As 2017 draws to a close, I’d like to mention what for me has been a great milestone  that of becoming JAWS certified earlier this year.

I’ve been a user of JAWS for over 12 years now, and getting the passing score of 86% was a huge deal for me.

JAWS Certification

What’s this certification business anyway?

Anyone who is a JAWS user can do it, it is a selection of questions designed to test your skill and knowledge of the JAWS screen reader, there are 85 questions randomly selected and you have a 1-hour time limit.

Of note however, is as well as JAWS, you may be asked about using braille displays as well as some key strokes on OpenBook, so it would be best to brush up on those as well.

Using the Help Mode:

One feature I used when preparing for the exam, is to turn on key describer mode (Insert+1 on the number row), having a good grasp of the keyboard will help you a lot during the test.

Keep a level head, even during the exam feel free to press the different key strokes.

It’s ok to fail:

I failed the exam 3 times before getting my passing score, so don’t beat yourself up if you fail the first time and second time round, just give it another crack and you’re sure to pass sooner or later.

Why should I get certified?

It’s a great way to test your overall knowledge of JAWS, plus you get the tick of approval from VFO Group, formally Freedom Scientific.

For me the biggest thing, is helping my fellow blind friends on list serves and what not, if they require it.

Also, if a job was to come up as an Adaptive Technology Trainer, having the certification holds you in good stead.

Conclusion:

The JAWS certification, is a great exam to take for anyone wanting to brush up on JAWS skills, or anyone who has been a long-term user and wants to get the tick from VFO Group,   good luck to you should you want to take it.