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Testing using erasable boards vs pencil and paper

 
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All:
If the sherriff determines that this is not the correct forum for my question please feel free delete it or move it wherever.

I don't have the K&B book in front of me now but it seems to me that I recall reading at the very beginning of the book it mentions that a test taker should search for a testing center that provides pencil and paper to test takers, and not the erasable boards.

So far, in my search in Atlanta, these Prometric centers are only providing erasable boards. When I asked one of them if I am allowed to use pencil and paper for a Sun cert. exam, they said I would need special dispensation from some Sun or Prometric God in order to do so.

Is this correct? Now I'm one of those who takes notes during an exam, especially when taking a tricky one like the SCJP. This probably sounds nit-picky, but I would rather use pencil and paper to put my notes on as the erasable boards are not only sloppy to work with but guess what...they erase, when you don't want them to! I could be writing a note in some section of the erasable board while my hand will wipe out a note I made somewhere else!!!

Whats a test taker to do?
thanks
 
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They should allow you to use paper and pencil. They should give you both and make sure you don't leave with any. (Well,.. :-), taking pencil is perhaps OK, but all papers should stay in test centre)

Using board:
What prevent the others to look at board? Board may be too far from computer, you may forget your note on the way to board.

If you are not in time-pressure write to Sun support. I don't see why paper&pencil should be forbidden.

(Some test centres seem to make rules as they like.)

[ June 08, 2007: Message edited by: John Stone ]
[ June 08, 2007: Message edited by: John Stone ]
 
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Originally posted by John Stone:
...What prevent the others to look at board? Board may be too far from computer, you may forget your note on the way to board...


The board is handheld, sized about like a clipboard.
 
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Back when I took the 1.4 beta they gave us a horrible little whiteboard with a thick, barely working marker. I didn't know enough then to ask for paper. It seems however, over the recent years that it's getting harder and harder to find a testing center that allows the use of paper :roll:

On the other hand, we do here from some people that they have been allowed to use paper - so I don't think the battle is lost. I would urge EVERYONE to write to Sun about this issue - perhaps with enough pressure we can make a change that will help everybody.
 
John Stone
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Originally posted by Bert Bates:
.. I would urge EVERYONE to write to Sun about this issue - perhaps with enough pressure we can make a change that will help everybody.



What about starting a petition thread? And keep sending it regularly to Sun.
(I think, one request signed by many may have better effect.)
[ June 08, 2007: Message edited by: John Stone ]
 
Gary Marshall
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Thank you Marc and Mr. Bates for your responses. I also took a cert exam several years ago with an erasable board and a barely working marker. It was quite insulting to say the least. I would've been really angry had I not passed that exam!

So contact Sun support? OK, should I start with the 800 number found on the "Contact Sun Training" link or do you know of a web page that list an email address to write to? I personally preferr to call someone as I would like to sit this exam within the next week and a half, and therefore it would help if I can get my pass from the principal soon in order to be allowed to be a big boy and use a real pen and pencil instead of crayons during my test. Thats how rediculous this sounds.

Thanks again for your time.
 
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