Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the exam format?

A. Exams are primarily performance-based and conducted in a “live,” or simulated, environment.

Q. How long does a typical exam take?

A. A typical exam takes up to 90 minutes. Individual efforts are measured for both knowledge and efficiency.

Q. What kind of exam preparation is necessary?

A. Candidates can prepare for exams on their own or take training courses. Students who take a training course are provided with a password to download practice exams.

Q. Where do I take a certification exam?

A. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Office Expert and Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exams are administered by Certiport. MicroKnowledge is an authorized Certiport testing center that offers exams on a regular basis at our facility in Latham, NY.

Q. I thought Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) was renamed to Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS)?

A. The certification formerly known as the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) has been renamed back to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

Q: How do I know what is on the Microsoft Office Specialist and Microsoft Office Expert exams?

A: Learning objectives for the current Microsoft exams are listed on Microsoft’s website:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mos.aspx#certifications

Q: How do I know what is on the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exams?

A: Learning objectives for the current Adobe Certified Associate exams are listed on Adobe’s website:http://www.adobe.com/education/resources/ace/topics.html

Q. Where can I find my exam results?

A. Exam results are displayed on your screen immediately after you complete an exam. Those who pass will receive (by mail) an official certificate within approximately two to three weeks. You can view your exam results electronically by going to www.certiport.com and logging in with the username and password created on the day of the exam.

Q. If I do not pass an exam, can I have a refund?

A. No. MicroKnowledge does not offer refunds for exams you do not pass or exam appointments you miss.

Q: What is the fee to retake the exam?

A: You can purchase two types of exams: one that includes a free retake and one that does not. If you do not pass the exam and have not purchased an exam that includes a retake, the fee to retake an exam is the same as the cost to take the initial exam.

Q: How soon can you retake an exam?
A: Certification candidates may retake the same exam once, without restriction on the interval between exams. Candidates who wish to retake the exam a second or subsequent time, however, must wait a minimum of seven days before retaking the exam. Beta exams may be taken only once.

Q: What security procedures are in place for taking an exam?
A: There are multiple security measures in place to protect the integrity of certification exams. For example, all certification candidates are required to present personal identification at the testing center and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking an exam. Please see Guidelines for Test Taking for additional information.

Q: What happens if someone is caught cheating?
A: If a certification candidate is found to have violated testing rules, they may lose any existing certifications and may be made permanently ineligible for additional certifications. Authorized Testing Centers are authorized to take appropriate measures to prevent cheating.