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    1. The syllabus is far too wide and is the only one that I have ever some across that does not state a known number of areas that have to be covered.

    It states repeatedly, "This objective may include but is not limited to". I don't find this satisfactory. The syllabus should (must?) state all the areas that might be covered and no more.

    2. Is there a specimen test paper(s) anywhere or past papers available so that a peson knows what they are up against?

    Most academic institutions make past papers available to give the student an idea of what might be asked / the areas on which they should concentrate their studies / what the examiner considers to be important (and what the student must know as a minimum).

    TIA for any replies.

    Syllabus is here:-

    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=77-851&Locale=en-us#tab2

    • Edited by trip_to_tokyo Thursday, July 7, 2011 10:39 AM added last 2 lines
    Thursday, July 7, 2011 10:38 AM

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    1) The syllabus shows the core objectives and then gives an indication of what it MAY cover.  You should be conentrating your study on the core objectives i.e.

    Restrict data entry by using data validation is the core objective

    This objective may include but is not limited to: referencing external data in drop-down lists, validating data by using formulas, and encircling invalid data is an example of what MAY be covered.

    You should study every aspect of Restrict data entry by using data validation

    2) There are no specimem test papers available.  If you would like to know what you're up against, purchase practice tests from SeflTest, MeasureUp or  Transcender.

     

    Jeff Wharton
    MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCITP, MCDBA
    Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
    MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

    Please mark solved if I've answered your question, vote for it as helpful to help other user's find a solution quicker
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Monday, July 25, 2011 2:43 AM
    Friday, July 8, 2011 2:28 AM

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    1) The syllabus shows the core objectives and then gives an indication of what it MAY cover.  You should be conentrating your study on the core objectives i.e.

    Restrict data entry by using data validation is the core objective

    This objective may include but is not limited to: referencing external data in drop-down lists, validating data by using formulas, and encircling invalid data is an example of what MAY be covered.

    You should study every aspect of Restrict data entry by using data validation

    2) There are no specimem test papers available.  If you would like to know what you're up against, purchase practice tests from SeflTest, MeasureUp or  Transcender.

     

    Jeff Wharton
    MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCITP, MCDBA
    Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
    MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

    Please mark solved if I've answered your question, vote for it as helpful to help other user's find a solution quicker
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Monday, July 25, 2011 2:43 AM
    Friday, July 8, 2011 2:28 AM
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    OK, thanks Jeff.

    My view remains the same though: the syllabus as it stands is far too wide and the words, "This objective may include but is not limited to" that are used throughout should be removed. There has to be a limit on what might be asked. I believe that this would bring the syllabus into line with those that exist in academic institutions.

     

     

    Friday, July 8, 2011 5:20 AM
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    I have to disagree. If they would narrow down the syllabus they would have to point directly to the feature they would ask a question about. As Jeff mentioned there are various options that might solve the task. The general task would be data validation. Which option is tested is the "may or may not be" part

     

    Maurice
    Friday, July 8, 2011 1:13 PM
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    Maurice, I don't think that what you have said makes sense.

    You say, "If they would narrow down the syllabus they would have to point directly to the feature they would ask a question about" - based on my experience of taking many exams from many different examing boards this simply is not the case.

    All of the examing boards that I have worked with in the past have a written (and limited) syllabus for example:-

    http://www.ecdl.org/files/2009/programmes/docs/20090807091321_AM4_2.pdf

    The above is the ECDL / ICDL syllabus for advanced spreadsheets. It's quite specific and limited but it does not prevent the examiner from asking any question about anything on the syllabus.

    The syllabus has to be limited if Microsoft is to come into line with, to the best of my knowledge, academic institutions that set exams and, at the same time, be fair to the candiates who are sitting their exams.

     

    Friday, July 8, 2011 2:16 PM
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    Ok, i hear you. Fair enough what you say makes sense. In the restrospect of the ECDL there is a difference because i always thought that that exam is not MS related. Regarding examinations there is a difference in that MSL does make his own exams and syllabus. If you have a strong opinion about it i would recommend sending them a mail about it and see if you can make a difference. Works for me when i have certain ideas. Sometimes they actually take my comments into consideration ;-)

     

    Maurice
    Saturday, July 9, 2011 7:06 PM