Free Microsoft .NET Developer Certification Exam ... using Visual C++ !!
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In the "special notes" you said the exam number is 71-526, but you linked to a preparation guide for exam 70-536. Is 71-526 the new beta for that exam?
From my blog: Exam 70-526 (the "final version" of this exam") is one ... So, yes, 71 is the beta of 70. As a result, the page for the 70 contains information that is valid for both. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT -- modified at 15:31 Thursday 26th January, 2006
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Actually, that's a very poor analogy. The sign-painter is never going to be asked so he doesn't have to worry about it. He's just paid to paint the sign and people know that they need to speak with the restaurant owner. In my situation, I saw a free beta test, wanted to let others know about it and posted it. Therefore, I included that statement so that hopefully I won't get a dozen questions/posts on the blog about how Microsoft doens't care about Indians or why isn't the exam available India and so on. In terms of finding out the answer, I doubt I would ever be able to get to the one person who could give me an answer and even if I could, it would take much longer than I'm willing or have time to spend on the issue. This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available.
Tom, I fully appreciate your motive behind posting that. And I in fact, also understand the reasoning behind excluding certain countries. I was just commenting that, if you were pulling out of answering those queries, it'd be good if you could give them an alternate person to whom they could direct their comments/questions on the matter. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
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Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available.
Tom, I fully appreciate your motive behind posting that. And I in fact, also understand the reasoning behind excluding certain countries. I was just commenting that, if you were pulling out of answering those queries, it'd be good if you could give them an alternate person to whom they could direct their comments/questions on the matter. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
was just commenting that, if you were pulling out of answering those queries, it'd be good if you could give them an alternate person to whom they could direct their comments/questions on the matter
As I mentioned, I have no idea who in MS Learning would know with this. However, I'm sure that there are links on the MS Learning pages to send questions such as the one you have. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
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Actually, that's a very poor analogy. The sign-painter is never going to be asked so he doesn't have to worry about it. He's just paid to paint the sign and people know that they need to speak with the restaurant owner. In my situation, I saw a free beta test, wanted to let others know about it and posted it. Therefore, I included that statement so that hopefully I won't get a dozen questions/posts on the blog about how Microsoft doens't care about Indians or why isn't the exam available India and so on. In terms of finding out the answer, I doubt I would ever be able to get to the one person who could give me an answer and even if I could, it would take much longer than I'm willing or have time to spend on the issue. This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available.
Quite frankly, I really *hugely* appreciate that. As far as those 3 nations this is probably not Microsoft's choice. My guess is those exams have to be submitted, reviewed and approved by some U.S. government agency before they can be delivered abroad. This is largely in part to international trade agencies and international businesses. It's very easy to do stuff in your own country but as soon as you go international then 23 different agencies and 72 different bald attorneys have to analyze and approve whatever you are doing.
When in fact, nothing you submit is actually read by anyone. There's a monkey (I won't name which country he was stolen from, don't want to offend.) who wildly swings a rubber "APPROVED" stamp around. If he happens to hit your submission correctly then you are good to go. The process takes 720 days (even though it only takes 2 real hours) and you can retry again in 36 months if you are not approved the first time.
My whole point? Yes, some humor but mostly I seriously doubt this is a Microsoft thing. This is more likely a trade/government thing. If you piss and moan too much about stuff like this to our messenger (Tom) he may decide delivering messages is more work than it's worth and we all lose. Food for thought I imagine...
Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.
