The examination consists of ten multiple-choice questions that will test your knowledge about how to work in a variety of computer applications and web-based technologies. You will need to select the answers from a grid and click on a “plete” button to indicate that you are finished answering the questions. Because it is online, there is no need to travel to a testing center, pay for class materials or find parking. You can study at anytime, anywhere!
What will happen is this: As part of your review, you will complete practice questions on various web pages to familiarize yourself with typical exam format. Once you have gained confidence in answering questions on the exam, you will be able to go to the test room and take the exam without prior reading material. You will merely login to take the exam and log in. Once you are in the test page, you will see an approximately two-minuteabus with the questions you need to know about. In addition, you will see an explanation about the types of questions that you will be asked as well as the expected answers.
On your computer, you will need to open a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Google Chrome. You will then click on the button called “Back” in order to return to the previous web page. At this point, if you are still unsure of the correct answer, you can use the navigation buttons on the lower right hand corner of your screen. If you are satisfied with your answer, you will hit “submit” and your answer will appear on the test page.
Before you start the test, there will be a series of questions that you will need to answer. These questions relate to basic programming functionality, which should be common knowledge for you. The questions include: Are there any functions that I can define and name? What are some common ways to create a list of files and folders?
When you get to the second section of the test, you will then have to write an example of what you believe is functional. Your example could be anything, from an online store to a web page that displays your latest emails. Once you complete this section of the test, you will be asked to run the software and display the results. As the example of what you are working with completes, the answers will be displayed on your computer screen.
Once the software completes the test, there will be an explanation of the answers along with the source code that was used to create them. If there is any error, the software will immediately display the source code. If you find any other issues, it is recommended that you read through the code in question before attempting the solution. Otherwise, you risk permanently destroying the software and causing an irreversible data loss.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, this exam is one of only two written tests given at the College Board every year. It is widely believed that a high scoring average is required for one to be considered for examination. Those with a 98 or better score are often invited to take the exam in person at the college or university. Those with scores higher than 300 are often provided with a written invitation to attend the examination in person.