Failed 70-680 twice

Echo64

I really don't know what else to do, I have used the Measure Up program, read the Microsoft 70-680 book, and watched all of Professor Messer's videos. The sections I keep having trouble with are "Configuring Network Connectivity" and Configuring Access to Resources". I always have such a hard time with networking questions because there just seems to be so much information and it overwhelms me. Now I have to wait 2 months and hopefully not get kicked out of the house in the meantime.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do differently because my future is practically hanging off of passing this exam.

Just to add my score was 540 the last time and 590 this time.

Cold Titanium

Is it the specific configuration within Win7 or just networking in general?

Bokeh

Seems the preferred book for 70-680 is Don Poulton's. Are you using anything else besides measure UP and Prof Messer? Are you doing any labs at all, or just watching?

ITMonkey

Bokeh wrote: »

Are you doing any labs at all, or just watching?

@Bokeh's comment is valid. Some people learn best by listening, others by reading, and yet others by doing. The exam is tough to pass. Play to our strengths.

I might add reading Microsoft TechNet articles and development team blogs on any given topic you are studying.

Mike-Mike

Echo64 wrote: »

Just to add my score was 540 the last time and 590 this time.

That's about how I did......

Rosco2382

This test sounds tough, I thought about skipping Network+ and diving into this exam first... I'm nervous.

N2IT

Rosco you might want to go for it now. You'll need quite a bit of time studying for this bad boy, but I can promise you this cert looks a lot better overall than Network +

bub9001

N2IT wrote: »

Rosco you might want to go for it now. You'll need quite a bit of time studying for this bad boy, but I can promise you this cert looks a lot better overall than Network +

I would agree with N2, the MCTS really helped me with my Employer. It seems like such a easy exam, but it's a sneaky little bugger. I didn't pass it on my first try, because I under estimated it. I look back and wished I would have did more Labs then I did. I know that I would have save some money in the long run. I would print out the objectives and read over them. If you find one that your shaky on, then Lab it. Re-watch Professors video's, and take a few notes you can review in your free time. It's one of those exams you have to fully understand the material to pass it.

Hope this helps.

About7Narwhal

Mike-Mike wrote: »

That's about how I did......

Seems Mike-Mike and myself can relate to your issue. First time I failed with a 6** and the second with a 590. I went backwards somehow. This one has been really tough for me but I have given myself ample time for it this time. I think labs are big. Grab VMWare and lab it up. Hell, I even broke down and bought a CBT Nuggets subscription (I do not regret the decision). You are certainly not alone. I hope to hear success from you in the future as I imagine defeating this exam will be quite the feeling. Good Luck.

kriscamaro68

itfreetraining.com

Check it out before you take the exam again.

Mike-Mike

About7Narwhal wrote: »

I even broke down and bought a CBT Nuggets subscription (I do not regret the decision).

I was considering this as well

About7Narwhal

The way I see it, I spend more a month on fast food. Plus, If I finish before the month is up, I can start looking at other topics if I want. I do most of my watching at work, so I pretty much get it for free cause I am paid to watch it.

Rosco2382

I just ordered the Don Poulton Book. Any other book you guys recommend? MCTS 70-680 Cert Guide: Microsoft Windows 7, Configuring: Don Poulton: 9780789747075: Amazon.com: Books

daviddws

I'll be taking my exam this weekend (third time). It's been an adventure. Hopefully I know the secret Microsoft handshake to pass this time around.

N2IT

@ David good luck.

IMO This one certification trumps A+, N+, and S+. I hope you bring home a winner.

yoshiiaki

This was definitely a tough cert. When I was told that I needed it for WGU, I didn't think it would be that difficult. I knew people complained of the difficulty, however I figured I'd have an advantage as I troubleshoot Windows 7 on a daily basis plus with the knowledge of my CCNA training from a community college. Then when I took it the first time, I failed. Frankly it was the first test I had failed and it felt horrible. I knew I couldn't see a fail again, so I read over everything and labbed it all. even if I knew I knew it, I went over it. One thing I utilized was WGU's lab-sim issued from some company. I forget the name right now. Plus, I had a friend who has win 7 ult. And he allowed me to use his computer occasionally to do some of the stuff that's only available on ult/ent.
Typically what I do is
1. read a book on the parts I need help in
2. then watch some videos of someone doing said thing.
3. I then lab the situation while watching the video to get a physical feel of it
4. then I lab it without any resources.
5. Then I move on and then sporadically try to repeat number 4 on various subject I was having trouble with.
6. once I'm ready for the test, I do step 4 for everything and study up on stuff I'm still having trouble with.
That's how I function. It's helpful to find how you learn best and make that a center point for studying. as ITMonkey stated, that's advice I'd give everyone for any test.

daviddws

Passed with score of 825!

About7Narwhal

Awesome. Without breaking NDA, any major topics that should be focused on?

About7Narwhal

About7Narwhal wrote: »

I even broke down and bought a CBT Nuggets subscription (I do not regret the decision).

For anyone who is considering $99.00 for the CBT Nuggets sub I would suggest it in conjunction to Messer. CBT Nuggets came off as more lecture based, providing great information and resources for further study beyond the exam. Messer was more liken to a Lab course, going step by step through simulations. Both provide lecture and lab based information, just seems like the focus is stronger depending on the provider. In addition, the CBT Nuggets sub provides access to sample files and settings for download, transcender practice exams (which explain all answers and link directly to TechNet articles), plus the option to download MP3 for the bus or drives to work along with an app for Android & iPhone.

Again, $99.00 isn't super cheap, but it is certainly a good investment. If anyone is hesitant to make the jump, I am pretty sure they offer a trial of some sort, though I have not confirmed this. Hope this helps anyone who might be on the fence.