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Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
Note: As I mention in my blog, beta exams are not offered in China, India or Pakistan. I have no control over this, but wanted to post about the exam to those that are eligible
Perhaps, you would know someone else at Microsoft who made that decision, and has control over it? I can make good guesses at why those three countries were selected, and I am not complaining either. But it looks very awkward when you say that. It's like putting up a sign outside a restaurant that says, "Indians, Pakistanis and Chinese people not allowed. I didn't make that decision, I am just the signboard painter guy" Again, I am not bitching about this - but it'd be good to know someone who can be queried on this issue. On a different note, it's good to know that Microsoft is putting out a C++ certification (even a beta). I am not very much in favor of certifications, but lots of people were asking about this, and so this will be appreciated as a sign that Microsoft still cares about its C++ developer base, which is very good :-) Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
I can make good guesses at why those three countries were selected,
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
Some of us walk the memory lane, others plummet into a rabbit hole
boost your code || Fold With Us! || sighist -
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
I can make good guesses at why those three countries were selected,
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
Some of us walk the memory lane, others plummet into a rabbit hole
boost your code || Fold With Us! || sighistpeterchen wrote:
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
I am not sure about Pak and China. But in India, a lot of people get MCSD and MCAD certifications by memorizing cheat books (I forgot what they are actually called). So, you'd find that 7 out of 10 certified candidates know very little about what they have a certification for. I am guessing that, if MS decided not to have the beta exams in India, it's because they are worried that the questions would be leaked, and cheat books created, so that when the exam gets out of beta, because of the cheat books, the certification loses credibility. What's ironic is that, they won't stop MCSD and MCAD examinations in India, because it probably brings in a lot of money! I personally feel that there's something wrong with an exam, if a person can learn by-heart a bunch of answers and pass it. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
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Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
was just commenting that, if you were pulling out of answering those queries, it'd be good if you could give them an alternate person to whom they could direct their comments/questions on the matter
As I mentioned, I have no idea who in MS Learning would know with this. However, I'm sure that there are links on the MS Learning pages to send questions such as the one you have. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
As I mentioned, I have no idea who in MS Learning would know with this. However, I'm sure that there are links on the MS Learning pages to send questions such as the one you have.
Yep, I know. I've asked this query to a few others too. Thanks for clarifying it. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
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Great opportunity with little time to take advantage (expires on 31 January)
- Even though it's beta, this test counts towards certification just like paying for the final version of the exam
- If you pass the test, you also receive a free exam voucher for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Considering that there's only two exams required for the new MCTS credential, that basically means you can get certified for free if you know your stuff!! (Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated)
Note: As I mention in my blog, beta exams are not offered in China, India or Pakistan. I have no control over this, but wanted to post about the exam to those that are eligible http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/01/26/517949.aspx[^] Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT -- modified at 19:54 Thursday 26th January, 2006
Wow ive been waiting for something like this - just on pure language features. I hope they release it as a final after January, then I only need to do one more...
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peterchen wrote:
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
I am not sure about Pak and China. But in India, a lot of people get MCSD and MCAD certifications by memorizing cheat books (I forgot what they are actually called). So, you'd find that 7 out of 10 certified candidates know very little about what they have a certification for. I am guessing that, if MS decided not to have the beta exams in India, it's because they are worried that the questions would be leaked, and cheat books created, so that when the exam gets out of beta, because of the cheat books, the certification loses credibility. What's ironic is that, they won't stop MCSD and MCAD examinations in India, because it probably brings in a lot of money! I personally feel that there's something wrong with an exam, if a person can learn by-heart a bunch of answers and pass it. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
Now that is pretty interesting. Unfortunately, to keep the testing costs low I bet that's just the way it's going to be.
I didn't have a clue that was such a popular thing to do in India. That must be why in the states many companies don't put a whole lot of value into certifications. You either have a degree or you don't, you either have experience or you don't. The certifications don't seem to mean much.
Having said that the process of studying for one of Microsoft's certifications and actually going through it is a worth-while endeavor. You learn a ton. I wish we could do more than give a 5 for a post. This reply of yours isn't nearly as 5-ful as it is informative. To bad I cannot put a big "I" on it. :)
Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.
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It's an in-person exam. I updated my blog entry to provide more info on that. Let me know if you have any other questions. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
Is it a C++ or C++/CLI language test? Is there a practice exam? ed ~"Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." -Frank Outlaw.
