Microsoft’s Learning Group to introduce simulations to MCP exams; new question type already available in Windows Server 2003 core exams.

February 1, 2005
Today, the Microsoft Learning Group announced what it calls a “dramatic change in the testing protocol,” with the incorporation of newly developed performance-based question types to its exams. The new question types will begin to appear in exams in late March.

The Learning Group previewed performance-based questions, also called “simulations,” to Microsoft Certified Trainers and Certified Partners for Learning Solutions members at a special non-disclosure session at Microsoft’s World Wide Sales partner conference in Toronto last summer.

Performance-based questions will slowly be substituted for some of the questions on exams already available, first with exams 70-290, Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment, and 70-291, Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. The last day that candidates can take these two exams sans performance-based questions is March 31, 2005.