September 8 was the day that I took the CompTIA N10-008 Network+ certification exam. I did not pass it. Again. But I failed really well! I got 683/720. I wasn’t that far off from passing, and that’s a blessing.

I know exactly what I did wrong and the questions I answered incorrectly, and here are my immediate thoughts about failing the N10-008 certification exam for the second time.

Note: I don’t want to get sued by CompTIA, so I will only give you an idea of what to expect on the test.

I GOT THE TEST THAT WAS ALL ABOUT ONE SUBJECT

There are several versions of the N10-008 exam. I got the version that talked a lot about DNS issues. Guess what I did not spend that much time studying? DNS issues.

Some of the topics that got me out of my bag were all about DNS record types (PTR, MX, A, CNAME, HOST, etc.), and how they relate to proxy servers. If you study up on them, it will save you a headache and some points.

Also keep in mind that you may get the version of the test that’s all about network vulnerabilities, or DHCP records, or something else. This is why its best to study everything and be thorough with your studying. You don’t have to be an expert in what you are studying, but at least have an idea about the questions you are being asked.

SAVE THE PERFORMANCE BASED QUESTIONS FOR LAST

Those performance based questions will suck you in. I spent so much time on it that when I looked up, I only had 60 minutes left on the test (you get 90 minutes to take it). My crazy self was all but studying the exam.

Knock out all of your questions, so that you can save time for those performance based questions. That method would have worked out better for me.

LEARN HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A NETWORK

If there was one performance based question that I got really wrong, it was putting together an ACL. I didn’t even know what they were talking about. I think that my test anxiety paralyzed me. Have I put together an Access Control List before? Yes I have. But for whatever reason, this question left me lost.

This is where Packet Tracer can work to your benefit. Put together a network, including an ACL, using Packet Tracer. Make sure you understand how your devices can connect with other departments in a LAN. It will save you some headaches in the long run.

NOTE: Register with Cisco Networking Academy to download a free copy of Packet Tracer.

On that note, I ran across a YouTube Packet Tracer playlist that has several interesting projects, including putting together a banking network! It’s really neat, and I will definitely be doing one of these projects for my studying needs.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CABLE TESTER OUTPUT

Knowing how to read a cable tester output saved my butt on a performance based question.

The above image shows a straight through cable (labeled “Normal Cable”) and crossover cable. Make sure you know how to read your pinout and what it looks like when there is a short or an open circuit. Know what that will mean for your network.

Also, go back to the basics on the differences between a straight through, rollover, and crossover cable. It will save you some points as well.

DON’T FEEL BAD

The last time I failed this test, I cried like a baby. I felt like my life was going down the drain just because my test anxiety paralyzed me during that test too. But not this time. I get one more chance to retake the test and I’m not going to fumble it.

If you feel bad, allow yourself the time to cry over the loss. Then dust yourself off and try again.

This too shall pass. Take this as a learning lesson, and correct your mistakes. You’ve got this, and you know that I’ve got your back. Let’s keep going until we win.