Jun 24 2008
Beware of using pass4sure to pass your CRM 4.0 certs
Some folks have posted on this blog about using pass4sure to help them pass the CRM 4.0 Applications Exam (MB2-631). Everything I’ve heard about the Applications Exam is that it’s very difficult to pass not because the material is difficult, but because the test is poorly written. I cannot verify this first hand since I’ve yet to take the exam myself. Given an unjust exam, I could understand why folks would be looking for a brain dump.
I did a bit of research on pass4sure, and according to CertGUARD, using pass4sure to pass a test is illegal and could get you “decertified,” whatever that entails. So if it really is illegal, which it appears to be, let’s try to keep brain-dump-related content out of the comments from now on. If you’re upset about the exam, drop Microsoft an email asking them to revise it. Folks over there want the tests to be fair, so let your voice be heard if you feel it’s unfair.
15 Responses to “Beware of using pass4sure to pass your CRM 4.0 certs”
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Good point Phil… it’d be a shame to have the powers-that-be come down on you when all you’re doing is looking for help. It makes sense to ping Microsoft about the exam, and hopefully they will revise it soon enough.
Some people have said that the ‘Installation and Configuration’ and ‘Customization’ exams are more fair, so it’d make sense to give them a shot first in the meantime.
Just read this after updating you on my last test…I appreciate the update! I too have heard that the “Customization” and the “Installation” tests were more straight forward, and will be working on studying for this. Are there any approved sites that offer tips for studying? I know a lot of people are having trouble with the 4.0 I just want to make sure that I study ALL of the appropriate material before attempting the exam.
Let me know if there are any ethical additional resources other than the resources that are on Microsoft site that would be recommended for the exams.
Crystal, thanks for your comments — most of my training was done from the eLearning courses that Microsoft writes, but apparently Microsoft also offers learning plans: http://learning.microsoft.com/Manager/Catalog.aspx?clang=en-US&dtype=Table&Sort=PublicationDateDescending&page=1&cats={d4e8e42c-3d5a-4a6e-915d-d99556a49bd7}
Other than that, I don’t know of any good resources other than working with the tool!
Good luck,
Phil
Thank you.. That’s where I’ve been getting most of my information is from the microsoft learning center. I’ve been following the plans as much as possible, I’ll just have to keep asking questions to those that know more than I, and avoid suggestions to use resources outside that of microsoft. This is all new to me regarding certifications. But you have been so helpful! I’ll let you know how I do!
Go get ‘em, Crystal!
Hi guys,
I fully agree that this exam is very, very poorly written. I have implementation experience and red many of available books on Dynamics CRM 4.0 and still not able to pass this creation. I have passed other Dynamics CRM and ERP exams without problems. It is obvious that MS exam/content writers are not competent and recently I even found that manual is different from how the system actually functions.
For example, official manual says that several marketing lists can be linked to one quick campaign. But it is not true if you try in the system. Please check by yourself.
Probably this is a case for consumer protection to get back your exam money. But might be difficult to prove, because you accepted that exam contents cannot be distributed outside the exam class according Microsoft legal terms. Microsoft partners are spending too much time and money for the Microsoft mistakes. And as far as I know Microsoft employees in charge of these products do not consider taking such exams by themselves.
It is better not to inform Microsoft when finding any mistakes in the future. It should be their own financial burden to improve quality of services, not a burden of partners. Since this is a monopoly, no one can really change it except if you switch to other products (Less expensive “opensource” to be improved :).
@Certified Dynamics CRM Specialist: Yes, lots of folks are pretty upset. I’ve heard that complaining to Microsoft has given some test takers a free voucher to try it again. It’s been taking most of us an average of three tries to pass the exam, but I’m sure glad to have it over with.
I’ve met the Microsoft folks who are in charge of the CRM training content (at least the Installation and Customization exams) and I can confidently say that they do care. I would suggest dropping a quick email to express your concerns.
Hi,
Microsoft contact point was quite arogant when this was rised up. This is actually just only one of many examples of how Microsoft is working.
Hi Phil.
I can confirm that MS are still giving free vouchers to those who complain about this exam - I sent a chase-up email to them a couple of days ago asking if anything has happened with the exam yet (i.e. has it been corrected) and I got a free resit voucher by return.
Hi Pete,
I found this blog very useful, but our dear MS refused to provide voucher and said that answers depend on “real life experience”.
Hi,
Just failed for the second time this morning. I fully agree that this is a very difficult exam (otherwise i would have to admit that i am a dummy) and the questions are poorly formulated. I am going to complain at Microsoft…
I should make the three exams for CRM business solutions certification in the next weeks.
I was about to buy the pass4sure products to prepare these exams.
In few words why you define “using pass4sure to pass a test is illegal and could get you decertified” ?
Thank You
Marcello,
I’m not a lawyer, so I cannot say if it is illegal or not, but it sure looks like they are illegal. pass4sure doesn’t so much give you “practice” questions, but I hear they give you actual questions copied from the exam. Because of this, if Microsoft finds out that you used one, they can supposedly take away all of your certifications.
Best,
Phil
I do not want to cheat, but how can Microsoft do to discover if they have been used pass4sure tests to prepare for the exam?
Anyone who works 12 hours a day does not have much time to study and I thought that buy to prepare for the test would be useful.
The questions to overcome the test of Prometric exam are theoretical and are set wrong, I never reflected the questions in the problems of work every day.
Thank You
Marcello,
I have no idea how Microsoft finds out. I passed the exams without pass4sure. I agree that the exams are non-ideal, but the installation and configuration exams really aren’t that bad.
While the ethical implications of cheating on an exam are interesting, I’m not sure I want to start that dialog here.
Best of luck,
Phil