The Beast claims another victim :(

Took the exam this morning and failed with a 495.
48 questions and 1 sim.
Felt pretty confident throughout and overall "feel" of the exam was not as difficult as I was led to believe. The format of the exam was fairly straightforward too. About six questions were out of my depth and were pretty vague (DNS). Some other questions needed a bit of guesswork.
My exam printout showed about 50% in all areas except Network Security (say 40%).
Even RRAS was about 50%.
I've got a second shot on this one so all is not lost, back to the books and try to find a way to improve my performance by at least 20-25%.
I've used CBT Nuggets, ExamCram2, MS Press and SelftestSoftware (but only bought this recently). Been studying pretty hard for 5 months but it seems that I'm a bit below par on this one. Doesn't help that I don't deal much with DNS and certainly not RRAS at work.
Others on this forum have mentioned the syngress book - any recommendations?
(I find the Exam Cram2 Book is not quite up to scratch and the MS Press is on a different planet).
Any ideas on test retake action plan welcomed - need to re-sit before second shot expires in June - will have to check the exact date.
48 questions and 1 sim.
Felt pretty confident throughout and overall "feel" of the exam was not as difficult as I was led to believe. The format of the exam was fairly straightforward too. About six questions were out of my depth and were pretty vague (DNS). Some other questions needed a bit of guesswork.
My exam printout showed about 50% in all areas except Network Security (say 40%).
Even RRAS was about 50%.
I've got a second shot on this one so all is not lost, back to the books and try to find a way to improve my performance by at least 20-25%.
I've used CBT Nuggets, ExamCram2, MS Press and SelftestSoftware (but only bought this recently). Been studying pretty hard for 5 months but it seems that I'm a bit below par on this one. Doesn't help that I don't deal much with DNS and certainly not RRAS at work.
Others on this forum have mentioned the syngress book - any recommendations?
(I find the Exam Cram2 Book is not quite up to scratch and the MS Press is on a different planet).
Any ideas on test retake action plan welcomed - need to re-sit before second shot expires in June - will have to check the exact date.
Comments
Although there's no rush, I've looked at possible options when I can re-take this test and there are two choices, 8 weeks time or 14 weeks time.
Do you think its better to go for the 14 weeks to allow more time or go for it at 8 weeks whilst its fresh in my mind. (you can only book 8 weeks ahead with prometric)
The second shot offer would cover either.
I say book the exam now for 8 weeks out, and then go about reviewing. As you go through your round 2 studies, if you find that you're a bit head you can always move up the test date...and if you're lagging behind or need more review, then you can always push back the test.
Next Up: Security+, 291?
Enrolled in Masters program: CS 2011 expected completion
When I failed the first time 2 weeks ago I went back and hammered on Transcender and Self-Test mixing in going over reading what I was weak in. Yesterday I passed so keep your chin up and I'm sure you'll pass as well.
I would highly recommend starting with the videos on DNS at Online software tutorials, training CDs, Photoshop Tutorials, Dreamweaver Tutorials, Apple Tutorials from vtc.com. They go into the detail that I felt was missing from the books.
Then maybe snag Transcender questions. I am sure now that you have seen the level of complexity you'll figure it out.
Daniel, thanks for the link. I am watching the 291 demos right now. I used the VTC for my Security+ studies, the author was not bad, a little dry, but the material did cover a good bit and in depth. He at least had experience in the security side of IT, which probably helped. Are you using the monthly subscription or just the free demos? Not trying to highjack this thread however.....
Once MCSE 2k3 completed:
WGU: BS in IT, Design/Management
Finish MCITP:EA, CCNA, PMP by end of 2012
After that, take a much needed vacation!!!!!
Good luck!
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You mentioned using both Transcender and Self-Test. I'm finding the bookwork a bit much at the moment, so I've decided to hit the selftests and transcenders every day with some extra book work. I've signed up for the 30 day Web access of transcenders to try it out and am finding many of the questions (in particular DNS) not so long-winded as the selftestsoftware ones. Some questions are identical. Any thoughts on using both Transcender and Self-Test - my gut feeling is to crack on with Transcenders as it seems to be a bit more user-friendly.