Failed 70-646 Miserably
neathneathneath
Posts: 438Member
Just got back from the Test Centre - failed with a 550 
The format of the exam was staightforward, just 40 questions to answer in 90 minutes.
Very few questions I could answer immediately and I marked over 20 for review.
There was enough time to finish all the questions and review as needed.
I'm not sure if the PRO series of exams is a different animal to the MCTS exams - any thoughts?
I've got a second shot on this, so I'll reschedule and have another go before the end of the month
I will look at the exam report and review my weak areas - Server Deployment / Server Management - maybe I'm not familiar with the management / planning aspect of this exam type?
I've used MS Press Training Kit, Syngress and some of the 70-640/2 Exam cram notes.
Used Transcenders also.
Would it be worthwhile getting the CBT Nuggets for this exam - anyone used them for this exam (70-646)?
Well its back on the horse and back to the books I reckon
I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have taken this exam, whether passed or failed.
The format of the exam was staightforward, just 40 questions to answer in 90 minutes.
Very few questions I could answer immediately and I marked over 20 for review.
There was enough time to finish all the questions and review as needed.
I'm not sure if the PRO series of exams is a different animal to the MCTS exams - any thoughts?
I've got a second shot on this, so I'll reschedule and have another go before the end of the month
I will look at the exam report and review my weak areas - Server Deployment / Server Management - maybe I'm not familiar with the management / planning aspect of this exam type?
I've used MS Press Training Kit, Syngress and some of the 70-640/2 Exam cram notes.
Used Transcenders also.
Would it be worthwhile getting the CBT Nuggets for this exam - anyone used them for this exam (70-646)?
Well its back on the horse and back to the books I reckon
I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have taken this exam, whether passed or failed.
Comments
Current Certs: MCTS | Network+
Currently Working On: CCNA
2020 Goals: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, Linux+
Its tougher then the 640,642 and they throw the extra in as well (SCOM,SCCM and MOSS).
Better luck on the retake
Think of this try as a practice!!
I didn't actually study for this exam - I booked it a week after passing the 649 exam which I DID study for using CBT's. The 649 nuggets cover a wide range of topics that I even used recently on the 70-680 in regards to deployment scenarios.
I'd suggest printing the objectives list from MS Learning; grabbing a highlighter and working out where you're weakest. I only passed 646 with a 720 and it IS a tough exam, but you can do it mate
Thanks for the comments folks
I've just bought the 70-646 CBT Nuggets.
Over the next few weeks, I will be working though my weaker topics with some more reading and Transcenders.
Just need to get an extra 15% - I'd settle for that
Please let us know how CBT Nuggets covered this exam. I have reviewed the course outline vs. the Trainsignal 646 and CBT Nuggets looks a little more complete. The 647 exam from CBT Nuggets definitely looks more complete vs TS.
Although I'm glad I have the TS Videos, I'm seriously thinking about using CBT Nuggets for my next few exams (646, 643 & 647). At a minimum, I will try at least one just to see how they compare and will post back with my opinion.
I've been through most of the CBT videos and they seem pretty good to me and they link in with the 70-646 objectives / requirements for the exam.
I'm doing my second shot of this exam on Thursday 24th, we'll see then if its been of use - i'm looking to get a 15% improvement on my last effort
1. You don't spend an hour on the same question and leave the last 10 questions unanswered when time expires.
2. Sometimes one question will give you an answer to another question.
3. The second time you look at something, often it can be clearer. Staring at the same question for 10 minutes likely won't change how you are looking at it. Looking for 5 minutes and doing something else for an hour could.
On my first pass through I will only an answer that I am sure of. If I'm not sure, I'll still answer it but then mark it to come back to. If I have completely no idea, I might take a guess and mark it, or I might just leave it blank.
On the second pass, I only change an answer that I am sure is mistaken. I usually find that on my second pass through I don't change many questions that I marked.
From time to time, even after 2 passes I don't have an answer. Usually there are 1-2 of these per test. I'll look at them again, spend a little longer on them, and then just take a stab in the dark.
On the second and third pass I will write the letters on my sheet.
A
B
C
D
I will then put an X over them if I can rule them out. This just helps me visually see which options are still on the table.
Same time, same channel, 40 question in 90 minutes, format of exam was straightforward.
Worked hard for 90 minutes and reviewed as suggested by "Devilsbane" - much appreciated.
Did not need to amend many original questions answered. Avoided "second guessing"
Pressed the button at the end - Fail with 550 - same score as last time
Its not the failing that's the problem, its when you feel that you have done enough to pass and thought the questions were ok that's so demoralising.
I was getting 90% + on selftestsoftware and transcenders but the questions bore no resemblence to these practice tests. (on other exams I have found tests to be similar - this exam is a different animal)
I'm planning on a re-sit in 6 weeks time - will have to go back to the drawing board with my approach.
I thought that I was capable of getting "that extra 15%" but it was a completely different test and none of the previous problems I swotted up on came up.
Looks like its back to the books tomorrow
How far off do you think 55% is (near or miles off?) I reckon about 6 questions
I'm not sure how you feel that you have done enough to pass. The only test that I felt sure that I had passed was the 70-290 (which oddly enough was my narrowest pass). And really I think that was mostly hoping rather than expecting as I had driven nearly 300 miles to the test and refused to have done so in vain. All of the other ones I sit there waiting thinking, it is a 50-50 shot whether I pass this test. I did what I could and hopefully it was enough.
This sounds like the best option. How do the score reports compare? I would guess that they would look nearly the same. Isolate those areas and study heavily. Maybe a new book by a new author is needed. No need to set an exam date, I understand with the second shot there was pressure to do it again. Take several weeks and review everything, use the forums to ask questions about things that you don't understand fully. Gaining the perspective of a peer can often make the difference. Also make an effort to answer other peoples questions. Answering someone elses question is one of the best learning tools because it solidifies that knowledge in your head.
First of all it likely isn't 55%. Microsoft won't tell you how they grade their tests, but each question probably isn't equal to the other questions. Maybe you only got a few wrong, but they were the questions that Microsoft thought were very important.
How do you prepare the last couple nights? Do you stay up until 3:00 the night before studying, or do you hit the bed early?
How was the CBT Nuggets video for this exam? Didn't that help? I've been reviewing the 70-642 material because I rushed that exam a little but I'm getting ready to start on my 70-646 next week.
In retrospect I think that the second shot offer maybe brought forward any exam plans and I may have been not quite ready as its a tough test. I passed the 70-648 in February.
With regards some of the comments above, the CBT Nuggets for this are very good - I need to target certain topics.
My exam prep seems ok., i'm familiar with the routine of getting some sleep and not cramming etc before an exam. Last couple of days just watch a CBT or two and review notes I've made.
I've also ordered the Sybex book on the 70-646 as I find the MS Press Kit very good but heavy weather. I've not read the Sybex series of books but they seem to be highly spoken of on this forum. Back to the drawing board today............
Amazon.com: MCITP: Windows Server 2008 Server Administrator Study
Yes that's the one I've ordered in the UK. Should be with me on Monday or Tuesday
and FYI every question on the exam now is about 2008R2 and Windows 7 ....