Failed CCENT

[cueball78]

I took the ICND 1 exam a couple days ago and failed, but only by probably one or two questions. The simlet questions are pretty tough, mainly because of the way they are presented and the fact that the clock is staring you in the face the whole time. I felt that it wasn't as bad as I had made it out to be in my head, but still difficult. I used the Boson test engine, which is very similar in presentation to the exam. As far as material to study, subnetting(obviously), RIP(V1&2), Three Way Handshake, PDU's at layer 2 and 3, and COMMANDS, COMMANDS, COMMANDS!!! Is it ok if I post my score?

[TheDon]

Hey go ahead with your score - we're always interested to see the lines of scores to identify patterns. When I take my CCNA I can look back and focus on the areas that seem to get most people.

I can imagine that clock being very distracting when trying to concentrate :(

[Big Evil]

Speaking from exp the clock goes away after you have done a few exams.
But that said, the way that Cisco phrase the questions is also something you get used to as well.

Mate, post up your score and the whole break down from the exam results and we can see where you need to bring the skills/knowlegde up to get a pass.

[cueball78]

I scored a 775 out of 804.

Describe operation of data networks 71%
Implement a small switched lan 78%
Ip address scheme for small office 78%
Implement a small routed network 60%
Explain & select admin. tasks for WLAN 33%
Security threats & methods to counter 67%
Implement and verify WAN links 67%

[Big Evil]

Ouch mate, that was maybe one question away from a pass! You can see that the WLAN stuff was the weak point, but i know they do not push you that hard and don't give you a ton of questions in that area too. So say you get five questions and get three wrong, you are sunk.

Start reading the WLAN stuff, and then go over the other stuff to be sure.

After reading you first post, i kinda get the idea that due to the time presure you may have rush read a question or two.

[cueball78]

Yea that was very frustrating to miss by just a few points. I should be able to pass next time if I focus on my weak areas. The next time I post will be with my passing CCENT score!

[Big Evil]

Looking forward to your pass mate.

[ciscodaze]

Yea that was very frustrating to miss by just a few points. I should be able to pass next time if I focus on my weak areas. The next time I post will be with my passing CCENT score!

I understand the frustration...my first try at CCENT was about 3 months ago...got real close like you, somewhere right around your score.

Just took it again today and got 825, (with 804 passing).

Nice to pass but a little frustrated I didnt get a better score, as I have been studying a lot.

I went over all my old stuff, Lammle, Odom, various practice tests, and then this time I used Jeremy Cioras Exam Prep for the final cram.

Let us know how it goes.

Kevin

[Big Evil]

Congrats mate. A pass is a pass, the score is just an ego boost.

[ciscodaze]

Congrats mate. A pass is a pass, the score is just an ego boost.

thanks! I just needed someone to make me feel better about being mediocre. ;)

now that I think of it, id rather rather be a happy mediocre bloke, than a
stressed out perfectionist.

[Big Evil]

Passing the CCNA does make you mediocre, it make you a damm midfield general in the world of networking. I tell you mate, yes it is a great feeling the higher you get to the 100% mark. But yet i have never been anywhere and been asked "What was your score?" for any exam yet.
The world knows Cisco word the exams to trip you up and to make sure you are paying attention. Once you get pass that halfway mark and you have half the question left and you are feeling good. They slide in there a really tricky one, and your brain goes into overdrive. Your eyes do not seen to be able to focus and you forget how to read!

This happened to me, it was real easy question on subnetting. I forget how to subnet and count. It took me two attempts to get the right answer. The first one i came up with was not even in the answers Cisco gave me to choose from!!! LOL.. My mouth was so dry, i had no spit left in my mouth to be able to wipe the sheet to start again. If i could have taken off my shoes to help me count i would have.

[ciscodaze]

hahah...very funny post...:)

yes, its is a very strange sensation of losing all cognitive control once that test starts...I literally have to read the harder questions out loud, slowly, just to grasp what they are asking...i guess thats just basic panic.

and im not a midfield general yet...still have to conquer the ICND 2.

thanks for the encouragement...Im sure its has helped others as well.

Kevin

CCENT
Comptia Net+ / Sec+ / A+