3 replies to this topic

[jlacroix]

I wanted to get this certification before the end of the year, so I went ahead and took it on 12/31. I didn't have any specific reason why I wanted it before the end of the year but it was kind of just to say I did it in the same year as my Network+, which I got over the summer.

I made it out with an 820 so I didn't do too bad. There were some questions that threw me because they were in regards to subject matter my training resources didn't go over. For preparing for the test, I was under prepared to say the least. There just aren't that many resources available for this test as there are for others, so I felt as though I had a major disadvantage. I used Transcender and some apps I downloaded on my Droid phone to study. (I checked to make sure the apps were legit and they are). I also used uCertify but it was for the old version of the test, and not the new version.

As for how the experience went, I don't want to violate the NDA, but I can say this: Study everything. This is the most broad CompTIA test I've taken. It literally had at least two questions on everything in the official objectives. Some of the questions were about shrouds and baffles, which threw me because none of the test software I purchased went over that, and although I know what they are now, I never really knew what those things were called until this test. (Some things you see while working on computers you never actually put a name to).

I felt this test was easier than Network+, but I still had to think on my toes while taking it.

Next on my list is Linux+, though I can't start studying for it until my upcoming math class is over which will consume my brain for about five weeks.

[GlennBrown]

I wanted to get this certification before the end of the year, so I went ahead and took it on 12/31. I didn't have any specific reason why I wanted it before the end of the year but it was kind of just to say I did it in the same year as my Network+, which I got over the summer.

I made it out with an 820 so I didn't do too bad. There were some questions that threw me because they were in regards to subject matter my training resources didn't go over. For preparing for the test, I was under prepared to say the least. There just aren't that many resources available for this test as there are for others, so I felt as though I had a major disadvantage. I used Transcender and some apps I downloaded on my Droid phone to study. (I checked to make sure the apps were legit and they are). I also used uCertify but it was for the old version of the test, and not the new version.

As for how the experience went, I don't want to violate the NDA, but I can say this: Study everything. This is the most broad CompTIA test I've taken. It literally had at least two questions on everything in the official objectives. Some of the questions were about shrouds and baffles, which threw me because none of the test software I purchased went over that, and although I know what they are now, I never really knew what those things were called until this test. (Some things you see while working on computers you never actually put a name to).

I felt this test was easier than Network+, but I still had to think on my toes while taking it.

Next on my list is Linux+, though I can't start studying for it until my upcoming math class is over which will consume my brain for about five weeks.

Congrats on the pass!! Probably the first in the world for the SK-003s!!! XD
I'm about to start some video training and hit the new books.

Any suggestions on top of what you already provided? PS: i have no history in IT.. I work in a mailroom. I've proven myself capable of learning the material for my tests (good learner) and i am always up for learning and growing into an IT professional.

How are my odds (considering I passed almost all others tests with 850s)
BTW, I am a highly motivated learner. I am about to go research "shrouds and baffles" after hitting submit! [=

Anyways, any hints on key concepts that you had a hard time to learn but felt were very beneficial?

[jlacroix]

I have a hard time remembering things, and to be honest I don't remember a single actual question. I remember they asked about RIS (which I knew nothing about), shrouds and baffles (a few times), a question about MSI packages (that one was easy), some questions regarding security, RAID, basically at least two questions on each and every objective, no one more than another, which surprised me A LOT. Basically if you study all the objectives you'll be fine. I used Transcender and uCertify, though uCertify was for the 2005 edition and wasn't much help. Transcender was MUCH harder than the real thing.

As far as your odds, I don't know, because the questions are random so I don't know what your questions will be. Just take your time and study. I studied hard for only two months. Then again, I've been working on servers for two years.

The hardest part for me was SCSI and RAID. RAID turned out to be easy, but learning SCSI was a ****, and I still don't feel I know it. I came up with really pornographic sayings to try to remember them (hey, it works) but I still think I suck with SCSI. In my company, we use serial attached SCSI and iSCSI, and that's it, I have had little to no exposure with other SCSI types in the real world. When I talk about SCSI I am referring to remembering the different speeds and types, and cable lengths, which is hard for me. I think all the rest of the test was a cakewalk, however if it had asked me a bunch of SCSI questions, it would have killed me easily.

I hope that helps. There's really nothing for me to say other than it covered everything just about equally, and the test you get will likely not be like mine. Just study the material here until you get comfortable. When I purchased my voucher, I bought it from a site that gives out Transcender with the voucher, so I got a good deal on both. (Can't remember the site). I paid over $300 for the voucher with Transcender but it was worth it.

[jonclau]

Congratulations on passing!

I just passed the exam today.

I concur with your assessment, the questions covered a wide range of topics...

For future test takers, lots of RAID so know that well.