THE PROGRAM

• Why should I get certified?
  As an OCRES Certified Professional, you will be able to show future and current employers and clients that you know Real-time and Embedded programming specifications, making you a more attractive candidate for hiring and promotion.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Why should I hire OCRES Certified Professionals?
  The OCRES Program is the first and only objective, validated measurement of a candidate’s knowledge of Real-time and Embedded programming specifications. You don’t have to guess or try to test the candidates yourself. You can tell that an OCRES Certified Professional has made a commitment to knowing Real-time and Embedded programming specifications. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• Where can I get a copy of OMG’s Real-time and Embedded specifications that are on the Exams?
  All of the OMG specifications on the exams can be downloaded from the Coverage Map page.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Where can I get a copy of the book that is used on the Exams?
  The Book is Software Engineering for Real-time Systems  by Jim Cooling, ISBN 0201596202 - You can get it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many other booksellers.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• What OCRES Exams are there?
  The OCRES Certification Program includes three exams – the OCUP Fundamental Exam on UML, plus the OCRES  Intermediate and OCRES Advanced Exams. Look here for a diagram showing how the OCUP exam fits into the OCRES program. Each OCRES examination tests a candidate's knowledge of different Real-time and Embedded specifications and knowledge.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Which Exams should I take?
  You should start with the OCUP Fundamental, because passing it is a prerequisite to getting certified at OCRES Intermediate, and passing OCRES Intermediate is a prerequisite to getting certified at OCRES Advanced. So, the real question is - how high should I go? That will depend on the skillset that you have or are learning. Look here for a functional description of the skills that each level of certification indicates.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Do I have to take the exams in order?
  No, you are not required to take the exams in a particular order. However, you won't receive an OCRES certification until you've passed all of the exams for its level. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What areas of study are most important for each Exam?
  Look at this Coverage Map to see what is covered in each Exam.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What is the cost for each Exam?
  In the United States, the cost to take an OCRES examination is US$200; in many countries where English is not the first language, the testing time will be a half-hour longer and the price will be US$10 more (that is, US$210 or the approximate equivalent in local currency. Currency conversion does not track short-term fluctuations). You have to pay each time you take an examination, even if you're taking an examination over because you failed the first time. Payment is by major credit card. For exact pricing in your country, please look on the Pearson VUE test site.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Can I get a discount on the fee for an Exam? 
  Yes! OMG offers pre-paid Certification Examination voucher bundles at discounts starting at 5% and ranging all the way up to 20% , depending on how many vouchers you buy. Each voucher lets you take any one of OMG's exams. Vouchers are non-refundable and expire one year from date of purchase. Discount is applied to the price in your country.  Minimum purchase for the 5% discount is 10 vouchers. These 5% vouchers may be purchased from the Pearson VUE voucher store through this link: www.vue.com/vouchers/pricelist/omg.asp.
  
  You can receive a substantially larger discount by purchasing a larger number of vouchers directly from OMG: 
  

  Package Designation	Bronze	Silver	Gold
  Number of Vouchers	50 Vouchers	100 Vouchers	150+  Vouchers
  Discount %	10%	15%	20%

  Discount is applied to the price in your country. For more information, or to purchase one of these voucher bundles, email <certificationinfo@omg.org> or directly to OMG's Director of Certification Jon Siegel at <siegel AT omg.org> . 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What languages can I take the Exams in?
  All of the Exams are in English. A Japanese version may be available in Japan and Asia-Pacific.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What is the Exam format?
  The Exams are computer-based tests (CBTs) delivered at testing centers owned or licensed by Pearson VUE. Exams are multiple-choice and include text and UML diagrams.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• How long is each Exam?
  90 minutes. There are 80 questions on the OCUP Fundamental exam, and 90 questions on each OCRES exam. When an English-language Exam is delivered in a non-English speaking country, the test time might vary.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• How do I Register to take the Exam?

  ATTENTION: OMG is not responsible for the scheduling or rescheduling of exams, or for exam refunds. These matters must be facilitated through our testing partner Pearson VUE. Furthermore, OMG strongly stresses the importance of carefully reviewing your confirmation letter sent by Pearson VUE upon scheduling an exam. Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of Pearson VUE immediately.

