The CF_Buster is a testing tool designed to help you pass the ColdFusion certification exam from Allaire. It provides simulated exams that are similar to the real computerized ones.

You can use CF_Buster to evaluate your ColdFusion skills and identify any areas that you need to improve.

The Details
CF_Buster has over 500 questions broken down into 18 topics. You have the option of taking one of eight predefined tests that cover all the topic s in the real test. Each predefined test consists of 61 questions with a time limit of one hour, as with the real test.

You can also take a random test for which you can define the number of questions and time limit.

Taking a predefined test is the best way to get started. It will give you an overview of your current skill level and identify any weak areas. After taking a practice test, you can brush up on any areas you had difficulty with and use a topic test to evaluate your progress.

The test is formatted similarly to the real test, as shown in Figure 1. You are given a screen with a question and several possible answers to choose from. Many questions have only one answer, but some questions require you to select more than one correct answer. There are typically five possible answers, but there can be any number of answers including true or false.

Each screen enables you to go to the next question or return to the previous one. In addition, you can mark questions you're not sure about and review them at the end of the test.

Since the test is timed, it's a good idea to do this. Unlike the real test, you can pause the timer and there's a help function that will show you the correct answer for the question you're currently on.

Once you complete the test, you receive a score. You need a score of 60% to pass the test. The score results show you a breakdown of the number of questions you got right and wrong in each area. You can also review all the questions, the correct answers, and your answers to see what you got wrong and why.

Conclusion
CF_Buster is a good evaluation tool and will help you prepare for the test. It provides many questions from all the areas of the ColdFusion certification test. If you've never taken a computerized certification test before, just becoming familiar with the form and types of questions is valuable.

This product alone is not enough to prepare you for the test, however. There's no substitute for hands-on experience, and a study guide like Certified ColdFusion Developer Study Guide> by Ben Forta will help you fill any gaps in your experience.

You can get more information on the Certified ColdFusion Developer Exam in the services area of Allaire's Web site under "training" at www.allaire.com/services/training/certification/index.cfm.

Vitals
CF_Buster: CentraSoft
Web Address: www.centrasoft.com
Test Environment: Windows
Pricing: $39.95

• Figure 1