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Taking Exam is no fun. There’s a reason it’s a familiar nightmare for anyone that’s ever been in school, even briefly. This goes double for CompTIA exams which are a significant investment regarding time and preparation.
But just because it’s hard does not mean it is impossible. People pass and get their CompTIA certifications every day. While nothing will ever replace thorough studying, these 12 tricks and secrets to help you pass your Exam are sure to help you show up for test day confident and ready.
1) Memorize the Test Objectives
While this might seem like a no-brainer, knowing the test objectives does more than just prepare you for the layout of the exam. It is a roadmap that lets you know how fast or slowly you are moving through the material.
Time is of the essence in these tests and knowing where you are and how much you have left is vital. Not to mention the fact that studying the objectives means you are more prepared to take and pass your test in general. Which is a very good thing.
2) Know What Type of Learner You Are
Everyone studies differently. Maybe you need to write things down. Perhaps you need silence. Maybe reading voraciously helps you retain knowledge or perhaps you need to define the concepts to someone out loud. It is more of an art form than an exact science.
Figuring out what works best for you is the best CompTIA exam trick when you have to do a ton of studying. This article gives you an idea of some of the excellent ways to survey while this quiz can tell you if you are an auditory, visual, or kinetic learner. It can make all the difference when you’re on your tenth hour of studying.
3) Practice, Practice, Practice
Edusum.com provides practice questions for almost every exam including A+, Network+, Security+, and more. In addition to giving you an idea of how ready you are overall, you can hyperfocus on the areas you are having problems with.
When you are reviewing your answers, figure out what you keep getting wrong and then redouble your study efforts in those areas.
4) Build a Computer or Set up a Network
This is especially necessary for the CompTIA A+ exam and the N10-007 Network+ exam. The 220-1001 CompTIA A+ exam covers hardware while 220-1002 CompTIA A+ covers software. While it might sound daunting, building an actual computer is a great way to prepare for the exam. It will be essential in understanding not just the theory, but the actual practice. The same goes for the Network+ exam. There is no better way to understand networks than to set one up yourself.
It comes down to this: It is easier to remember which port is which if you just finished interacting with them in real life. If this just is not possible, finding a virtual lab is the next best thing. Our CompTIA A+ Certification contains hands-on experience with building computers, a significant component of any IT education. As for our online classes, we provide a virtual environment for students to get the experience they need.
5) Skip Strange Exam Questions
Again, these tests are about managing time and are graded on a pass-fail basis. So, if a question seems too hard, skip it! On a test like SY0-501 Security+ there are beta questions, apparently random questions which are being worked out for a future version of the test. They are not graded, which is good, though it is hard to tell what is and is not a beta question so don’t skip TOO many questions without answering.
6) Be Prepared for CompTIA’s Performance-Based Questions
Performance-based questions ask the taker to perform a task or solve a problem in a simulation. More complicated than your standard multiple-choice, these questions take time and can be intimidating if you’re not prepared. However, they don’t have to bring your test to a screeching halt.
First, it is essential to know that most PBQs will come toward the beginning of the test and, while they are a little more complicated, they aren’t impossible. The best defense is a good offense, and preparing for these questions with online labs will make it much more comfortable. However, if you reach the issue and don’t feel confident, it’s okay to skip it for the moment and come back to it.
7) BEST, MOST, LEAST
One of the easiest exam tricks is if a question includes capitalized words like “BEST,” “MOST,” or “LEAST,” pay attention! This provides you a hint as to what the question is asking. There could be some answers that seem to fit, but only one that corresponds with the obtained word and will help you pass your test.
8) Join an Online Community for CompTIA Exam Tricks
Finding a CompTIA Community Forum is a great way to work out your brain. They are a lot of significant resources, study suggestions, which is full of people who have either passed their Exam or who are inundated in the process. If you require extra help with a tricky section, ask! They are always happy to share the secrets to their success and give all the information about the tests you could want.
9) Make a Study Plan to Pass Exam
Studying for a CompTIA exam is no different. Plan out the time between now and when you are going to take your test.
Be sure to allow more time for complicated subjects or areas you might need some extra help on subjects. Set aside an amount of time each day to apply to different objectives. Then, study, study, study.
10) Know the Multiple-Choice Tricks
While multiple-choice questions can cause you to tear your hair out, there are a few ways to even the odds. Always eliminate answers that are wrong. Think of, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The odds are still better when you cut it down to 50/50.
Second, recall information related to the question. This can be a surprisingly efficient method for remembering the right answer. If two of the answers are connected, that probably means that one of them is correct. If all of the answers looks wrong, you might want to re-read the question to figure out what they’re asking.
And lastly, skipping a question and coming back to it can be helpful. A question later in the test might key you into an answer the question earlier. For more tricks, check out this article on multiple-choice questions. You will be glad you did and made this portion of the test a little less daunting when you finally schedule your exam.
11) Avoid “Brain Dumps”
Sometimes it is not about how much you study, but where you are getting your materials. Using official CompTIA textbooks or materials from well-established industry pros is a great way to ensure you are getting quality materials.
As for what to avoid, two words: brain dumps. A brain dump is when someone posts test questions after taking an exam. They often contain the answers. While this might seem like the best place to gain knowledge, be careful. There is no quality control; you have no idea if you are getting the correct answer, and, while it might help you pass the test, it will not do you any favors when you are trying to use the knowledge in the real world.
Worst of all, brain dumps can get the person posting them in legal trouble since CompTIA exam takers have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Use Online Practice Test instead of braindumps, Edusum.com provides best Practice Test on ComTIA Certifications
12) Treat Yourself Well on the Day of Your CompTIA Exam
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to show up well-rested, fed, hydrated, caffeinated, and de-stressed (at least, as stress-free as possible). While last-minute cramming can be necessary, you need to leave yourself sufficient time to get a full 8 hours of sleep. Be sure to eat some protein in the morning (oatmeal is always good brain food).
Making sure you know the testing location is especially important. If you do have to travel to a new place, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time in case you get lost. Finally, grow up your confidence to prepare for the test. Give yourself a pep talk. You have done the hard work. You have got this.