Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

Marjory Discouraged!

youngyoda

2003-09-29, 7:13 pm

I AM going to study more/ harder. BUT! I guess there’s always a but when you lose. The last few test I have taken have taken there toll on me. I study for the better part of the day as I am unemployed. I studied for a good 4 weeks for 70-214 and a good 5 for the security +. Ok here is the Discouraging part.

70-214: 678 passing is 700(TODAY)
SY0-101: 756 & 748 passing is 764

This makes me so mad because it shows that I am very close to passing. my supposition that I lack in one area that hurts me on the tests. So we have come to my question. Have you had Slumps like this. And how do you prepare for tests. How do your preparations differ from mine?

Here is what I do in Preparation.
Read a Sybex
Read and free study material (Microsoft books ect.)
Practice everything on my lab
Practice Questions

Thank you

Ohh at last count it have.
CompTIA [A+, i-Net+, Linux+, Server+ & Network+ Certified Professional], CIW [Associate, Professional, Security Analyst], CCA 1.8, MCSA-2k
*I don’t think I matters but I Never failed any of the other tests.

darthw

2003-09-30, 10:50 am

I think we all have some slumps. I've never failed an exam twice, but I've failed a few exams once (thankfully, 90% of the time I pass though). When I have failed, I usually only fail by a few points as well, and it is nerve-wracking, particularly when I've had a run of successes.

Each person's study methods are different, so what may work for you may not work well for someone else. For instance, I don't learn well during classroom lectures, I do better with reading the material. Of course, I think all of us benefit most from actually working on the products as well.

Here is my study method:

1. I usually get two to three books on the specific material (Sybex is usually one of them). I read each book through once, and highlight, usually with yellow or orange, the information about which I know little. (As you take more exams, much of the information becomes redundant.) Basically, I read the material to get a broad-level knowledge of the product features and configurations.

2. I usually take some "free" and "demo" exams when I can, but I also purchase one set of questions from somewhere like Boson or Exam Essentials. Then I begin taking the practice exams to assess my weak areas and begin better memorizing the material about which I've read.

3. Then, I begin rereading the three books, typically only reading the highlighted information. During this step I highlight -in a different color, usually blue or green information that I still either am not understanding or committing to memory.

4. I continue to take and retake quizzes until I am regularly scoring in the 90s.

5. Whenever possible I try to gain hands-on experience with the product. Most of the time this is possible either at home or work. However, sometimes (like for CCNA) I've had to use a simulator, as I do not have access to the IOS on our Cisco equipment.

One good thing about failing occasionally though. It keeps me on my toes, so that I aim to actually study for an exam to be prepared.

TJLeeland

2003-10-02, 1:09 pm

quote:
Originally posted by youngyoda
I Have you had Slumps like this. And how do you prepare for tests. How do your preparations differ from mine?

Personally I've never failed an exam, but I over-study. I go to sites like this and look for the books read most by those that pass and buy no less than three. For the CISSP I did four books. I do all the questions and the labs, like you.

If you've passed all the others and this is your first time failing I wouldn't get too down on yourself. Take a practice test that will tell you what area you're coming up weak on and study that.

Good luck!

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