12 tips to do well in CCNA Security exam
Certification: Cisco CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
Most of the test takers of Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) have found the exam to be appalling. Attaining a CCNA certificationis not an easy task and many of the candidates appear for the exam several times to get a passing mark in the exam. However, a well-planned focused preparation can make a candidate easily succeed in the CCNA exam and be a Cisco certified networking professional. Following are the 12 tips that can get a candidate to the group of certified lot of professionals:
Tip 1 –Know the content of the Exam
The first and foremost step to start with the preparation for the CCNA Security exam is to know what topics are covered in the exam. The complete information of the topics, subtopics as well as importance of each topic in the exam is available in the Cisco website.A blueprint of each exam is published by Cisco for students to have clarity on the topics covered under the exam. The Cisco Learning Network also has a discussion forum where details about what to study in each topic and subtopics can be directly asked to experts.
Tip 2 – Maintain a Preparation tracker
The next step after knowing the topics to be studied for the test is to start with the preparation. Making a tracker with the list of topics in the blueprint is an effective way to keep track of the topics already studied and the topics not yet studied. The candidates can assign dates for studying each topic and also track the progress in thoroughness of each topic. This tracker can also be helpful rescheduling any specific topics that the test-takers require a necessity to prepare again in order to excel.
Tip 3 – Use electronic flashcards
Making electronic flash cards while studying can be an effective tool to get reminded of important points a test taker often tends to forget.
You make these electronic flash cards as you study, and then the tool will drill you on your cards, showing you the ones you need the most help on more frequently. There are also Cisco certification-specific flash cards available, including products found on this website.
Tip 5 –Choosing the right study material
The study material that a test-taker chooses has a great impact on their preparation. Therefore, test takers must ensure that the study material they select for preparations is the right one. Testing a sample of every study material a candidate expects to be good can help in determining the best material them. Sample testing may be in the form a chapter that can be downloaded or taking a one hour class. Most of the training providers allow the candidates to sample the training material before purchasing or subscribing for it.
Tip 6 – Right time to schedule the exam
Most of the test-takers usually schedule the exam first and then start preparing for it to get the motivation for a scheduled plan of study. Though this might work for few of them, a majority of them are unable to follow the schedule and end up with cramming sessions as the exam approaches. A more effective way, instead, is to prepare first and then schedule the exam when they have the confidence of passing the exam. This would not only reduce the pressure on the candidates but also can comfortably reschedule their study plan for mastering the topics covered in the exam.
Tip 7 – Schedule the test at a best suited time
Every candidate has a time in the day when his/her mind is most active, for example, for some it is in the morning whereas for some others it is later in the day. The finest way to perform optimally in the exam is to schedule the exam at the time best suited for a candidate.
Tip 8 – No cram sessions on the day before the test
Study on the day before the test should have a focus point of casually refreshing the topics that fall in the weakness area of the candidate. Any kind of cram sessions on the day before the test is big ‘no’ as it would only exert pressure on mind that may ultimately hamper the candidate’s performance on the day of the test.
Tip 9– Follow a normal routine the day before the test
It is important to maintain the daily activities in the proper routine on the day before the test. The daily activities in routine should include eating proper food and getting a proper 8 hour sleep in the night to avoid any kind of fatigue or sickness on the test day.
Tip 10 – Plan for the test day
Planning for the test day is extremely important to avoid any kind of messing up that may affect the mental calmness before the exam. The planning must include knowing the route to the test centre and time required to reach there, getting up early after a good 8-hour sleep to have sufficient time to get ready and reach the test centre early to avoid any kind of delays.
Tip 11 – Time Management
Time management is an inevitable aspect for succeeding in the exam. It important to spend adequate time for each question, neither more time nor less time for answering a question and also manage the time wisely for the rest of the questions in case of taking more time to answer a question type or a specific topic related questions.
Tip 12 – Test Strategies
A comprehensive preparation with adequate amount of taking up of mock tests is the best way to develop strategies for the test. An effective technique to remember a formula or a point a candidate tends to forget is to scribble it does not on the scratch paper as soon they get them. This is not against any test rule and can be of great help while taking the exam.