FAILED 70-642. Not sure what happened

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Here's my story. It'll be brief.

I got a promotion from helpdesk to the networking team at work. I was tasked with getting 3 certs to keep the job - Network +, Certified Wireless Tech Specialist, and the 2008 Infrastructure exam. Got the first two, no problem.

I started the 70-642 by reading the Microsoft Press Training Kit book. Then I read it again. Then I read it again and made flash cards. When I first started with the practice tests I was getting around 50% right. I continued to study and read until I was making 89-90% on the practice tests on the CD. I scheduled and sat for the exam.

I felt pretty confident going in. I sat down and got 54 questions to answer. First question, no clue. Never heard of anything they were talking about. Second question, the same. Throughout the whole test I came across stuff that I had never read about in the MS Press book. A lot of questions concerning DirectAccess which was not in the book. Anyway, at the end I wind up doing horrible 396/1000. I leave disappointed, but wondering why if I was scoring high on the practice tests I was ready to go. I still have time left to take it again, but now I have no idea how to study since the book has seemed to have failed me. Maybe a Transcender?

Thanks,

JRF2k

 

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I sat this exam this evening. 54 questions, 150 minutes. Finished in under an hour. Knew I failed it before it was 3/4 the way done. I got hammered with IPv6 subnetting questions (at least 5), BranchCache questions, DirectAccess questions, etc. The exam covers R2 specific content that isn't even in the MS Press book (2nd edition of the book is due out in April or May).

Long story short, I fumbled the ball on this one. I've been working crazy hours (60-70 a week) and just did not have time to study/prepare. I spent maybe 6 hours total preparing for the exam and made 525/1000. I have NEVER failed a technology exam. In fact, I have a 916/1000 exam score average on the six MCSE exams using only MS Press books and Transcenders...no dumps. If you toss in other Microsoft and Citrix exams, I have an 880+/1000 exam score average.

So don't feel bad. I think we must have gotten a brand new version of the exam. I'm going to study IPv6, BrancheCache, DirectAccess, etc. and take it again within a week. I will not fail a second time...

Cheers from across the pond...
Tommy

 

DirectAccess and BranchCache are 2008 R2 features
meaning they may not be in the book depending on its publish date

2008 and 2008 R2 are both tested in the test, and the features are different
perhaps get a more up to date book, and always make sure you read the exam blueprint to see if there is anything you have not heard of

They are already including SP1 features in the exams, so RemoteFX, Dynamic memory in hyper-v, etc

 

Hi, how many times did you redo these tests?

Its a common trap to fall into, do the test that many times until you remember the answer.

My suggestion would be to try to use 2-3 sources minimum for an exam and set yourself up a lab (if you hadnt already).

Looking at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-642&locale=en-us#tab2 branchcache is shown as one of the objectives in the Configuring File and Print Services (13 percent) section.

Good luck with your retake, sometimes we have bad days, just refocus and be positive.

 

Not that I feel bad about it. I was just suprised by it. I, too, realized I had failed it when I got the DirectAccess questions and BrancheCache too. This is the first exam like this I have failed too. I have A+, N+, CWTS, and the MSCDST. After I got this one, I was going to look into getting the Brocade switch cert (it's what we use where I work) and then the CCNA and CCDA.

Thanks for your response.

 

I can't seem to find a more up to date book. Looked on Amazon and there are only two.

 

There are some release dates for the updated MS press books here

 

Thanks!

There is some discrepancy between Microsoft's release date and what I found on Amazon. Amazon has it for May 15th, the link, 23rd of April.

I have until June 25th to get it. Otherwise, I don't know what will happen. I may get demoted.

 

you dont always need the books
if the blueprint says direct access, hit technet and learn about direct access
the book is just a composite of the majority of things you need to learn, obviously with the benefit of sample quizzes and such

 

WARNING: This is a exam is MEAN !
Failed it twice and been studying it for over a year. Normally get 800/1000 from MS exams, not this puppy though.
You get bombarded with loads of stuff not covered in CBTNuggest, MSPress books, exam cram, train signal etc.
Got another exam next month, after 5 months intense study and I'm not optimistic. I’m now studying the subjects directly from the 70642 ‘skills measured’ section on the Microsoft website, but I know I’m still going to get hit with bad questions like:

Q) What tool can you use to configure direct system enabler ip6 on server core (choose 2)
a: Lmf.c
b: Task Manager
c: BitLocker
d: Windows firewall with advanced security
e: IPsec group policies

Any help or advice is very welcome

 

I have to say having just failed my 70-642 exam for the 2nd time I was thinking what the hell I was doing wrong. I had a quick Google and was pleased to find numerous threads like this but this one attracted my attention more. Your entire story pretty much echo's what I have experienced. I did start to feel a bit fed up if I am honest.
Thankfully the responses have put me at ease and have started revision again tonight with a new determination that it will be third time lucky! ;)
I have took the advice and used the book I have already revised from but also looked at the technet docs. I have to say even after looking at only one section the technet docs have soooo much more info and I feel a lot more confident on the subject, especially with the troubleshooting tasks which do appear strongly in the exam but are brushed over in the book. It does annoy me that purchasing a training book doesn't have everything you need but hey ho.
Right time to crack on, thank you all for your comments and experience sharing.