As a Cisco candidate, you have spent countless hours preparing for your certification exam. You’ve studied the material, taken practice exams, and now feel ready to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. However, entering the testing center can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some things you can expect when you arrive at the Cisco testing center.
Arrival and Check-In Process
Upon arrival at the testing center, you will need to complete the check-in process. The process usually involves verifying your identification and assigning you a seat for the exam. It is important to bring two forms of identification with you and to ensure that your name on the identification matches your name registered for the exam. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued ID, passport, and military ID.
You will also be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which legally obligates you not to share any exam content with anyone, including Cisco. This is done to protect the integrity of the exam and to ensure that the test questions remain confidential.
Exam Room Setup
After check-in, you will be escorted to the exam room. The exam room is usually a quiet, isolated space, with individual computer workstation for each candidate. The testing center provides everything you need to take the exam, including a headset (if the exam includes a listening component), a small dry-erase board and marker, and a calculator. It is important to note that lockers are usually provided for your belongings, and it is recommended that you leave unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle.
Exam Rules and Regulations
Before starting the exam, the proctor will go over the rules and regulations that must be followed during the exam. These rules may vary between different Cisco certifications and may include items such as no last-minute notes, no cell phone use, no food or drinks in the testing area, and no breaks during the exam.
It is important to read all exam rules and regulations before taking the test to avoid any misunderstandings during the exam. If you violate any of these rules during the exam, you will be disqualified, and your exam score will be invalidated.
Taking the Exam
Once the exam starts, you will have a limited amount of time to answer all the questions. The exam timer countdowns from a set amount of time, and this countdown time is displayed on the screen.
The test is usually taken on a computer using the Pearson VUE testing engine, and candidates are not allowed to use any other software applications or programs during the exam. Cisco exams usually consist of multiple-choice questions and simulations or lab exercises.
For multiple-choice questions, candidates must select the correct answer from a list of possible answers. For simulation or lab exercises, candidates will be presented with a scenario and given access to a virtual environment to complete specific tasks.
It is important to note that the exam is adaptive, which means that the difficulty level of the questions is adjusted depending on how well you perform. If you answer a question correctly, you will be presented with a more challenging question. If you answer a question incorrectly, the difficulty of the questions may be scaled down.
End of the Exam
Once you have completed the exam, you will receive your exam score instantaneously. The score report will display your overall score, the minimum passing score for the exam, and a breakdown of the score by category.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate within a few weeks, and your certification status will be reflected on the Cisco certification tracking system. If you fail the exam, you will receive a score report with feedback indicating areas of weakness and an explanation of the areas where improvement is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to arrive early, read all exam rules and regulations, and prepare yourself for what to expect at the Cisco testing center. It is also essential to maintain focus and concentration throughout the duration of the exam. Preparation and focus are key to success in your Cisco certification journey. With the right amount of preparation and the right mindset, you can pass your Cisco certification exam confidently. Good luck!