In an effort to prepare students for Microsoft certifications exams, Dr. Holly Hoopes, Microsoft Professor for College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) at St. Petersburg College piloted practice exams called MeasureUp, in her courses. These exams are for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate track, (MCSA).

Learn more about SPC’s College of Computer & Information Technology.

The courses that correspond to the exams are:

• CTS 1328 Installing and Configuring Windows Server
• CTS 1334 Administering Windows Servers
• CTS 1303 Configuring Advanced Windows Server Services

“These exams add value and better prepare students for the workforce and serve as tools to help them succeed,” Hoopes said. Available 24/7, MeasureUp allows students to take these practice exams as many times as needed. Additionally, Netlab provides students with 24/7 access to hands-on labs which is vital since it provides students access to labs that emulate a production environment, This is beneficial since employers are looking for people with some real world experience, which students can gain using Netlab, an Internet-based lab for instructor-led training developed by the Network Development Group, Inc. (NDG).

View available Microsoft tests.

Dr. Holly Hoopes prepares students for Microsoft Certifications

In addition to the MeasureUp exams, Hoopes uses discussion questions and research topics as part of the coursework in her classes. Upon completion of research, students present the information to their peers. Hoopes believes that hands-on approaches such as this help students hone in on the material. Also available to students are computer labs at the EpiCenter campus in Largo, FL, where students can go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-8pm for the summer session (0500). The MeasureUp exams have similar questions like the actual exam and there are links to resources. If utilized, students have a greater probability of passing the actual exam.

All of this is made possible through a Perkins grant that SPC obtained. Students who receive the voucher take the exam at the EpiCenter. The final exam has the same grading scale as in a regular course. The weighted grade does not determine if you pass the course. Even if you don’t do well, there are other opportunities available to retake the exam.

Hoopes believes that SPC is “on the right track,” and is confident that more students will take advantage of opportunities such as this in the future.