Visual Basic Forum for Visual Basic Programmers VB

[vbman995]

Certification NOW AVAILABLE

[link]

Hey Guys I would like your opinion on VB Certification:

I was planning on creating a group and website that would offer FREE Visual Basic certification. The certification would be givin by this group and NOT Microsoft. So therefor I really don't know if being certified would mean anything or not but it would be a great alternative for people who can't pay for certification.

You would visit the website, take a test and if you got so many correct on the test, become a certified developer with this group. I know some people might cheat so I came up with ways to pervent it: You can only take this test once on each computer, or at least once on each IP Address. Some more ideas would be great of how to prevent cheating.

I need a good name for this group.... like for example: Developer's CLub, (something better please) If you could please post names and opinions....THanks

vbman[/b]

[DoobieKeebler]

I've been giving this more thought. (And I will continue to do so until you either open the doors or kill the project.) While the certification wouldn't really mean much to begin with, who's to say it would stay that way forever? If you set it up right and maintain it properly, it could become an accepted alternative to the current certifications. And from our PMs it certainly sounds like you have every intention of doing it right.

As to a name, I'll give that some thought. This morning will be busy, but I'll work on it on lunch and get back to you.
_________________
Always take into account what a user would never ever in a million years do, because someone will.

"In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra

[vbman995]

Thanks DoobieKeebler for all of your help. I have gotten a webhost and I am working on a test for it right now.

I just need:
1) a name for the group.
2) A quiz script

[DoobieKeebler]

Here's a few names to get the ball rolling.

Practical Certification
Practical VB Certification
The VB Jockey's Group (a "computer guy" is sometimes called a "computer jockey")
Make Certified
Programmer.Certified
Certify Me
I Know VB
Certified Programmer

You're going to want a MySQL database for the test (ideally). It doesn't look like your hosting package has that. Is that right? Without it you'll need to find a script that uses text files.

Doing a search on Hotscripts.com for 'quiz" in the PHP section, I found these scripts that don't need (or look like they don't need) a database:
PHPQuest
PHPWebQuiz

That doesn't mean that's all there is, that's just all I found with that one search.
_________________
Always take into account what a user would never ever in a million years do, because someone will.

"In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra

[vbman995]

Thanks so much DoobieKeebler. I have a few other hosts that I am also looking at. I like the name Practical VB Certification for the group. I think that I will use it!

[vbman995]

Currently working on a test for junoir certification.

[Under--Score]

Sounds cool. I wonder if I could pass the test. . .

[DoobieKeebler]

[Under--Score]

Sweet!

[vbman995]

Still working on it DoobieKeebler.....when i finish the Junior Test....i will send it to you to look at and review!

[DoobieKeebler]

Looking forward to it.
_________________
Always take into account what a user would never ever in a million years do, because someone will.

"In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra

[vbman995]

Almost done with the junior developer test....5 questions left and then the Certification Board, (DoobieKeebler and I) will look at the test and review it. After that...we are open for certification.

Possible Requirements for Junior Certification:

1) Take the Junior Certification Test and Pass with a 80% or more. (20/25)

2) Email the VB Group a sample of a origional program that you have created. Nothing very big...just a project that you have worked on in the past. It must be a project that you created alone and not a modified program.

For more info on Requirements visit:

http://vbgroup.t35.com/page2.html

[Under--Score]

I've made a calculator with lots of appearing and re appearing text boxes...
Or a prog that tells you how much change you should get (how many 2 pound coins etc) after entering cost and money given

[vbman995]

Thanks for providing such a great example Under--Score

Both of those programs would be accepted by us as a sample program that you have created. All you would have to do is email us the source. (Don't worry, we will delete it after we review it) The other thing you would have to do is pass the exam...with I am sure you would easily do.

Sample Question:

What field is used in the Properties Window to display text in a label?

A) Caption
B) Text
C) Value
D) Data

The correct answer is A, Caption. A sample test will appear on Practical VB Groups website in a few days along with a study guide....but you don't really have to study for this exam.....because most of the stuff you should have learned and memorized a long time ago. Don't worry about it!

[vbman995]

The "Exam Board" and I have communicated and we have developed the Junior Certification Test. It will become available to take by at least November 15, 2005.

You can see who have received certification by visiting this page: http://vbgroup.somee.com/member/news.asp (I am on there because I was testing the system)