Effective Study Methods for the 700-250 Exam
Understand the Exam Objectives Thoroughly
- Why: To be fully prepared, you need to align your study efforts with the exam objectives. This ensures you're covering all areas that are assessed.
- How to Apply:
- Review the official Cisco exam blueprint or study guide.
- Create a checklist or mind map of the core topics:
- Remote workforce solutions (e.g., Cisco WebEx, Meraki, Umbrella)
- Security solutions (e.g., Cisco Firepower, Duo, Umbrella)
- SMB use cases (e.g., retail, healthcare, education)
- Sales strategies for Cisco SMB products
- Break each topic into smaller sections and ensure you're comfortable with each before moving on.
Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
- Why: These methods help improve retention and combat the forgetting curve.
- How to Apply:
- Active Recall: After reading a section or watching a video about a Cisco solution (e.g., Cisco Meraki), close your notes and write down everything you remember. This process strengthens your ability to recall important details during the exam.
- Spaced Repetition: After studying a topic, review it after 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days. Use flashcards (e.g., Anki) or spaced repetition software to reinforce concepts like key features of Cisco solutions (e.g., WebEx Teams, Cisco Umbrella).
- Focus on important concepts that you’re likely to forget over time, such as the features, benefits, and deployment scenarios for Cisco’s SMB products.
Practice with Cisco Simulation Tools and Labs
- Why: Many exam questions may relate to practical application, so using simulation tools helps familiarize you with real-world scenarios.
- How to Apply:
- Utilize Cisco Packet Tracer or Cisco dCloud to create simulations of network designs using Cisco solutions like Meraki, WebEx, and Firepower.
- Try to configure devices, monitor network traffic, and troubleshoot common problems to prepare for scenario-based questions in the exam.
- While practicing, focus on network management, security setups, and other Cisco tools used by SMBs.
Use the Pomodoro Technique for Focused Study
- Why: The Pomodoro Technique helps you maintain high focus while preventing burnout during long study sessions.
- How to Apply:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused study on one specific topic (e.g., Cisco Meraki or Cisco Umbrella).
- After the timer rings, take a 5-minute break to rest and refresh.
- After four Pomodoro sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
- This method helps you break down your study material into bite-sized chunks, which is perfect for a broad exam like this.
Mind Mapping for Complex Topics
- Why: The SMB solutions landscape includes many interrelated components, and mind mapping helps you visualize the relationships between them.
- How to Apply:
- Create a mind map for each major section of the exam (e.g., Security Solutions, Remote Workforce Solutions, MSP Opportunities).
- For example, under Security Solutions, you could branch out into Cisco Firepower, Cisco Umbrella, and Cisco Duo, noting down the features, benefits, and use cases for each.
- This makes it easier to understand how different Cisco products work together in a network infrastructure.
Effective Exam-Taking Strategies for the 700-250 Exam
Read the Questions Carefully
- Why: Many exam questions can be tricky, so understanding exactly what’s being asked is crucial.
- How to Apply:
- Read each question thoroughly, ensuring you understand the key requirement (e.g., “Which Cisco solution is best for SMBs looking to manage their network remotely?”).
- Highlight key words or phrases in the question (e.g., "SMBs", "manage remotely") to focus your attention on what’s being asked.
- If the question is about a real-world scenario, look for the main challenge (e.g., network security, remote team collaboration) and match it with the Cisco solution that fits best.
Time Management During the Exam
- Why: Properly managing your time will ensure you can answer all questions effectively and leave room for review.
- How to Apply:
- Scan the entire exam for a few minutes at the start, so you have an overview of the questions.
- Allocate time for each section based on the number of questions and difficulty level.
- Don’t spend too long on any one question. If you’re unsure, skip it and return later once you’ve answered the easier questions.
Eliminate Incorrect Answers
- Why: In multiple-choice exams, eliminating wrong answers increases your chances of choosing the correct one.
- How to Apply:
- Look at the answer choices and eliminate obviously incorrect options first.
- For example, if a question asks about network security, and one of the options is about a non-security solution (like WebEx Teams), you can immediately rule it out.
- Focus on the most relevant Cisco solution given the context (e.g., Meraki for remote management or Firepower for threat defense).
Answering Case-Study and Scenario Questions
- Why: These questions often require you to apply knowledge in practical situations.
- How to Apply:
- Break the question into smaller parts (e.g., What is the issue? What Cisco solution fits? Why?).
- For example, if the scenario describes an SMB with remote employees needing collaboration tools, your answer should mention Cisco WebEx for seamless communication.
- Support your answers with reasons, like how Cisco WebEx provides secure video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools.
Review Before Submitting
- Why: A final review helps catch mistakes, spelling errors, or missed questions.
- How to Apply:
- Leave 10-15 minutes at the end of the exam to go over your answers.
- Focus on any questions you were unsure about and check if you answered according to the Cisco solution guidelines.
- Ensure all questions are answered, even if some require educated guesses.
Other Helpful Tips:
- Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: The 700-250 exam includes practical, scenario-based questions. Practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
- Focus on Cisco’s Core SMB Solutions: Be very familiar with Cisco solutions for remote work (WebEx, Meraki), security (Firepower, Umbrella), and managed services. These are central to the exam.
- Understand Industry-Specific Solutions: Learn the Cisco solutions tailored for healthcare, education, and retail. These industry-specific solutions are important as the exam tests Cisco's ability to address different SMB sectors.
- Study Cisco’s Sales and Partner Program: Understanding how Cisco's go-to-market strategies work and how partners sell solutions will help with questions on sales enablement.
By combining active recall, spaced repetition, and practice with real Cisco tools while also using exam-taking strategies like time management and answer elimination, you’ll increase both your chances of success and your confidence in the 700-250 exam.
Good luck!