(This is copied from a post I made to the regular FrameMaker forum.)
It cost me 150 USD to take the FrameMaker 6.0 ACE test. To prepare, I went through each example in CIB (sorry, FrameMaker Classroom in a Book), and also read through each chapter in the UG (user guide). I've been using FrameMaker on and off since 1991.
I know of no sample test.
Go here: http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/acehowto.html.
Get the exam bulletin here: http://partners.adobe.com/asn/training/acehowto.html#164209.
When I went to take the test, all I knew was that I had 90 minutes available in which to complete the test. I did not know the format of the test. I had asked, but nobody answered. I thought perhaps there was an NDA about the test, but I reviewed my documentation and can find no such gag, so here goes:
1. All the questions in the test were appropriate.
2. The test assumes no skills other than your use of FrameMaker. Thus, you really have to be aware of what options are where, and what the various menu items and switches in dialog boxes do. Pay *particular* attention to the Format and Special menus. Also, consider your workflow, from setting up books and templates, through importing graphics, color, and manipulating text. Really, most aspects of using FrameMaker were touched upon.
3. I finished the test in about 20 minutes. I found the test to be underwhelming, but a lot of that is because I have a tonne of stick time on the product. I certainly did improve my score by reviewing CIB and the UG; though, I could have passed without doing so. (It was my $150, so reading the books and doing the examples was a good idea that I do not regret.)
4. For the most part, the test was multiple choice. At the time, I did not know it would be. I rather wish more info were available about the test.
I don't remember how many questions there were on the test, certainly less than 100, maybe about 70? I took the test on a computer. You cannot use reference materials. You can review all your answers before submitting them for scoring.
5. The test was scored and I got my results immediately after I took it. I did not expect that, either. I thought I would have to wait 4-6 weeks.
6. The A.C.E. Certification arrived promptly, within the advertised timeframe, from Adobe. It took about three weeks to get to me.
7. When I took the test, I was prepared to throw away the first $150 in failing the test, just to get an idea what the test was like so I could pass it the second time.
8. There seem to be a few more resources for those looking to become a Photoshop A.C.E. than there are for FrameMaker. However, given the relative popularity of each tool, go figure.
Cheers,
Sean
Adobe Certified Expert (FrameMaker 6)
(This is copied from a post I made to the regular FrameMaker forum.)