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Is it a C++ or C++/CLI language test? Is there a practice exam? ed ~"Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." -Frank Outlaw.
Ed K wrote:
Is it a C++ or C++/CLI language test?
It's a .NET 2.0 test :- See http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-536.asp[^] Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
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peterchen wrote:
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
I am not sure about Pak and China. But in India, a lot of people get MCSD and MCAD certifications by memorizing cheat books (I forgot what they are actually called). So, you'd find that 7 out of 10 certified candidates know very little about what they have a certification for. I am guessing that, if MS decided not to have the beta exams in India, it's because they are worried that the questions would be leaked, and cheat books created, so that when the exam gets out of beta, because of the cheat books, the certification loses credibility. What's ironic is that, they won't stop MCSD and MCAD examinations in India, because it probably brings in a lot of money! I personally feel that there's something wrong with an exam, if a person can learn by-heart a bunch of answers and pass it. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
I personally feel that there's something wrong with an exam, if a person can learn by-heart a bunch of answers and pass it.
I have yet to take an exam where that wasn't possible. Unfortunately, those skilled enough to administer such an exam would likely be far more valuable doing something other than administering exams.
---- Scripts i've known... CPhog 0.9.9 - make CP better. Forum Bookmark 0.2.1 - bookmark forum posts on Pensieve Print forum 0.1.2 - printer-friendly forums
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peterchen wrote:
Would you be willing to step beyond political correctness so far as it is required to tell your guesses?
I am not sure about Pak and China. But in India, a lot of people get MCSD and MCAD certifications by memorizing cheat books (I forgot what they are actually called). So, you'd find that 7 out of 10 certified candidates know very little about what they have a certification for. I am guessing that, if MS decided not to have the beta exams in India, it's because they are worried that the questions would be leaked, and cheat books created, so that when the exam gets out of beta, because of the cheat books, the certification loses credibility. What's ironic is that, they won't stop MCSD and MCAD examinations in India, because it probably brings in a lot of money! I personally feel that there's something wrong with an exam, if a person can learn by-heart a bunch of answers and pass it. Regards, Nish
My blog : Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET
Interesting. I did the tests for MCSD many years ago, according to my memories: (a) The test can be _passed_ (though not excellent) with deep understanding of the subject matter and no specific studying (b) there were "trivia" questions that you are mroe likely to remember if you used the course material (c) "Braindump" sites (where people "dump" their memory of the questions) are/were availablew - though not much for the particular track (C++/MFC) I don't think you can make an automated or even objective test for someones understanding of a topic. Either you have subjective judgement, or you can pass the test by memorizing. It's not the fault of the test if a company hires a "nonthinking memorizer" solely based on his grades and certifications. The interview is the place for subjective evaluation of understanding, work ethics etc. And for someone who is willing to work, a cert can be a goal to reach.
Some of us walk the memory lane, others plummet into a rabbit hole
boost your code || Fold With Us! || sighist -
Great opportunity with little time to take advantage (expires on 31 January)
- Even though it's beta, this test counts towards certification just like paying for the final version of the exam
- If you pass the test, you also receive a free exam voucher for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Considering that there's only two exams required for the new MCTS credential, that basically means you can get certified for free if you know your stuff!! (Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated)
Note: As I mention in my blog, beta exams are not offered in China, India or Pakistan. I have no control over this, but wanted to post about the exam to those that are eligible http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/01/26/517949.aspx[^] Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT -- modified at 19:54 Thursday 26th January, 2006
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Although i appreciate the heads up, it's a little misleading - it's a .NET exam, not a C++ exam. ...cmk Save the whales - collect the whole set
Good point. I'll change that. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
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Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available.
Quite frankly, I really *hugely* appreciate that. As far as those 3 nations this is probably not Microsoft's choice. My guess is those exams have to be submitted, reviewed and approved by some U.S. government agency before they can be delivered abroad. This is largely in part to international trade agencies and international businesses. It's very easy to do stuff in your own country but as soon as you go international then 23 different agencies and 72 different bald attorneys have to analyze and approve whatever you are doing.
