Some Microsoft PRO level exams will now incorporate “best” answer type multiple choice questions as part of Microsoft’s Certification Development department’s continuing effort to improve the rigor, quality and real-world relevance of their certification exam questions. Microsoft’s Born to Learn Blog says the difference between a “correct” answer question and a “best” answer question is:
“In a ‘correct’ answer item, only one answer is correct; in a ‘best’ answer item, more than one answer might solve the problem but there is one best solution. “
Here’s what to expect:
- Best answer items will only appear on PRO level exams where being able to identify the best solution given a set of specific environmental characteristics or constraints is critical to planning, designing, and managing Microsoft technologies in organizations.
- The best answer will be the solution that takes the least effort, requires the fewest steps, and/or is least costly AND solves the problem. Remember with a best answer choice item, more than one answer will likely solve the problem (others might not), but one answer will be the best solution from a resource (budget, time, people) perspective in that particular situation.
- The best answer will be the best answer GIVEN THE SITUATION DESCRIBED IN THE QUESTION. It may not be how you would do it in your organization, but it’s how it should be solved given the situation.
- At this time, only a small proportion of items on any exam will be best answer choice items; although this proportion is likely to increase over time, we are not to the point where every question on a particular exam will be a “best answer” question. Not all PRO exams have best answer questions yet, but we’re working on it.
- You will know these items when you see them. The question statement will include words such as “best” or “most” (depending what is being asked) that make it clear that the question requires a deeper evaluation to determine the best answer. In addition, the following statement appears following the question: “(More than one answer choice may achieve the goal. Select the BEST answer.)”
- Most important, the best answer has been vetted by many SMEs who agreed on what the best answer is. The best answer isn’t what Microsoft thinks is the best answer; the best answer is what many SMEs have agreed is the best answer.
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