Diagnostic Self Test: Planning Next Four Weeks of Study

I took my first 220-801 self-test this afternoon. My overall score was 76%. The breakdown of scores follows:

Domain	Items	Points	Percentage
1.0 PC Hardware	30	23	77
2.0 Networking	22	13	59
3.0 Laptops	8	8	100
4.0 Printers	8	6	75
5.0 Operational Procedure	15	17	88

My first study module will be 1.0 PC Hardware because it is the largest percentage area on the exam. This will include Modules are as follows:

• BIOS and Motherboards
• Memory, Expansion Cards and Storage Devices
• CPUs, Connections and Power Supplies
• Configurations, Displays, Connections and Peripherals

The study will include reading the Authorized Cert Guide CompTIA A+ 220-801, 802; CBT Direct lectures and exercises, completing practice questions, and watching CBT Nuggets video training.

Calendar

December 17 – 22, 2012	BIOS and Motherboards
December 24 – 29, 20-12	Memory, Expansion Cards and Storage Devices
December 31, 2012 – January 5, 2013	CPUs, Connections and Power Supplies
January 7 – 12, 2013	Configurations, Displays, Connections and Peripherals

Score Results: CompTIA 220-801

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TEST DETAILS
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Exam ID….: 220-801
Exam…….: CompTIA A+ 220-801
Date…….: 12/20/2012
Name…….: Judith Kratochvil
Test Type..: Practice Test
Mode…….: Certification
Elapsed….: 27 Mins

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SCORE OVERVIEW
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Overall..: 76.00%  (Points Scored: (65/85)  Items Correct: (64/85))
Passing..: 100%

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DETAILS BY OBJECTIVE
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* PC Hardware
Score: 77% – (Points Scored: (23/30)  Items Correct: (22/30))
–  Configure and apply BIOS settings. (4 Correct)
–  Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties. (14 Correct)
–  Compare and contrast RAM types and features. (4 Correct)

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* Networking
Score: 59% – (Points Scored: (13/22)  Items Correct: (13/22))
–  Identify types of network cables and connectors. (4 Correct)
–  Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling. (7 Correct)
–  Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP. (2 Correct)

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* Laptops
Score: 100% – (Points Scored: (8/8)  Items Correct: (8/8))
–  Install and configure laptop hardware and components. (8 Correct)

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* Printers
Score: 75% – (Points Scored: (6/8)  Items Correct: (6/8))
–  Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process. (6 Correct)

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* Operational Procedures
Score: 88% – (Points Scored: (15/17)  Items Correct: (15/17))
–  Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures. (15 Correct)

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A+ Essentials Home Stretch

The next two weks are the home stretch of my study for the A+ Essentials Exam. I have devised  a study schedule. In week 1 (10-15 Sept) I will study Operational Pocedure, Security, Troubleshooting, Repair and Maintenance. In week 2 it is Operating Systems, Software, Netoworking and Hardware.  This is in combination with studying for math class. September 18 is Exam 1 over Chapter 1 & 2. This will be a challenging next two weeks. I think I better study in the Business and CIS Lab rather then the Math Lab so I can work on both subjects without having to move.

Plan for Earning Network+ and A+ Certifications

I have been down with an injury for the last two weeks so I have neglected my studies. However, I am planning to bounce back with a Diagnostic Network+ Self-Test this Saturday and plan my study from there. The structure of the study will be spending two days on each objective for the first two weeks and after that the decision on how much time is spent on an objective will be related to the test score on that objective. I will test myself after I complete each module so I can determines how much more study is needed. How much study means determining weather more reading, video training, or simply studying, learning test questions is necessary and asking questions of the teacher.  I will be using Kaplan Self-Tests and Transcender practice exams. Also included is practicing questions after the first night’s study is complete. I plan to earn my Network+ certification on 31 March.

The A+ is two exams and I plan to earn this certification on 19 May. This will include diagnostic self-tests for each exam and an initial three weeks of study beginning on 7 April. A+ study will be three days per topic because there are two tests. The first self-test will be 28 April and the second on 5 May. The score on individual areas will determine how attention is received after each test. The study will also be determined by the score on a particular objective.