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Ready to get certified? Read the following Certiport Test Taking Tips to make sure you are prepared to take your exam.
The Microsoft Office Specialist exam
The following information describes the testing and scoring methods for Microsoft Office Specialist exams:
 Read the pre-exam tutorial and the instructions for each task (exam question) carefully.
Task instructions (exam questions) are displayed in a separate window at the bottom of your screen.
When you finish the tutorial and begin working, the instruction box will indicate the question you are currently working and the total number of questions (e.g., question 3 of 50).
A typical exam has a time limit of 45 to 60 minutes.
Your score will be based only on the tasks you are asked to complete. Please be aware that doing anything more or less than the assigned task may effect your score.
At the end of the exam you will presented with a score report which will indicate whether you passed or failed the exam.
The testing center should also provide a printed score report. Save your printed score report, it provides additional confirmation of your result.
If you complete the exam successfully, your Microsoft Office Specialist certificate will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.
Microsoft Office Specialist—Live Application Testing
Microsoft Office Specialist exams use "live" or real Microsoft Office applications to provide the most direct and authentic evaluation of your Office knowledge, skills and abilities. This method of testing requires that several software components run simultaneously: the operating system (i.e.; Microsoft Windows), Microsoft Office and specialized examination software. While every effort is made to ensure that these components operate harmoniously, in certain circumstances the computer on which you are taking the exam may stop responding or produce an error message.
In anticipation of such difficulties, the examination software saves your responses (answers) as you complete each question. If you experience a computer interruption, notify the testing center administrator immediately to restart your exam. When the exam is restarted, the software will return to the point in the exam where you were interrupted and will retain both your score and keep your remaining time intact.
We apologize should any such interruption occur, but believe that the use of "live" Microsoft Office applications provides the optimal measurement of your ability when compared to examination alternatives.
General Tips
Read and follow all instructions carefully.
Your answers must be precise, and must answer the question (task) exactly as specified.
In most cases, scoring is based on the result of your work rather than the route or time it takes to complete the task. However, in cases where the task instructs you to use a specific feature, the use of that feature is scored.
Multiple keystrokes or mouse clicks will not count against your score as long as you achieve the correct end result.
Remember that the overall test is timed. While spending a lot of time on an individual answer will not adversely affect the scoring of that particular question, taking too long may not leave you with enough time to complete the entire test.
Most questions are comprised of one or more tasks, which are scored individually.
Important: Ensure that you have entirely completed each task before clicking the "Next" button to proceed to the next question. Once you proceed, you will not be able to return to any prior questions.
Tips for Completing Questions
Close dialog boxes, tool bars, menus, etc. Do not close the primary window where the exercise is displayed.
Make sure you complete each step within a task. For example, when entering data or a formula into a cell in Microsoft Excel, press the appropriate key to make sure the information has been accepted (i.e. the Enter key, an arrow key, etc.). When the information has been accepted or confirmed, the word "Ready" will appear in the bottom left corner of the Excel task bar.
Make sure the application has completed the task calculations or functions before clicking the "Next" button.
Tips for Avoiding Errors
Read and follow all instructions carefully.
Do not leave tables, boxes, cells "active" (or highlighted) unless instructed to do so.
Do not click the "Next" button until you have completely answered the question.
Do not scroll in the screen window unless instructed to do so. Leave your answer visible.
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