Passed 70-271!

So I finally decided to take 70-271. I took a brief course on it through a local veteran's agency last year, and put it off due to employment and my CompTIA tests.

So I decided Saturday to finally put in a cram session and register for the test. Well today I passed with 950/1000. I expected it to be a bit harder to be honest. But then again it is an entry level cert. I just heard horror stories about Microsoft wording so I was worried.

I just registered for 70-272 for tomorrow as I did studying for that over the weekend as well so I have some more time tonight to study. Just hoping to get a 700 although I'm known to be a bit of a perfectionist. I work as an IT Specialist so the terminology isn't really new to me... Although I don't have alot of experience with Outlook Express so I'm going to play around and read some more.

For resources, I used the Microsoft Training Kit and a SYBEX MCDST book.

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Comments

steve13ad

HA, I took the 271 this morning. You did beat me by a couple of points, I only got a 900.

I've been using the Sybex book as well.

I've got my 272 lined up for Friday. Good luck tomorrow!

gunbunnysoulja

steve13ad wrote: »

HA, I took the 271 this morning. You did beat me by a couple of points, I only got a 900.

I've been using the Sybex book as well.

I've got my 272 lined up for Friday. Good luck tomorrow!

lol I never thought I'd hear someone say "only 900" on a Microsoft test!!

Great score and good luck Friday! I'll report back tomorrow if I pass (hopefully!)

steve13ad

Yeah, that did sound kinda bad. But I have been using XP for almost 10 years now, thought it'll come a little easier.

950 isn't something to overlook either!

Devilsbane

Yes this is an easier Microsoft exam, but don't discredit what you've done. I know a guy that fell just short of 700 on this exam on Monday.

If you have years of experience under your belt, it can seem easier than it really is. Don't get used to that feeling though.

Congrats

gunbunnysoulja

I just got back from taking 70-272 and I definitely think this one was more challenging for me. I wasn't super familiar with Outlook Express and knowing exactly what tab something is on can be tricky. With that said, I somehow managed a 1000/1000 score. I went back and forth on a few answers several times. I think the best thing I did was to narrow things down by process of elimination and then make an educated guess when I wasn't sure. Several of the answers can be eliminated rather quickly, but then 2 answers can be considered "correct" but what is the "best" option...

Overall I'm glad I decided to finally take the MCDST, and just in time. Time to start the 70-682!

Cisco Inferno

the 682 upgrade exam is practically the 680 and the 685 half and half. Personally, I am choosing the 2 exam route when I finish MCDST. I just cant stand studying for two different exams at once. Especially when I dont have experience in a Win7 Environment.

How are you going to study for it?

gunbunnysoulja

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

the 682 upgrade exam is practically the 680 and the 685 half and half. Personally, I am choosing the 2 exam route when I finish MCDST. I just cant stand studying for two different exams at once. Especially when I dont have experience in a Win7 Environment.

How are you going to study for it?

I have a bit of experience with 7 however I can agree with your logic as that might be the smartest move. I know these exams are ALOT harder than the MCDST according to some on here so maybe I will change my mind and try one at a time. I just like the concept of the 682 as it kills two birds with one stone. Plus I read people mentioning a good aspect to studying for both 680 and 685 is that they complement each other...

For resources I know I am going to use Darril Gibson's books and probably the Microsoft Kits. I'm probably going to want to tackle 686 after as well...

What about you?

Asif Dasl

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

the 682 upgrade exam is practically the 680 and the 685 half and half. Personally, I am choosing the 2 exam route when I finish MCDST.

I know someone who took 682 and they said the 685 part is significantly easier than the 680 part FWIW.

Cisco Inferno

Asif Dasl wrote: »

I know someone who took 682 and they said the 685 part is significantly easier than the 680 part FWIW.

well of couse after hearing the hit or misses with the 680.

maybe learning them together wouldnt be a bad idea because of the overlap?

Asif Dasl

They are different sides of the same coin. 680 asks enterprise questions, 685 asks desktop support questions. Which makes 685 much easier to answer, I think he said the questions were shorter too, which helps. I am sure there is a lot of overlap in study material between the exams.