  Go to the OMG Exam Registration page at Pearson VUE:  http://pearsonvue.com/omg. From here you can;

  1. Locate a Test Center

  2. Schedule a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)

  3. Reschedule a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)

  4. Cancel a Test (requires a Pearson VUE web account)

  5. Access Your  Account

  6. View Available Tests

  7. Contact Pearson VUE Customer Service

  At the bottom of the page, you can; 

  1. Schedule Online (requires a Pearson VUE web account)

  2. Schedule by Phone 

  3. Schedule through a Test Center

  To create a free Pearson VUE Web Account:
  On the sign-in page that appears when you click on any function that requires an account, click on the link labeled "create a new web account" and follow the instructions that appear.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   

• Where can I take an Exam?
  The Exams are available worldwide, exclusively at approved Pearson VUE Testing Centers. There are thousands of centers in over a hundred countries around the world. You will search for and choose a test center as part of your registration process.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• When can I schedule my Exam?
  Each test center sets its own hours and days of operation. You can schedule an Exam at any time when the center you choose is open and has an available testing slot. You will schedule your Exam as part of the registration process.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What information should I be prepared to provide when I schedule my appointment?
  When you schedule your appointment, you should be prepared to provide any of the following information:
   
  • Your name (you may be asked to provide your name as you would like to have it appear on your certificate)
  • Your Social Security, Social Insurance or Pearson VUE Testing I.D. (SP#) Number
  • Contact phone numbers - If there is a problem, Pearson VUE will use these numbers to reach you
  • Mailing address - Please provide the address to which you would like your certificate mailed
  • Exam number and title
  • Eligibility information, if required
  • e-Mail address - Once again for contact purposes, this is often the fastest and most effective means of contact. 
  • Method of payment

  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   

• Can I cancel and/or reschedule my test appointment via the Pearson VUE Web site?
  Yes, you must cancel and/or reschedule your test through the Pearson VUE Web site. Please read the rescheduling policies for your region.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• How do I take the Exam?
  These are computer-based tests, which you take on a computer at a test center. On the day of the test you go to the center, present (2) two forms of identification, and sign in. You will be escorted to a quiet room with one or more testing stations. You won't be allowed to bring anything into the room with you but your wits and a wipe off note board. You'll sign onto the computer and the test will begin. You will be required to complete an agreement promising not to reveal the contents of the test. The questions themselves are variations of multiple choice formats. The Exams last 90 minutes.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• When should I plan to arrive at the testing center?
  You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the test is scheduled to begin. During that time you will provide proper identification and the test center administrator will give you a short orientation and then escort you to a workstation. If you do not provide appropriate identification, you will not be allowed to test for security reasons. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What type of identification must I bring to the test center?
  You must have (2) two forms of ID, one with a photo and both with a signature.
  Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
   
  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Military identification
  • Employee identification card

  Acceptable forms of non-photo identification include:
   

  • Credit card
  • Check cashing card

  In the U.S., Social Security cards are not considered acceptable forms of identification. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   

• Can my Exam be taken on my PC, or do I have to go to a test center?
  The Exams must be administered at authorized testing centers.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What items can I bring into the testing area?
  You may bring your identification, but not much else. No computers, PDAs, cellphones, pagers, books, notes, scratch pads, writing instruments, coats, jackets, backpacks, briefcases, purses, and so on.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Are there lockers?
  Some centers may have lockers, but they are usually small, and there may be none available when you take your Exam. Please do not bring personal items to the test center.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Will I test with only OCRES Examination candidates?
  No. There may be candidates taking other professional exams at the same time using the computer-based delivery system technology.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Do I have to agree to anything, like confidentiality, before I can take an Exam?
  Yes. When you sit down to take an Exam at the test center, you will be asked to agree to keep the contents of the Exam confidential and to accept some terms and conditions relating to the Exam and your certification. You will not be allowed to take the Exam if you do not agree to these requirements.
  
