Over 300 exams were taken at the 2009 MySQL Users Conference. Many more DBAs were certified this year then last and the Developer cert was not as popular.
We had problems with network bandwidth (Thanks to Patrick at O'Reilly for getting us more as soon as he could) and some software glitches with the new software. Some folks asked to take their exam at a location with better bandwidth and their results are still trickling in to the Certification Team.
The new 5.1 DBA exam was offered and the general review is that it is a much more realistic test of a DBA's skills than the older version. There were a few edits that did not make it into the system that cause some confusion but those taking the exam carried on bravely.
Thanks for all who made the journey to the Magnolia room, especially those who made it through the 1,200 teenagers who showed up for the conference after ours!
Showing posts with label User Conference exams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label User Conference exams. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
User Conference Next Week
Time was invented so everything doesn't happen at once -- S. Wright
Next week is the MySQL Users Conference and getting ready to deliver six plus sessions of exams is quite an exercise in logistics. There are six scheduled sessions. We have only so many seats and so much time for the tests so those of you planning to take an exam need to plan accordingly.
You will find us in the Magnolia Room in the Hyatt Hotel, which is not exactly right next to all the action. Look for signs and ask for directions if you need help.
In the place of computers you would find at your local Pearson VUE test center, we are using pencil and paper (I wonder if paper was ever marketed as Papyrus 2.0 or Cuneiform Tablets++). This is one of the reasons the exams are $25. We will post exams results as quickly as we can.
There will be a Q&A session on Tuesday between 1:00PM and 1:30PM. We will have door prizes for those attending. Please drop by and say hello.
Next week is the MySQL Users Conference and getting ready to deliver six plus sessions of exams is quite an exercise in logistics. There are six scheduled sessions. We have only so many seats and so much time for the tests so those of you planning to take an exam need to plan accordingly.
You will find us in the Magnolia Room in the Hyatt Hotel, which is not exactly right next to all the action. Look for signs and ask for directions if you need help.
In the place of computers you would find at your local Pearson VUE test center, we are using pencil and paper (I wonder if paper was ever marketed as Papyrus 2.0 or Cuneiform Tablets++). This is one of the reasons the exams are $25. We will post exams results as quickly as we can.
There will be a Q&A session on Tuesday between 1:00PM and 1:30PM. We will have door prizes for those attending. Please drop by and say hello.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Warning for MySQL exam takers at the User's Conference
One of the best deals at the MySQL Users Conference is the deep discount on certification exams. For a mere $25, you can take exams that are normally $200. But those of you planning to take your exams next month need to know some facts before your arrive.
First: All the really hot sessions with the great presenters who will fill your skull with knowledge just by their presence (and tell all the best SQL jokes) are scheduled at the same time as the exams. There are only six exam session and the six hottest presentations just happen to be at the same time. I am not sure if this is karma, bread slice falling butter side down physics, or part of an intricate plan but it falls into the 'it is a feature not a bug' realm. So read the agenda and plan your exam schedule. Trying to hurry through an exam to catch the end of a presentation will do justice to neither activity.
Second: Know the exam material BEFORE you sit down for the test. The exams are not easy and spending time in six test session to pass one exam is not the best use of your time. You have an opportunity to meet some of the smartest folks in the world at the conference and may miss it by cramming for the exam.
Third: Sign up as a certification candidate at Pearson Vue if you are not in the certification system. Your score will be returned to you much faster if you are in our database. This step costs you nothing but time now. At the conference, time is too valuable to spend on administrivia.
Fourth: Do not judge your exam experience by others taking exams at the same time. Some folks are fast. Some folks are not. Some are going to pass while others are not. Work at your best pace, which should be seventy questions UNDER ninety minutes. See the second item above again. You will not be sitting near anyone take the same exam as you so do not judge your pace by those around you.
Fifth: The User Conference is an amazing event. You will be exposed to a multitude of new ideas, new friends, and will see the MySQL world through a different set of eyes. As much as I personally love to have people take the MySQL exams, it is only a tiny part of the UC.
There will be an informal 'reception' one night in the exam room (look for details at the UC). Please drop by if you have a chance. Some of the authors of the Cluster Study Guide are planning to be there. This is also a good way to give us your views on certification.
First: All the really hot sessions with the great presenters who will fill your skull with knowledge just by their presence (and tell all the best SQL jokes) are scheduled at the same time as the exams. There are only six exam session and the six hottest presentations just happen to be at the same time. I am not sure if this is karma, bread slice falling butter side down physics, or part of an intricate plan but it falls into the 'it is a feature not a bug' realm. So read the agenda and plan your exam schedule. Trying to hurry through an exam to catch the end of a presentation will do justice to neither activity.
Second: Know the exam material BEFORE you sit down for the test. The exams are not easy and spending time in six test session to pass one exam is not the best use of your time. You have an opportunity to meet some of the smartest folks in the world at the conference and may miss it by cramming for the exam.
Third: Sign up as a certification candidate at Pearson Vue if you are not in the certification system. Your score will be returned to you much faster if you are in our database. This step costs you nothing but time now. At the conference, time is too valuable to spend on administrivia.
Fourth: Do not judge your exam experience by others taking exams at the same time. Some folks are fast. Some folks are not. Some are going to pass while others are not. Work at your best pace, which should be seventy questions UNDER ninety minutes. See the second item above again. You will not be sitting near anyone take the same exam as you so do not judge your pace by those around you.
Fifth: The User Conference is an amazing event. You will be exposed to a multitude of new ideas, new friends, and will see the MySQL world through a different set of eyes. As much as I personally love to have people take the MySQL exams, it is only a tiny part of the UC.
There will be an informal 'reception' one night in the exam room (look for details at the UC). Please drop by if you have a chance. Some of the authors of the Cluster Study Guide are planning to be there. This is also a good way to give us your views on certification.
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