When in fact, nothing you submit is actually read by anyone. There's a monkey (I won't name which country he was stolen from, don't want to offend.) who wildly swings a rubber "APPROVED" stamp around. If he happens to hit your submission correctly then you are good to go. The process takes 720 days (even though it only takes 2 real hours) and you can retry again in 36 months if you are not approved the first time.
My whole point? Yes, some humor but mostly I seriously doubt this is a Microsoft thing. This is more likely a trade/government thing. If you piss and moan too much about stuff like this to our messenger (Tom) he may decide delivering messages is more work than it's worth and we all lose. Food for thought I imagine...
Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.
Thanks for understanding, CF. Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT
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Tom Archer - MSFT wrote:
This was just a case of seeing a free exam and passing it along to fellow C++ devs while it's still available.
Quite frankly, I really *hugely* appreciate that. As far as those 3 nations this is probably not Microsoft's choice. My guess is those exams have to be submitted, reviewed and approved by some U.S. government agency before they can be delivered abroad. This is largely in part to international trade agencies and international businesses. It's very easy to do stuff in your own country but as soon as you go international then 23 different agencies and 72 different bald attorneys have to analyze and approve whatever you are doing.
When in fact, nothing you submit is actually read by anyone. There's a monkey (I won't name which country he was stolen from, don't want to offend.) who wildly swings a rubber "APPROVED" stamp around. If he happens to hit your submission correctly then you are good to go. The process takes 720 days (even though it only takes 2 real hours) and you can retry again in 36 months if you are not approved the first time.
My whole point? Yes, some humor but mostly I seriously doubt this is a Microsoft thing. This is more likely a trade/government thing. If you piss and moan too much about stuff like this to our messenger (Tom) he may decide delivering messages is more work than it's worth and we all lose. Food for thought I imagine...
Some assembly required. Code-frog System Architects, Inc.
-
Great opportunity with little time to take advantage (expires on 31 January)
- Even though it's beta, this test counts towards certification just like paying for the final version of the exam
- If you pass the test, you also receive a free exam voucher for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Considering that there's only two exams required for the new MCTS credential, that basically means you can get certified for free if you know your stuff!! (Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated)
Note: As I mention in my blog, beta exams are not offered in China, India or Pakistan. I have no control over this, but wanted to post about the exam to those that are eligible http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/01/26/517949.aspx[^] Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT -- modified at 19:54 Thursday 26th January, 2006
I find it interesting that by not including the roughly 2.5 billion people living in China, India and Pakistan out of roughly 6.4 billion people living on the planet that this offer alienates a little over 39% of the world’s population. How did that ever get approved? Population figures courtesy of the CIA World Factbook. I realize that not all 6.4 billion people are in the IT industry, but considering China, India and Pakistan each have a vibrant IT sector the percentage of IT people affected may likely be slightly higher. I'm on-line therefore I am. JimmyRopes
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Great opportunity with little time to take advantage (expires on 31 January)
- Even though it's beta, this test counts towards certification just like paying for the final version of the exam
- If you pass the test, you also receive a free exam voucher for any Microsoft Certification Exam. Considering that there's only two exams required for the new MCTS credential, that basically means you can get certified for free if you know your stuff!! (Vouchers will be sent after exam scores are tabulated)
Note: As I mention in my blog, beta exams are not offered in China, India or Pakistan. I have no control over this, but wanted to post about the exam to those that are eligible http://blogs.msdn.com/tomarcher/archive/2006/01/26/517949.aspx[^] Tom Archer (blog) Program Manager MSDN Online (Windows Vista and Visual C++) MICROSOFT -- modified at 19:54 Thursday 26th January, 2006
I signed in for the test to go on Monday. Now I need to brush up with my C++. Any good place to prepare for it? Cheers Al