Microsoft Program Supports High-Quality Practice Tests for Certification

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the Microsoft® Certified Professional Practice Test Provider program to encourage the development of the highest-quality practice materials for candidates seeking Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status.

Companies qualifying for the program will work with Microsoft to incorporate the latest MCP assessment techniques and real-life scenarios into practice tests while achieving comprehensive coverage of current MCP exam categories and contents. Candidates are encouraged to prepare by acquiring hands-on experience before taking practice tests to reinforce their skill set.

The goal of the program is to help ensure that practice tests correspond to the objectives of the MCP program, maintain the value of the credential, and provide students with the opportunity to test their knowledge before they take the actual MCP exam. Certification candidates can find a list of all available materials at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/ .

The initial participants in the Microsoft Certified Professional Practice Test Provider program are MeasureUp Inc. and Self Test Software Inc., which was the first official provider of practice tests for the MCP exams before the launch of the current program.

Microsoft will provide program participants with technical and content support for developing practice tests, render quality checks, and assist in marketing the tests to MCP candidates. “High-quality practice tests are essential to preserving the value of Microsoft professional certifications,” said Donna Senko, director, Certification and Skills Assessment at Microsoft. “The cooperation established by this new program ensures that qualified test publishers deliver the best preparation tools to candidates and encourage them to acquire real-life, hands-on skills.”

Established in 1992, the MCP program undergoes continual enhancement and refinement to meet the most rigorous standards and to help ensure worldwide integrity and value. Candidates receive Microsoft certification by passing one or more performance-based exams that measure their ability to apply technical skills and knowledge.

The new Microsoft Certified Professional Practice Test Provider program reflects Microsoft’s ongoing investment in exam development and supporting resources to maintain the caliber of the credential. All practice tests will include real-world, complex scenarios that discourage rote memorization of exam items.

“As the first official provider of practice tests for MCP candidates, Self Test Software has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Microsoft customers,” said Bob Evans, president and founder of Self Test Software. “We believe the current initiative can only enhance that relationship while enabling us to deliver the high-quality test products that support the goals of the MCP program. Self Test Software offers its practice exams to the customer via the convenience of both CD-ROM and the Web.”

“MeasureUp’s content and software developers have more than 30 years’ experience in developing IT training and assessment materials, including in-depth experience with Microsoft technologies and certification programs,” said Kevin Brice, founder and president of MeasureUp. “We are very pleased to have been selected as a Microsoft Certified Professional Practice Test Provider; it is a testament to the type of company we are and also to the innovative and high-quality products we deliver. MCP candidates can take our practice exams directly over the Internet or download the software to run locally, which is something that is unique to MeasureUp.”

More than 600,000 people worldwide are currently certified under the MCP program, which includes exams for MCP, MCP+Internet, MCP+Site Building, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), MSCE+Internet, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

Independent studies have shown that Microsoft certification ensures a high level of knowledge and performance that relates directly to increased workplace productivity and cost savings for employers. For individuals, certification enhances professional credibility and conveys an advanced level of competence to employers.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

For online information:

http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/

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