Test Taking Tips
From Certiport's web site: www.certiport.com

Back to Microsoft Office Specialist Exam Info

• Carefully read the instructions.
• Respond to each question as if the test administrator will see your answer.
• Pay close attention to how each question is worded. Your answers must be precise, and they must resolve the question as asked exactly.
• Scoring is based on the end result, not on the route or time taken to complete the task. Errant keystrokes or mouse clicks will not count against your score as long as you achieve the correct end result. The "result" is what counts.
• Remember the overall test is timed. Although spending a lot of time on an individual answer will not adversely affect the scoring of that particular question, taking too long may not leave you with enough time to complete the entire test.
• Check to make sure you have entirely completed each question before clicking the "Next" button. After you press this button, you will not be able to return to the question.
• Save your results page. This page prints at the end of the exam. It is your confirmation that you passed the exam.

Tips for Completing Questions

• Close all dialog boxes, tool bars, help windows, menus, etc.
• Make sure all of a task's steps are completed. For example, when entering data or a formula into a cell in Microsoft® Excel, press the appropriate key to make sure the information has been accepted (i.e. the Enter key, an arrow key, etc.). When the information has been accepted or confirmed, the word "Ready" will appear in the bottom left corner of the Excel task bar.
• Make sure the application has completed the task calculations or functions before clicking the "Next" button.

• DO NOT leave dialog boxes, tool bars, help windows, or menus open.
• DO NOT leave tables, boxes, cells "active" (or highlighted) unless instructed to do so.
• DO NOT click the "Next" button until you have completely answered the question.
• DO NOT scroll in the screen window unless instructed to do so. Leave your answer visible.