Microsoft gets tough on tests

Microsoft is clamping down on practice test providers for its certification programmes, following concerns that its exams are becoming too easy.

The software giant has employed an anti-piracy manager in its certification and training division, and warned that litigation is likely after discovering that mock exam questions available over the internet had been copied directly from Microsoft's exams.

"We've created a huge market for Microsoft certified services engineers (MCSEs), and a lot of companies have made their fortunes by helping people to get through these exams quickly," said Robert Stewart, general manager of Microsoft's training and certification division.

"Some people pass the tests, but an hour later they remember nothing," he added.

Microsoft has changed its Windows 2000 MCSE certification track following concerns that the exams don't properly reflect the skill sets needed by today's developers. The certification will include a focus on system design.

"One of the biggest issues facing us is making sure that we're arming people with the right skills to tackle the issues facing our largest customers," said Stewart.

He added that the Redmond giant was considering a new certification track aimed at entry-level software developers as a step up to the MCSE level. "The changes to the exams combined with the focus on anti-piracy will help ensure that certification really means something," he added.

Microsoft expects to make an announcement in the next three months about a new certification track for Biztalk and XML technologies.

"We're looking at our MCSD (Microsoft Certified Software Developer) certification and considering ways in which we can make a certification track relevant to web developers. We're looking at the skills needed for software architects with a view to a possible certification track."

Also published in Computing