MCAS: Tips on passing it

Unlike most MC-series exams, the MCAS is testing on the hands-on skill.
The preparation and exam experience is much different than some multiple choice exams.
If you are on the way to take the first exam, let's review some points that can you pass the exam easily.

Preparation:
1. Practice the items in the preparation guide at least two times.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/77-602.mspx
And don't skip any common formula (e.g. financial-pmt,statistical-variance, text- len/left,counting:counta/subtotal,...)

2. Practice all related function of those items
In Excel, be able to use not only AutoFilter but also Advanced Filter. (Example from Certcities:see links below).
Since the help feature is no longer available in exam, when meeting diffculties during practice, you should review the help first, other than just skip it.

3. Take a look at each option of a function in deep
Not only just search where to set the format of a shape, but also looking at what kind of formatting can be done. e.g. How to set 3-D format, what kind of 3-D rotation preset available,
what kinds of dash type available for line, ...

4.Study the Excel Option well.
For example, where to set R1C1, how to set auto calculation type, how to turn off the grid...
This part may be too many things to remember. However, a short review just before exam could save your times during exam.


Going to exam:
1. Pick your favourite time period. I always take the exam at Morning, so it is no need for me to "worry" about the exam at the rest of the day. (The exam is instantly marked, exam score is presented just after the exam). However, if you think you are more smarter at night, just go ahead~
2. Pack Lightly, it's no need to bring pencil/paper, they will offer you a writing board on this.

During exams:
1. Read Carefully
Although, most of the questions are very straight forward. It's recommended to consider every words in the question.
For example, a question may ask you to print the workbook in one print action.
Other than to select each worksheet and print, you can select the "Entire Workbook" in the print dialog.

2.Reset!(Restart the Question)
If have taken some trial actions during the task, just reset it and take all the right actions only. The reset will not deduct your marks, but a redundant click would do so!
The reset will affect the current question only.

3.Time.
Don't be panic, you must have it enough.
There still time left even you reset each questions for a few times (1-2 times for medium questions. 2-3 times for complicated questions), you could also skip the questions that you didn't get it in that moment, and back when other questions are done.

4.Do Only What You're Told
Just click next after you done what the instructions said.
No need to "tidy up" the stuffs, or to save the worbooks, It may even deduct your marks!
The example in Certcities about copy range is good too.


Reference Arcticle:
http://certcities.com/editorial/tips/story.asp?EditorialsID=19