failed the first one.

ajalex44

I got a 716 this time out. I was using Exam Cram II and the ..For Dummies series as well as a couple of security design classes. I thought I was ready but there was quite a bit I just didn't recognise.

Any suggestions?

lordy

Hi and welcome to the forum,

as you are rather close to the passing score (which is mid 700, iirc) I would recommend that you review your material, take a look at the TechNotes on this site and maybe take a look at the Syngress Security+ book.

I have read one Exam Cram book so far and I found it to be pretty bad (a pain to read and missing information) so maybe another book could be helpful.

On other thing crossing my mind. Take a look at the Vouchers at GetCertify4Less.com, they could save you some money on the second try. Look for the Promotion-Code here in the forums to get another small discount and help the site

Regards,
Lordy

ajalex44

I'll do that. Thanks for the input.

as an add-on, I have 3 tests remaining for my MCSE 2000 and I'm using the SEC+ as one of the electives since it carries it's own cert and will give the add on for the MCSE/security. I've done all this without actually working in the field. I really need to break in and start working in IT. Any comments along those lines?

lordy

You're welcome.

Sec+ is indeed a nice elective for both MCSE 2000 and 2003. Not to forget that it's a good stand-alone cert

If you haven't worked in the field then I would highly suggest getting some hands-on experience. There is NOTHING that can replace hands-on experience.

Since you probably have worked with Windows a lot I personally would recommend to give a Live Linux-CD (like Knoppix) a try and to make a few first steps into the Cisco world (that's always worth it).

Look at all the techniques and tools you are currently using and ask yourself if you really understand them down to the very bottom. Look around outside the Windows and M$ world and see what else you haven't got your hands on yet.

Of course it's your decision what you want to focus on, just my 0.02 EUR

ajalex44

You're actually just saying what I've started to realize over the past few months myself. At the very least I want to get the hardware skills at the routers hubs and switches, etc. etc....

I appreciate your thoughts.

Thx

Kittyfresita

I failed the first time I took it and I only used the Exam Cram book. For my second attempt I bought the Syngress book, which I found much better and explained more clearly most of the topics. I also used practice exams and the technotes from here. On my 2nd attempt I passed it.

Be sure to review: Digital Certificates, IPSec, PKI, attacks, honeypots, forensics, organizational security, encryption algorithms, firewalls, DMZ, intranets...

Good luck in your next attempt!

TURTLEGIRL

I passed this one first time round. Better luck next time. I used the technotes from here, MS press, and Tcat. I also used 'learnkey' and CBT Nuggets' for video based training and good and faithful Tcat's guide.

Best of Luck

qsub

ajalex44 wrote:

I'll do that. Thanks for the input.

as an add-on, I have 3 tests remaining for my MCSE 2000 and I'm using the SEC+ as one of the electives since it carries it's own cert and will give the add on for the MCSE/security. I've done all this without actually working in the field. I really need to break in and start working in IT. Any comments along those lines?

Apply for a helpdesk position. Apparently I managed to get one with only one year of college schooling for network administration. I had no certifications at the time of hire either.

And from all the people I met at training, some seem to even be programmers, one is doing a co op semester although he's going to have a programming degree. Just try the online job websites

Good luck on the security+

I can vouch for the Syngress book, that's what I'm reading now.

ajalex44

I just finished putting up my resume on Dice and Computer jobs. Hopefully things will start happening!