I failed Network+

avigirl

Hi all,

I'm so disappointed...I failed network+ last week. I was a bit discouraged and stopped studying for a week. BAD IDEA! I've picked it back up though and hoping to rewrite and PASS this week. I originally got 493. I thought I would have done better.

After failing I was worried that I didn't have it in me to continue on with MCSE, however after reading some posts, I felt better knowing that others found Network+ to be a difficult exam. I feel better. Thanks!

Slowhand

Don't let it get you down. For as much as people say that CompTIA exams are easy, you should never underestimate any exam. I found some things on the "lowly" A+ exams that threw me for a loop, sometimes making my head hurt even worse than some of the MCSA exams. Just get back to studying, make sure you set yourself up a little home lab to play with, and you'll pass the exam in no time. It may be difficult, but it's not impossible.

avigirl

Thanks for the encouragement - it's much appreciated! I've been studying all day...the ol' brain is starting to ache!

Slowhand

Don't forget to take a brain-break every once in a while. A week is probably too long, but there's no harm in taking a 'no-study' day and just relaxing. Learning all the topics you need to know for an exam is a daunting process, and it can take weeks, months, somtimes years (take a peek at the CCIE forums and you'll see what I mean). Giving yourself a lazy Sunday to go out and unwind is never a bad thing. Just make sure you get back to studying once you've wrung out your brain.

shaun5263

I recommend selftestsoftware.com as a study aid. very good simulation of the real thing, and really shows you what you need to study by taking the practice tests. It costs but is worth it in my opinion.

avigirl

Yes, I've purchased Transcender - it's helping. When I get a question wrong, I read the answer, do more research if necessary, then move on to the next question. I find it's a great way to learn. I'm currently getting high 70's - low 80% Once I can consistently get high 80's, I'll rewrite.

I have no previous Network experience and have completed Learnkey's Network+ tutorial. It's been helpful.

SrAtechie

Yes, don't sweat it! Everyone's given really good advice on what to study so I'll just mention that it's also important to relax when studying and especially when taking the test. You can know every bit of information backwards and forwards but if you go into your study session or even into the testing center on test day, all of that becomes moot if you're so uptight that all that great information gets lost in the moment. Take a little one or two minute pause before you start studying, and take long deep breaths until you feel calm. Then start studying. You won't believe how much easier studying becomes when you're relaxed! And I know how hard it is to relax during testing, especially when you've failed it once or twice before, but I'm sure if you again take that one or two minute pause to calm your nerves, you'll pass without stress!

netcom2000

Hi there.

Sorry to hear you failed, get back on the proverbial bike, and try again, and its true, Net+ is not as easy as some make out, folk seem to understimate Network +, but is the foundation for a future networkng career, and is just as important as say an MCP, which limits you to a certain Microsoft OS or server, whereas Network + fro CompTIA is vendor neutral, try and discover you weaker ares, and work hard on them, some people find the OSI model daunting for example, or WAN technologies, its just the individual, anyway good lck, and please dont give up, it will al be worth it in the end, and a nice CompTIA Certified Network Profesional certificate, ID badge and use of logos, for your CV, will be on thier way to you, once you pass, and Im sure you will next time

KGhaleon

I think CompTia exams are only easy because the answers are short, usually with one or two lines and multiple choice answers. It was a difficult exams, but if you keep practicing your bound to get it next time.

KG

avigirl

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I've been studying a ton these last couple of days and I'm hoping to re-write and PASS on Friday...maybe even Thursday if I wake up feeling lucky!

This is a great site, great forum - glad I found it!

coldbug

i used these methods to pass..same thing i did with A+, and will do the same with MCP next. you dont have to follow these guidelines in order..its just to give you an idea of exactly what i did. its up to you! Regular daily routine exercise is highly recommended. stretch out, walk, or jog..whatever

1. Have a highlighter and mechanical pencil 0.5 ready<i never liked a pen..lol>

2. Two 1 Subject Notebooks <70-100 sheets wide ruled>, and have nothing but write this down on the very first page "I WILL PASS THIS NETWORK+ THING" in a huge huge bold letters.

