Many people in the IT industry question the value of certifications. In order to address this concern, Microsoft is changing its testing methodology by incorporating performance-based testing into its certification exams. Memorization alone will no longer get you through an exam.

The new performance-based testing means candidates can expect to encounter simulation questions in their exam. Rather than just answer a question, you will be expected to perform a specific task and graded on how well the outcome meets the task requirements. Testing by doing. Passing an exam will demonstrate that you are able to perform critical real-world tasks.

When it comes to preparing for the new exams, don’t pack away your books because you will still need to do the same amount of reading. The exams will still have the other types of questions such as multiple choice, drag and drop, list and reorder, and so on. However, in order to pass the simulation questions you will also need to use the products as part of your exam preparation regime.

You can expect to see the new simulation questions appear some time in March for exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment and Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure. So if you do not take these exams by March 31st, you will be required to take the new version with simulations.

Microsoft plans to have simulation demonstrations available some time in March. Until then you can find out more about the new testing format on the Microsoft Web site.