日前，微软在其门户网站上宣布，即将启动包含操作题的新型MCP考试。这是微软官方第一次正式对外宣布在MCP考试中启用新的考试技术，而该项技术就是由ATA提供的DST技术。预计新型考试的正式发布日期将在3月底，我们会继续为大家跟踪最新的进展。

以下是新闻的全文：

Performance-Based Testing: Real-World Demonstration of Real-World Skills
含有操作类试题的考试：全真的技能，全新的革命

Content Updated: January 31, 2005
内容更新日期：2005年1月31日

Overview
概况

During 2005, Microsoft will introduce simulation technology in selected IT certification exams. This technology will substantially increase the value of certifications for hiring organizations by more accurately reflecting an individual's capability to perform critical IT tasks.

2005年，微软将把模拟仿真技术引入到selected IT认证考试中。这一技术会大幅增长认证的含金量，雇佣机构可以更精确地了解一个人在执行IT任务时的能力。

These exams will test relevant job skills by having individuals strive to achieve real-world goals in simulated technical environments; in turn individuals will gain confidence from proven ability to execute critical tasks.

这一类型的考试将测试考生相关的工作技能，即考生要在模拟的技术环境下完成真实环境中的工作任务。考生会从被证实的能力中得到信心去执行任务。

Advantages of the new approach to certification exams include:
- Candidates perform the task rather than just answer questions about it.
- Candidates turn practice for the exam into hands-on experience: Practicing equals performing.
- Simulated environments better reflect problem-solving in the real world.
- The candidate's score is predicated on how closely the solution meets the task requirements: The value is in the outcome, not the path you took to achieve it.
- Candidates build confidence for the job in practicing for the exam.

这一认证考试新方法的优势在于：
- 考生要对考题进行实际操作，而非仅仅是回答问题；
- 考生将考试的实践转变成hands-on的经历：实践=执行；
- 模拟环境可以更真实的反映真实环境下的问题；
- 考生的得分是基于其解决办法与任务要求的接近程度，即：考试只重视结果而非过程；
- 考生在考试中即可建立在工作中获得的信心。

Frequently Asked Questions
常见问题：

Q: Which exams will include simulations?
A: Microsoft will introduce simulations gradually, beginning with Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment and Exam 70-291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (core MCSA and MCSE on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 exams) in late March of 2005. A release schedule will be posted in this site in early March, 2005.

问：哪些考试会有模拟仿真题？
答：微软会在2005年3月底将模拟仿真技术逐步引入到考试中去。最先引入操作类试题的考试是70-290：Windows Server 2003环境下的管理与维护， 和70-291：Windows Server 2003网络构造的执行管理与维护（Microsoft Windows Server 2003考试的核心部分：MCSA和MCSE）。微软计划在三月底发布模拟仿真题何时会应用到这些考试中的时间表。

Q: Is the entire exam going to be simulated?
A: No. There are certain skills that are better tested through more traditional items. The number of simulations in the exams will be dependent on the exam goals.

问：是不是所有的考试都要转成模拟题型的考试？
答：不是。对于某些技能的测试模拟题型的考试确实要比传统型考题好。关于模拟仿真题在考试中应用的数量，这要看考试的目的来定。

Q: Are the skills tested in each exam going to change?
A: No. The exams will test for the same skills, but some questions will be replaced with simulation items.

问：是不是每一个考试中技能型考题都要换？
答：不是。考试将测试同样的技能，但有一些题目会被替换成模拟仿真题。

Q: If I have already taken Exam 70-290 or 70-291, am I required to retake it?
A: No, you are not required to retest.

问：如果我已经参加了70-290或 70-291考试，是否需要重考？
答：不需要。

Q: Where can I see a demo of the simulations?
A: A demo of simulations will be posted in this location in early March, 2005.

问：在哪里能看到模拟仿真题的演示？
答：05年3月初在这个位置（微软网站）就可以看到。