Plazma's CCNA Tips

Plazma

Well i would like to make this thread sticky as I feel it would be beneficial to anyone pursuing the CCNA wether it be the 640-801 or the 640-802 or the 2 exam method. Also can be used for other Testing such as Microsoft, Sun, Comptia.. etc.

## Things to do Before Testing ##

1. Always get a good nights sleep the night before the test. (This is SUPER important, if you go in with 4 hours of sleep and groggy, your only going to think "Man, I'm tired, I need sleep, did i leave the oven on?")

2. Always eat a good breakfast. (This is often neglected, but it really does make a huge impact)

3. One thing that helped me was this product called '5 hour energy'. It is essentially a liquid B-Complex with amino acids and enzymes. It REALLY does what it says, and though it may not last for a full 5 hours (me it lasts about 3-4 hours), it ideally should last long enough to keep you focused.

4. Do something to clear your head, become an observer of your thoughts and do not follow them, this is actually a form of meditation, and is optional, but does help.

5. Physically write down notes from a book or Video. (This really is hard to self-motivate yourself to do because it involves a lot of tedious hard work, but it is proven by physically writing notes down your mental retention increases 10 fold).

## Things to do During Testing ##

1. Try reading the question backwards, from answers to question - this in a way helps your mind by transversing your thought pattern, and lets your brain 'break out' of its proverbial linear thinking shell and thus is kinda like a rejuvenation to your psyche. (This works best on shorter questions as the longer ones can contain hidden detail/wording that if missed , can cost you points.

2. Know the answer to the question, or at least have a decent idea of the answer, as soon as you read it without looking at the answers. (This is kinda contradictory to the 1st, but really seems to work universally on any question.

3. Write your answers down on the provided dry-erase stuff they give you. (See #5 above - by writing it down you have a better chance of jogging other clouded/convoluted/sleeping thoughts stuck in your brain.



I think this will be very beneficial to some members of this forum, it really helped me out. I cannot guarantee it will work for everyone who reads it so your mileage may vary.


Best of luck to all!

sthomas

Plazma wrote:

1. Always get a good nights sleep the night before the test. (This is SUPER important, if you go in with 4 hours of sleep and groggy, your only going to think "Man, I'm tired, I need sleep, did i leave the oven on?")

If you can't get a good night sleep for whatever reason then drink a lot of caffeine in the morning.

Also, the evening before your exam go out and do something fun so you can relieve some stress.