Server 2003 - How do you know when you're ready to test?

Author

How do you know when you're ready to test?

Wanabe

2003-10-04, 4:57 pm

Hello all!

I'm getting ready to start the Server 2003 MCSE track through self-study and I was wondering how some of you determine when you're ready to sit for the test. This is my first attempt at persuing a cert and it will be all self-study.

I just completed my bachelor's in Computer Networking this last July and I have had quite a bit of hands-on over the past 3+ years with Server/Pro 2000 and XP so this isn't all new to me.

I've always been a bit gun shy with the idea of determining my competency level based soley on how I perform using the questions in any of the self study books. Like most, I don't like the idea of burning $100+ on a test that I don't pass. I just want to be ready. How will I know when I'm ready?

Any input from you Cert Vets would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Wanabe

Tarzanboy

2003-10-04, 6:05 pm

Well, the first sign you're ready when you hit the point where you stop thinking about whether you studied enough and start thinking about what if you can't remember what you studied.

Cheers,
TB

jeff_j_black

2003-10-04, 6:42 pm

TB, which came first: The chicken or the egg? How can you know that which you have forgotten. When you can snatch the pebble from my hand it will be time for you to leave.

Anyway, I like to go through all of the exam objectives and the related course descriptions. When you have seen all of it first hand, you are ready.

slinthi

2003-10-04, 7:08 pm

Experience provides some guidance. Frankly there is a general lack of consistency even with specific vendors regarding the degrees of difficulty associated with their exams. I tell my students that the "perfect score" is one that meets the minimum passing score. Problem we all have is knowing when you have achieved that level of competency that will provide you with the "perfect score."

Not one to take chances, I (and I suspect others on this board) error on the side of caution and typically over study. The result is that I end up knowing the material better than that required to achieve the requisite level of competency and achieve a score well above passing. Good news is that knowing the material means you don't have to worry about testing booth panic, and can relax while you judge each question.

Good luck on your efforts. You are going to hear that certification doesn't mean anything. Those sorts of comments usually come from people who don't have the drive to achieve certification. While clearly no substitute for experience, all things being equal I suspect an interviewer will take the certificated candidate over a person lacking certification.

While I'm on the subject of certifications, the clear winner this year is security related certifications. I've had to double the available seats for my CISSP/SSCP/Security+ course that I start teaching 10/18. While I'd like to credit my great teaching style, I'm not so foolish to believe that is the reason. Security training is hot right now, and at our taxpayer supported price of $54 for the class, well it is no wonder its a sellout.

Regards,

Steve Linthicum
Professor, Computer Science
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA

jeff_j_black

2003-10-04, 8:02 pm

That is an awesome bargain!

Tarzanboy

2003-10-04, 8:14 pm

A definite bargain and excellent to hear that the class is turning out so well.

For one of the local community colleges, a similiar class is 3 credits at $51/credit + fees.

Cheers,
TB

Wanabe

2003-10-05, 11:50 am

Thanks for the input folks!

Wanabe

Sponsored Links