Have you ever wondered what it takes to excel in the CompTIA Network+ exam? In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the creation of over 800 unique, high-quality practice questions directly derived from the review guide for the Network+ exam (N10-008). I’ll guide you through using a software called Anki, which is an intelligent flashcard system, and discuss my three-phase approach to studying: Priming, Learning, and Polishing.
Anki and SRS: Smart Study Tools
Before we dive in, let’s briefly talk about Anki and SRS. SRS stands for Spaced Repetition System, a strategy for efficient memory retention. Anki is a digital flashcard platform that uses SRS to help you memorize a large quantity of information as efficiently as possible. I’ve effectively used Anki and SRS for various certifications and even to learn Japanese, so I can assure you that it’s a highly effective study tool!
The Three-Phase Approach: Priming, Learning, Polishing
To optimize your study, I suggest the following three-phase approach:
- Priming Phase: Begin by watching a video series on the topic you’re studying. The goal here is not to memorize everything but to understand the topics and familiarize yourself with them. For the Network+ exam, I recommend Professor Messer’s video series.
- Learning Phase: This is where the Anki deck comes into play. Read every single flashcard in the deck and make sure to create additional ones for topics you find complex. The aim is to thoroughly understand the course contents.
- Polishing Phase: This phase starts after you’ve gone through every card at least once and added all additional cards you need. Now it’s time to frequently review the flashcards until you can provide correct answers for all of them.
How to Use Anki and The Flashcard Deck
To use the Anki flashcards, start by downloading the Anki app and the deck I’ve prepared. After importing the deck into the Anki app, adjust the app settings based on your preference: whether you want to review all cards at once or go through a set number of new cards each day.
How it works is simple:
- Read the question on the flashcard and try to answer it.
- Click ‘Show Answer’ to reveal the correct answer and an explanation. There’s also a reference to a textbook page for further reading.
- If you answered the question correctly, click ‘Easy’ and if not, click ‘Again’. The system will then determine when to show you that card again based on how you answered.
This process continues with the next flashcard until you’ve reviewed them all. The idea is to continue reviewing the flashcards until you recall most information accurately, and then, it’s time to take your Network+ exam! Good luck with your study journey!
By the way, don’t forget to check out my Hands-On IT Course to help you bridge the gap between just being skilled and actually landing a job!”