Question-Handling Strategies

For those questions that have only one right answer, usually two or three of the answers are obviously incorrect, and two of the answers are plausible. Unless the answer leaps out at you (if it does, reread the question to look for a trick; sometimes those are the ones you're most likely to get wrong), begin the process of answering by eliminating those answers that are most obviously wrong.

At least one answer out of the possible choices for a question can usually be eliminated immediately because it matches one of these conditions:

The answer does not apply to the situation.
The answer describes a nonexistent issue, an invalid option, or an imaginary state.

After you eliminate all answers that are obviously wrong, you can apply your retained knowledge to eliminate further answers. Look for items that sound correct but refer to actions, commands, or features that are not present or not available in the situation that the question describes.

If you're still faced with a blind guess among two or more potentially correct answers, reread the question. Try to picture how each of the possible remaining answers would alter the situation. Be especially sensitive to terminology; sometimes the choice of words ( remove instead of disable ) can make the difference between a right answer and a wrong one.

You should guess at an answer only after you've exhausted your ability to eliminate answers and are still unclear about which of the remaining possibilities is correct. An unanswered question offers you no points, but guessing gives you at least some chance of answering a question right; just don't be too hasty when making a blind guess.

Numerous questions assume that the default behavior of a particular utility is in effect. If you know the defaults and understand what they mean, this knowledge will help you cut through many Gordian knots. Simple "final" actions may be critical as well. If a utility must be restarted before proposed changes take effect, a correct answer may require this step as well.

Mastering the Inner Game

In the final analysis, knowledge gives confidence, and confidence breeds success. If you study the materials in this book carefully and review all the practice questions at the end of each chapter, you should become aware of those areas where additional learning and study are required.

After you've worked your way through the book, take the practice exam in the back of the book. Taking this test provides a reality check and helps you identify areas to study further. Make sure you follow up and review materials related to the questions you miss on the practice exam before scheduling a real exam. Don't schedule your exam appointment until after you've thoroughly studied the material and feel comfortable with the whole scope of the practice exam. You should score 80% or better on the practice exam before proceeding to the real thing ( otherwise , obtain some additional practice tests so you can keep trying until you hit this magic number).

EXAM TIP

If you take a practice exam and don't get at least 80 “90% of the questions correct, keep practicing. Microsoft provides links to practice exam providers and also self-assessment exams at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/prepare/.

Armed with the information in this book and with the determination to augment your knowledge, you should be able to pass the certification exam. However, you need to work at it, or you'll spend the exam fee more than once before you finally pass. If you prepare seriously, you should do well.

More Exam Preparation Tips

Generic exam-preparation advice is always useful. Following are some tips:

Become familiar with the product. Hands-on experience is one of the keys to success on any MCP exam. Review the exercises and the Step by Steps in the book.
Review the current exam-preparation guide on the Microsoft Training & Certification Web site. The documentation Microsoft makes available on the Web identifies the skills every exam is intended to test.
Memorize foundational technical detail, but remember that MCP exams are generally heavier on problem solving and application of knowledge than on questions that require only rote memorization.
Take any of the available practice tests. We recommend the one included in this book and the ones you can create by using the PrepLogic software on this book's CD-ROM. As a supplement to the material bound with this book, try the free practice tests available on the Microsoft MCP Web site.
Look on the Microsoft Training & Certification Web site for samples and demonstration items (as of this writing, check www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcpexams/faq/innovations.asp, but you might have to look around for the samples because the URL may have changed). These items tend to be particularly valuable for one significant reason: They help you become familiar with new testing technologies before you encounter them on MCP exams.

Tips for During the Exam Session

The following generic exam-taking advice that you've heard for years applies when you're taking an MCP exam:

Take a deep breath and try to relax when you first sit down for your exam session. It is very important that you control the pressure you might (naturally) feel when taking exams.
You will be provided scratch paper. Take a moment to write down any factual information and technical detail that you have committed to short- term memory.
Carefully read all information and instruction screens. These displays have been put together to give you information relevant to the exam you are taking.
Accept the nondisclosure agreement and preliminary survey as part of the examination process. Complete them accurately and quickly move on.
Read the exam questions carefully. Reread each question to identify all relevant details.
In fixed-form exams, tackle the questions in the order in which they are presented. Skipping around won't build your confidence; the clock is always counting down.
Don't rush, but also don't linger on difficult questions. The questions vary in degree of difficulty. Don't let yourself be flustered by a particularly difficult or wordy question.

Besides considering the basic preparation and test-taking advice presented so far, you also need to consider the challenges presented by the different exam designs, as described in the following sections.

Tips for Fixed-Form Exams

Because a fixed-form exam is composed of a fixed, finite set of questions, you should add these tips to your strategy for taking a fixed-form exam:

Note the time allotted and the number of questions on the exam you are taking. Make a rough calculation of the number of minutes you can spend on each question, and use this figure to pace yourself through the exam.
Take advantage of the fact that you can return to and review skipped or previously answered questions. Record the questions you can't answer confidently on the scratch paper provided, noting the relative difficulty of each question. When you reach the end of the exam, return to the more difficult questions.
If you have session time remaining after you complete all the questions (and if you aren't too fatigued!), review your answers. Pay particular attention to questions that seem to have a lot of detail or that require graphics.
As for changing your answers, the general rule of thumb here is don't ! If you read the question carefully and completely and you felt as though you knew the right answer, you probably did. Don't second-guess yourself. If, as you check your answers, one clearly stands out as incorrect, however, of course you should change it. But if you are at all unsure, go with your first impression .

Tips for Adaptive Exams

If you are planning to take an adaptive exam, keep these additional tips in mind:

Read and answer every question with great care. When you're reading a question, identify every relevant detail, requirement, or task you must perform and double-check your answer to be sure you have addressed every one of them.
If you cannot answer a question, use the process of elimination to reduce the set of potential answers and then take your best guess. Stupid mistakes invariably mean that additional questions will be presented.
You cannot review questions and change answers. When you leave a question, whether you've answered it or not, you cannot return to it. Do not skip any question, either; if you do, it's counted as incorrect.

Tips for Case Study Exams

The case study exam format calls for unique study and exam-taking strategies:

Remember that you have more time than in a typical exam. Take your time and read the case study thoroughly.
Use the scrap paper or whatever medium is provided to you to take notes, diagram processes, and actively seek out the important information.
Work through each testlet as if each were an independent exam. Remember that you cannot go back after you have left a testlet.
Refer to the case study as often as you need to, but do not use that as a substitute for reading it carefully initially and for taking notes.