(rant) One thing you take for granted in a test

Question

.... is knowing what question you are on, and how many questions are left. Not the case with 070-467 (at least): the exam is split into several sections, each with its own numbering, and the "overall" question number is not displayed. Or did I miss it? Dear Microsoft, please correct me if I am wrong. 

Answer 1

No you are correct.  This exam has a number of case studies/general question sections and numbering relates to the current and total questions for the case study/general question section you're completing, not the entire exam.

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCSA, MCSE: BI
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 2

Thank you, Jeff.

 

So, fellow 070-467 test takers, keeping count is on the test. You also want to develop your speed-reading skills and short-term memory, as the test will involve scenarios described over a dozen tabs, and show you a complex, long MDX query in a tiny screen frame, so that you will have to scroll both vertically and horizontally to see the code.  Brought to you by usability experts at Microsoft Learning.  Your feedback is important to us; if you have any concerns or suggestions ... keep them to yourself. [e-mail] is just for item challenges; when we say that we will provide a response in 4-6 weeks, we mean that you need to chase us during week 6. 

Answer 3

I've done this exam and didn't experience the scrolling issues you mentioned.  Maybe the testing centre you used (which is not a Microsoft entity) didn't have the screen resolution of your test PC set correctly.  You should also raise your concerns with them directly to ensure they rectify the issue.

With regards to "short term memory", you are free to return to the case study (tabs) at any stage so there is no need to memorize all content in one hit.  You also have plenty of time to read the case study and answer the questions so no need to be a speed reader either.  An approach I always take is to read the questions first and then read the case study.  That way I know what I'm looking for and concentrate on the important and relevant content.

[e-mail] is not only used for "item challenges".  Ii can be used for feedback, complaints, etc.

All exams go through a Alpha and Beta testing phase where non-Microsoft staff sit the exams and comment on content, layout, usability etc.  Do they get it right all the time? No.  That's why you're given an opportunity to mark questions and submit feedback/challenges at the end of the exam.  If you'd like to become a Beta tester, please refer to the following http://support.microsoft.com/kb/833520

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When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer

Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCSA, MCSE: BI
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 4

1. Challenges cannot be submitted during the comments section. Personally, I spend the time to benefit myself, not Microsoft, by reviewing the questions.

2. According to Exam Policies https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-gb/certification-exam-policies.aspx, "If you have a concern about the technical accuracy of a particular item, please submit an Item Challenge form... To offer other types of feedback, please contact your Microsoft Regional Service Centre".

I have, in fact, sent a letter with my concerns to the European service center, and will come back to this thread to report what response I received. I have already shared my experience with the team behind [e-mail]. They fail to acknowledge item challenges, routinely break the advertised response deadline, and do not comment on the actual challenges.

Allow me to express skepticism about Microsoft Learning's QA. I submitted multiple item challenges after each 070-467 attempt - seven (!) after the most recent one. Coming back to my original rant, it is difficult to consider absence of proper question numbering a "feature", rather than a bug.

Answer 5

Coming back to my original rant, it is difficult to consider absence of proper question numbering a "feature", rather than a bug.

Unfortunately that's the way exams with Case Studies work and that's the way they've been designed.

Knowing the total number of questions will not make the exam any easier or help you pass it.  Besides, timings are broken down into sections therefore you know exactly how much time you have to complete your current set of questions.

Not sure what benefit you think you'd get by knowing how many questions are left for the whole exam.  Maybe if you could share them then I can attempt to address them.

With regards to becoming a Beta tester, you do benefit yourself as the exams are free and if you pass, you get that exam on your transcript and don't need to sit it again.

It appears that not all Microsoft Regional Service Centre's provide the same level of support for their region which is obviously an issue.

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When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful, Propose As Answer, and/or Mark As Answer

Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCSA, MCSE: BI
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript