Python Next Generation Coming Soon
Become one of the early adopters to try out performance-based questions as part of our IT Specialist Python exam!
Performance-based questions allow candidates to validate Python knowledge in a hands-on setting where they can perform real-world coding tasks. The exam will be sectioned, with the performance-based items sandwiched between two sections of selected response questions.
The performance-based items will give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their skills writing Python code in VS Code, an integrated development environment. They will be able to take advantage of the Intellisense and debugging capabilities of VS Code, while proving their ability to write code using the Python language elements outlined in the objective domain.
Important Information:
- This feature will initially only be available in the English version of the Python exam.
- The Python Next Generation exam does not need to be pre-downloaded, and will not appear in Exam Downloads.
- In Compass, you will need to select the Python Next Generation exam to try this new feature.
- Please note the exam objective domains and the certificate a candidate receives upon passing will not change. This is simply a new exam published with different item technology.
Technical Requirements:
- The new feature requires access to network resources. Work with your IT Team to ensure your firewall is configured to support the new requirements (provide link to firewall exceptions document):
*.skillable.com
*.labondemand.com
*.learnondemand.net
*.holsystems.com
Learnondemandsystemsb2c.b2clogin.com
- The performance-based items currently only work on Windows. If you are a Mac user, please use Exams from Home to access the Next Generation exam.
- Are you getting an "Access Denied" notification or messages that prevents completion of the lab portion? If yes, please check the following:
1.Check the firewall settings. Correct them and resume. The lab should then load.
2.Which OS are you using? Please see second bullet under "Technical Requirements" for more information.
3.Did the lab fail after resuming the exam? The lab time has expired and your answers were submitted. Click "Next" to continue to the last section of the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1.When will the performance-based questions be included in the standard Python exam?
Certiport will look at the data from the early release and make a determination on future roll out plans. We will ensure there are additional communications sent out to announce the date.
2.Do I need to do any kind of special preparation for performance-based questions?
The certification objectives have not changed. The performance-based items allow candidates to write Python code, which they should already be doing to prepare for the exam. Our course provider learning partners LearnKey and CCI are already incorporating features that allow candidates to practice writing code. GMetrix, our CertPrep practice exam provider, will be incorporating performance-based questions in the practice exams to ensure the practice exam experience is consistent with the exam experience.
If you are using a different IDE in your classroom, you might consider having students spend at least a little time using VS Code so that it is familiar to them. However, the instructions in the performance-based section will give students who have only written Python code in a different IDE enough guidance on how to use VS Code that they will be able to focus on the task at hand.
3.What do I need prepare the testing environment?
Please work with your IT Team to add the following domains to the "allow" list for any firewalls:
*.skillable.com
*.labondemand.com
*.learnondemand.net
*.holsystems.com
Learnondemandsystemsb2c.b2clogin.com
4. What do these labs look like?
5.Who can I contact for help?
- Customer/Technical support: 888-999-9830
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