Tips for taking the 702? Anyone take it recently?

Hello all. Long time lurker, first time poster here. I'm taking my 701/702 next month just before they stop offering it. On practice tests and questions I have the 701 almost mastered, but I don't do so well on the 702. I was just wondering if anyone who has taken this recently has any input or tips, maybe some insight on what areas I should focus on?

I love hardware so that part is easy to me. I get it and enjoy studying it, but the OS stuff is like pulling teeth to me, so I'm not as passionate about my study habits when it comes to that, and it shows in my practice exam results. My employer provides access to skillsoft/skillport so I've been doing the modules on that, and I've watched a few of the Messer videos. I also have the Exam Cram book on its way from Amazon. I've been studying for over a month now, but don't really know if I'm overdoing it and worrying too much or if I'm worried just enough. I have no professional experience, but have taught myself the ins and outs of hardware, and software issues as far as programs I enjoy using (mostly audio recording stuff because I have a home studio). If only there were more questions about how MIDI works....anyway, any advice is appreciated.

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Arod95

If my memory serves me right, any of the software based questions I remember were more command like questions, and a little a bit about the different OS. For example (not an actual test question) If computer A was running windows vista enterprise what version of it can it be upgraded to. But then again everyone's test is different. But as far as hardware the were a lot of printer diagnostic questions. And that was my weak spot. Good luck with the test!

DoubleNNs

I remember my 702 being easier than the 701.
A lot of people claim the 2 exams are split between hardware and software. I don't think thats's true. It seems more like the 701 is making sure you actually know the material - it contains mostly definitions. The 702 is applications of that material - it contains scenarios, comparisons, and so forth.
I think the actual material tested on the 702 is easier than the 701 simply because the 702 uses a lot of word problems and some critical thinking, so they simplify the answers a bit.

I think if you're solid on the 701 material you'll probably do well on the 702. Just go thru your exam cram when you get it. The Exam Cram was the only book I used to pass my A+. It's a solid resource. And the questions in it are a great help as well.

Good luck!

phdillard

My main concern is how many tcp/ip questions are on the test. I feel that I have a good grasp on everything else.

Rosco2382

I don't recall many questions on TCP/IP stuff. Printers, and OS were the main focus if I recall correctly.

Snow.bros

In A+ my weakest points actually came out from the hardware specs, having said that most of the questions from the exam are hardware based questions so i think that could be an advantage in your case, you need to know all the OS's and must be able to differentiate them, thereafter i think you will be good to go.

PDF info on objectives:http://certification.comptia.org/docs/default-source/exam-objectives/CompTIA_A_220-701.pdf
http://certification.comptia.org/docs/default-source/exam-objectives/CompTIA_A_220-702.pdf

survivor030406

There are some printer diagnostic questions you will need to prepare for.
Also, know all the port numbers for various things.
Make sure you know all the utility features like winver, msinfo32, msconfig etc..
For the command line operations, it doesn't get too deep into the switches, just the most common ones should be on there.
All the study books I've seen will cover the neccasary switches you will need to know.
You must know the six step trouble shooting.
I think the hardest question went something like:
Which order would be best to do when installing a new graphics card to minimize the chance of future problems?
Then there were several lists of steps to choose for an answer like;
A: 1. bios, 2 firmware, 3 driver, 4. windows update, etc..
Then B, C, D, same things in different orders..
Do hands on work with commands, and network tools, ping, stop spooler, start spooler, etc..

I think the best advice is to print a copy of the exam objectives and just study each one in order, don't skip over anything.
Make sure you have thoroughly study and understand each objective.

Tremie24

DoubleNNs wrote: »

I remember my 702 being easier than the 701.
A lot of people claim the 2 exams are split between hardware and software. I don't think thats's true. It seems more like the 701 is making sure you actually know the material - it contains mostly definitions. The 702 is applications of that material - it contains scenarios, comparisons, and so forth.
I think the actual material tested on the 702 is easier than the 701 simply because the 702 uses a lot of word problems and some critical thinking, so they simplify the answers a bit.

I think if you're solid on the 701 material you'll probably do well on the 702. Just go thru your exam cram when you get it. The Exam Cram was the only book I used to pass my A+. It's a solid resource. And the questions in it are a great help as well.

Good luck!

Yeah 702 was easier. I saw really basic networking stuff on both exams, probably more so on 702. Some security stuff on 702. Plus some soft skill stuff, like how to hand customers. Basic trouble shooting stuff, if I hear this noise when my computer starts up what is it.

Bundiman

I just took 701 and 702 last month on the same day and finished both of them in just over an hour. I felt 701 was harder. You need to know more terminology were as 702 was more what to do. It all depends on you own history and what you are comfortable with.

grave_digger

I can relate to the original poster. I feel that am acing the 701 practice exams from my mike meyers cd and I went to comptia website and did there 30 questions exam sample and missed three. As for my 702 part I feel I little more worried. I have look at the objectives but am still worried about the troubleshooting.

Anyone can give me a tip on 702?
Will it b easier in reality if am acing the 701?

grave_digger

survivor030406 wrote: »

Which order would be best to do when installing a new graphics card to minimize the chance of future problems?
Then there were several lists of steps to choose for an answer like;
A: 1. bios, 2 firmware, 3 driver, 4. windows update, etc..
Then B, C, D, same things in different orders..
Do hands on work with commands, and network tools, ping, stop spooler, start spooler, etc..

I think the best advice is to print a copy of the exam objectives and just study each one in order, don't skip over anything.
Make sure you have thoroughly study and understand each objective.

Would the answer be drivers??

survivor030406

The choice is not for one item. It is for a series of items in a particular order.
For example:
A: bios, firmware, driver, os update, application update
B: driver, firmware, bios, application update, os update
C: firmware, bios, driver, os update, application update

application update, os update, bios, firmware, driver