Underestimating Certs

loxleynew

So every time I go to study for 70-290 I read through the chapters and notice that I know like 70-80% of the stuff already. Does anyone else find it hard to actually sit down and study for certs you already know most the stuff for? I mean I know on the test there will be questions asking random stuff, it's just so hard to weed out that stuff.
I had this same problem on the 270;271;272 exams and I barely studied because I get bored of reading what I already know. I did pass all those on first time, but I imagine it can only get harder.

JavonR

That's when you know its test time. When I was last minute prepping for my CCENT I would skim through chapters but always think "Man, I know ALL of this stuff" . Good luck.

undomiel

You'll probably get the same mileage as me. That was pretty much my reaction to looking through most of the MCSE tests. Didn't score as well as I wanted to but it was still passing.

Diminutive

Just make sure you do some practice tests so you know what your weaknesses are. During my MCSE studies I liked to do open book Transcenders, you can figure out what you need work on real quick that way. Second Chance made me lazy though, I typically only did one or two practice tests.

networker050184

I have the same feeling when I try to study stuff I already know. Its hard to concentrate.

For example I'm doing the ONT now and the VoIP and QoS stuff is boring me half to death because I work with the stuff on a much higher level everyday so its hard to sit and read about PRIs and FXS ports from a beginners stand point.

Just be happy that you have a head start I guess.

astorrs

You can always take the approach I use(d), take some practice tests first (Transcender or Self Test Software) and read/lab up on the areas you don't immediately know the answers to. Once you're feeling confident do the practice test again and see if your hitting the >90% range, then go sit the test.

Slowhand

Yup, I have the same problem. I kind of zone out when I'm covering things that I already know or are familiar with, and can sometimes miss things within that reading/watching that I need. I find that sometimes I just have to muscle through it and just study, and other times I can figure out what I need to study and skip over things I already know. Either that, or I try to find new and amuzing ways to study things I find boring and/or repetitive, like using CBTs as opposed to reading for example. Now excuse me, I'm off to start some reading. . .
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jibbajabba

Same here .. one reason I just went for the Vista exam .. and guess what .. I failed with 678 ...

The problem really is : You know soooo much and yet there a few bits and bops you don't know but reading 1000 pages to find those bits and bops is just not for me ...

I think one of the first exams I signed up for the 2nd shot because I knew I might get a surprise

I have two more exams left on my plan (70-646 / 70-647) and then I am done .. Need a change myself

RHCE - I LOVE performance based exams .. I wish every Microsoft exam would be like that ..

dtlokee

I have the same issues with reading a book, I need to force myself to read slowly, take notes, and memorize things the first time through. I find that if I read it once through then go back and attempt to re-read it I will just end up skimming it because of what I remember from the first pass.

neathneathneath

loxleynew wrote:

So every time I go to study for 70-290 I read through the chapters and notice that I know like 70-80% of the stuff already. Does anyone else find it hard to actually sit down and study for certs you already know most the stuff for?

I agree, I found that with the 70-290 but when you see topics arising in the exam it makes you feel good and confident to have a go at the questions.

However, I'm finding the 70-291 quite the opposite - like a brick wall at present, different kettle of fish

loxleynew

neathneathneath wrote:

loxleynew wrote:

So every time I go to study for 70-290 I read through the chapters and notice that I know like 70-80% of the stuff already. Does anyone else find it hard to actually sit down and study for certs you already know most the stuff for?

I agree, I found that with the 70-290 but when you see topics arising in the exam it makes you feel good and confident to have a go at the questions.

However, I'm finding the 70-291 quite the opposite - like a brick wall at present, different kettle of fish

I can't wait for the 291. I love learning new things, especially DNS which confuses me.

Well I signed up for the 2nd shot, so if i fail I can always just do it again =/