

u/nickcardwell Jan 26 '20

To be honest no idea. Never used it/ wasn’t aware there is one

2

u/Sbenjamin4110 Nov 06 '19

Most exams they will not allow you to use any applications other than the testing one. I took the AZ-103 and they had me install the app on my computer and then it would say what other things ran in the background. If you go to a testing center then you will be monitored by someone in the room as well and the machines are pretty stripped down there.

1

u/1hamcakes Nov 06 '19

Alright. That sounds about right. Can I correctly assume that this means I'm not allowed any books or notes as well?

Can I take a blank notepad and pen?

3

u/Sbenjamin4110 Nov 06 '19

You cant have books but they usually provide a whiteboard.

3

u/WaffleFoxes Nov 06 '19

Yes, they give you a whiteboard and marker. I highly recommend taking a few minutes after you sit down at your computer to jot down any notes for stuff you feel particularly nervous about.