  You can review the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) here. You can review the Candidate Agreement here.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Can I (during an Exam) skip questions and answer them later in the Exam?
  Yes, you may mark certain question that you feel are difficult and review them at the end of the Exam. After you clicked the submit button, the tool will tell you that you have marked questions and allow you to jump to them. Both marked and unmarked questions will be scored when finally submitting the Exam. Unanswered questions will be marked as incorrect answers.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Is it OK to guess answers or are these tests marked negatively?
  The Exams are not scored negatively. This means that you can safely guess answers, as no points will be deducted for incorrect answers. It is best to check if you have actually answered ALL questions before completing the Exam. If you are running short on time, just click any answer and move on. This way, you will at least have a chance to get some of them right.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Do the Pearson VUE  test centers provide special testing accommodations?
  Yes. Candidates with documented visual, physical, hearing, or learning disabilities, which would prevent them from taking an examination under standard conditions, may request special testing accommodations and arrangements. Please contact Pearson VUE directly.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Do I have to take the Exams in a particular order?
  You can take the Exams in any order, but you will not receive your certification for a particular level until you have taken and passed all of the Exams required for that level. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• When will I find out if I passed, and what my score is?
  Once you have completed an exam online at a Pearson VUE Testing Center, your score will automatically be displayed on the screen. You will also receive a printed copy of the score report. This information is transmitted to OMG for our records. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• What training is required before I can take an Exam?
  No training is required, and you do not have to take or complete any training course before you take an Exam. Of course, we strongly advise that you prepare for the Exam by studying the Real-time and Embedded specifications and textbook sections listed in the coverage map, and have a general knowledge of distributed real-time and embedded application design and development.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Is there a guide to what I need to know to pass the Exam?
  Here is the Info Page for the OCUP Fundamental Exam with a link to its coverage map, and here is the Coverage map for both OCRES exams.  Here is more information on the two OCRES exams.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Are there books or training courses to help me to prepare for an Exam?
  There are numerous courses and books available to help you learn Real-time and Embedded specifications and knowledge. To find courses, you can start at OMG's Training Listings page. You can also look for books about learning Real-time and Embedded programming at bookstores.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• Are there any practice exams available?
  At this time, practice exams are not available.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What is the minimum passing score, and the pass rate?
  The minimum passing scores are in the description of each Exam, linked here. We do not release information on pass rates.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• When will I receive my score reports?
  In most cases, you will receive your score report immediately after the test is completed. At the same time, you will receive some diagnostic information, to show you how strong you were in various areas.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What happens after I pass an Exam?
  First, Congratulations! You will have received your score at the test center immediately after you finished your Exam. If you have passed all of the exams required for a certification level, we will send you (by mail) a certification kit, usually within one month after you pass the Exam. The kit will include a letter explaining the certification, the actual certificate (suitable for framing) and instructions for downloading the OCRES logo for the level of Certification that you have passed.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What happens if I fail an Exam?
  If you fail an Exam, you can retake it after a minimum of 30 days, but you cannot take a particular Exam more than three times in a twelve-month period. The diagnostic feedback that you will receive with the test score report will indicate the areas that need further study.  There is no discount price for re-taking an Exam. The fee is the same as for the initial Exam.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top

• How do I use the OCRES Certification logo, and what are my rights and responsibilities in using it?
  Candidates who qualify for OCRES certification may use the OCRES Certification Logo for their level (Intermediate or Advanced) as a graphic symbol to demonstrate to clients their expertise with Real-time and Embedded programming specifications. Please follow these guidelines to correctly promote your relationship with OMG and protect the integrity of the Logo:
  
  You may use the Logo on your business cards, letterhead stationery, resume, Web site, and marketing materials for individual service, to indicate that you have earned a credential in the OCRES Program. You may not use the Logo on any product, book, or other material. You may not use it for any purpose other than to designate your OCRES certification credential.
  
  You may use the OCRES Certification Logo only as permitted by the OMG Trademark Usage Guidelines at http://www.omg.org/legal/tm_guidelines.htm. Some of these guidelines are:

• You may not alter the Logo in any way.
• Your name, trade name, or company name must appear on any materials where the Logo is used. The Logo cannot appear larger or more prominent than your name, product or service name, trademark or service mark, logo, or trade or company name.
• OMG may, in its sole discretion, terminate your right to use the Logo at any time.

» Back to The Question  or  » Top

• I have lost my certification kit. Can you re-issue it?
  OMG will re-issue a lost certification kit for a  pre-paid fee determined by location and shipping costs.  Please send an email to certificationinfo@omg.org with the following information:
  
    1) full name
    2) current address
    3) candidate ID number
  
  Once we've determined shipping costs, we'll reply with an invoice and as soon as payment is received your kit will be shipped.  
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• How can I check the status of my certification? Why haven't I received it yet?
  You should receive your certification kit within one month of passing an Exam. If you have not received it within this period, please contact OMG by email at certificationinfo@omg.org. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• How long is the certification valid?
  Once you are certified at a certain level for a certain version of the OCRES Exam, you are always certified for that level and version. Of course, as new versions of the Exam become available, you may want to get certified on the newest version.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What happens to my certification once I leave my company? Does it move with me?
  Certifications are associated with individuals, not companies. Your certification is granted to you and it will move with you wherever you go.
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top
   
• What if I still have a question?
  You can contact OMG by email at certificationinfo@omg.org. 
  
  » Back to The Question  or  » Top