CSU Global CBE in Information Systems Analysis and Design

[sanantone]

I thought I'd start a separate thread for the exam I took. If these exams get more popular, it'll be easier for people to find feedback for individual exams if it isn't buried in the long CSU Global CBE thread.

First of all, I would like to say that I passed this exam on the first attempt! A 70% was required to pass, and I scored 80%.

The study materials in the student portal are very well-organized and cover most of what you need for the exam. The modules are in a slide format with text, embedded videos, links to articles, and a few flashcards here and there. I'll admit that I didn't watch the videos or read the external articles because I didn't have time. I spent probably a total of 6 hours over two days studying. I read the chapter reviews in the textbook (which was an older edition than recommended), and I went through the slides. I also took the pre-test and looked up everything I got wrong. The questions on the pre-test are easy. The answer choices for many of the questions were so ridiculous that it was easy to guess the right answer. Even before having gone through the slides and after only reading the chapter reviews in the book, I was able to get a 64% on the pre-test. The actual test is a little harder, but still has some ridiculously easy questions. The test is not nearly as technical as the recommended textbook; it felt more like a business management test than an information systems test. What I didn't know is that the test would have 5 essay questions. The essay questions weren't complicated and didn't require much writing, but I was not prepared for them. I just tried my best to BS an answer. The other 95 questions were multiple choice. I do not know if the essay questions are worth more than the multiple choice questions.

The system will tell you that it will take two weeks to grade your exam, but mine was graded in less than a week. It's supposed to take another two weeks for the credits to post on your official transcript. Kryterion is not much different from ProctorU. Their proctor looked a little more professional having been dressed in a business casual outfit, having her own cubicle, and acting more professionally. They don't require you to use a mirror to view your screen; but, you have to move your camera around the room, show them your ID, and answer security questions. The proctor fee is included in the test fee.

If it weren't for the exams costing $250 and the difficulty of signing up for them, I would say that taking these is better than taking CLEP and DSST. You get to take them at home, they give you excellent study materials, the questions are easier to answer, you're earning credits from a regionally accredited school, and you can retake the exam at no additional charge if you fail the first time.

The title of this thread is worded a little funny. Sorry.