3. Index cards to use them as Flashies<write down things to remember the most, and dont write long sentences> e.g Class C =255.255.255.0
wrap the cards with a rubber band, and take them to work, school, bathroom, etc and keep flashing them until you put them in ur head.

4. Read Network+ by David Groth and Toby Skandier <i used 4th edition from Sybex series>, as you read it, highlight anything that you feel might be on the test.

5. Take notes in your notebook.

6. Read the book second time..this time..only read the Highlighted areas

7. Take about 2-3 days break..go to ur GF's house or beach or wherever i dont care..lol..just dont watch Dr. Phil at this time since he doesn't know what he is talking about. hehe <oh..make sure u brought the Fleshy cards with you in case if you wanna refresh>

8. Now, go to Borders or Barnes and Noble, and get Exam Cram 2 <i used 2nd edition> also grab Exam Cram 2 Practice Questions Book.

9. Start reading the Exam Cram 2. at the end of every chapters, use Practice Questions to test yourself.

10. You will find wrong answers when you check it. Calm down..dont panic..its ok..i was doing like 55-60% at first. Whatever the score you get, convert to % and rate it in big numbers..if you got like 43% or less, go play your favorite song of the year really really loud..just make sure its not 1am in the middle of Bronx, NY.

11. Now, grab your second notebook, and write down the questions that you did wrong. Also, write down its choices A,B,C,D

12. At the back of the book, write down the answers. Like this : 1. B
2. B
3. A

13. go to this site
http://www.cramsession.com/certifications/products/product-details.asp?product_id=10030&product_type=study+guides

14. Print out the study guide sheet.

15. Take another 2-3 days break. This time..try to go somewhere not crowded. Relax like you never relaxed before..and DO NOT BRING anything to do with the studies. its almost the time to take an exam, and you really need a big break before going into Major Operation.

16. Now, review everything ..i mean everything. ur notes..flashies..Q&A notebook..Everything..This day should be a day or two before your Final Exam date at the test center..<please TURN OFF cellphone, house phone, disconnect with outside world..i recommend you tell ur GF or parents not to bother you for 2-3 days> my GF went nuts when i told her that, but she had no choice..lol
only get out of the house if the world has come to an end, Judgement Day, or you shouldn't unless you want ice cream treat from D.Q..hehe, cuz i did get out for that!


17. Get plenty of sleep on the night before the exam.

18. This is an important day of your life. So, tell God that you about to go take the exam and ask him to come with you<assuming you believe in God!> before u leave the house, do the last review quickly.

19. Take NOTHING but your memory to the Test Center..i know some people like to review before the test, but i dont recommend. I want you to chill a few mins before the test..you have done well my friend, and there is no need to do anything more. Test taker will tell you what you cant do in the room, and let you sign some papers. Just relax..think something funny, smile, and go into the test room FULL CONFIDENCE.

20. OK..this is it! YOu are taking the test now..Test writers are very very good at tricking you..they have all kinds of ways to Psych you out..Calm down..dont panic..they will give you SOME questions with long long long sentences..like this

Q: "Susan is System Adminstrator for blah blah blah company. She has xxx Computer, and using xxx OS. Her boss wants her to do blah blah blah.." Now the question is like 4 sentences already, and still not asking you what.."she needs to set up network protocol so her boss can blah blah blah. Which protocol she can use for Directory Access?

rest of the other stuffs were meant to shake you up..and take ur time..the only part you needed was the last part where it asked you about the protocol.
So, if you get nervous, you will read the question again..and the thing is you only have 1-2 mins each question ..there goes 5 mins you might have wasted. So, try to read the question at the end of the question, and see if is relevant to the whole question..but in this case. WHO CARES what kind of Comp she has,or where she freaking works, or what her position in a company is.. i guess you know what i am saying..
But, there are some long questions that are relevant to the whole question.
If you dont know the answer, mark it, then SKIP..dont waste your time..dont let them do that to you..thats cheap..lol I want you to Hurry, but calmed and patient.

Give yourself 10-15mins to go back to SKIPPED QUESTIONS.

21. Use all the time they give you..dont even have 1min unused.

You will have 80 questions, and 90 mins.

Good Luck!

I hope this will help you to pass and get your Network+
Wish me luck with my MCSA!