Exam-taking Tips (Weekly Series)

[dsacco]

Are you planning to take a Certification Exam? Let's discuss how you prepare.

When completing an RHLS course in a certification skills path, how do you approach the Comprehensive Review Labs? 

1. I just dig in and hope for the best.
2. I follow the steps and reveal the solutions as I go.
3. I follow the steps but ignore the solutions and use the grading script at the end to check my work.
4. I look back at course content as needed but ignore the solutions.
5. I look back at the course content, as needed, but USE the solutions in each step.
6. Other - explain.

In your response, include the number or numbers of the response that best matches how you approach Comprehensive Review labs. Also, comment on whether this approach seems helpful or not. It would look something like this:

2 - I prefer completing the labs and steps in a linear way and want to know my results immediately. I think this is the best way to learn the skills needed but I am not really sure. 

[arulz]

3 - I follow the step and ignore the solution until the grading script don't pass, but after that I like to review the solution for each step (or at least interesting steps), sometimes I have found useful tips. If I'm not able to complete the lab I try to review course content and related exercises and in only in case is not enough I use the solution (it happened only once till now).

[dsacco]

Get your hands-(on)!

Going through the hands-on exercises in a course is a great way to prepare for an exam. This helps develop muscle memory for particular tasks.

- For end-of-unit labs and the comprehensive review, ideally you can get to the point of completing these exercises without looking at the solutions. Be aware that some muscle memory can be detrimental.

- Expect that the exam will use different usernames, passwords, host names, etc. from what the course uses (even though they might be similar).

- The solutions for end-of-unit labs and the Comprehensive Review provide one method for achieving the result. There might be alternatives. If an alternative solution is easier for you, then use it.

Stay tuned for a new tip weekly, but why wait? Add your tips here too!

[dsacco]

Sharing is Caring (week three)

If you've taken a Red Hat Certification exam, help others by:

Sharing your methods for dealing with the stress of taking a Red Hat Certification exam. Here are some questions to help you recall and spur further thought:

- Did you review in a group or alone?
- Were you well-rested or not and what impact did it have on your performance (if any)?
- If you had to do it again (and maybe you already have) what would/did you do differently than the first time?
- What other stress-relievers did you use (breathing, exercise before, diet, etc?)

Note: Your responses are important and will help us provide better guidance on how to approach and prepare others for their upcoming exam.

[dsacco]

Week Four

True or False? 

It's probably best to memorize as much content as possible from an RHLS course as part of my preparation for an exam?

[MarkosS]

I believe that documentation and help files are available. It is more useful to remember basic commands and then be able to navigate within the command help 

[dsacco]

Week Five (early delivery)

Can you list a few examples of ways to develop "muscle memory" while preparing to take an exam?

(Muscle memory = the ability to perform a task without thinking - similar to perfecting a golf swing; once you have it, recall is automatic)

If you are a golfer, drop a pic of your favorite course or golfing moment in with your answers! Not a golfer? Not a problem! Drop a pic of a family member, friend, pet, or favorite hobby/activity. 

Be careful: only tasteful pictures will be accepted.