Passing the eEDA exam can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it’s entirely achievable. I recently passed the exam, scoring 86% within just two hours of starting, after only a month of preparation. This guide aims to help you prepare effectively for the exam by providing insights into what the exam entails, how to best prepare for it, and sharing my own experience.
Understanding the Exam
The eEDA exam is an 8-hour assessment comprising 35 multiple-choice questions and 15 lab questions, including two dynamic flags. The exam is not proctored, which some might find disappointing as it could impact the integrity of the exam. However, the flexibility of being able to take the exam on-demand means you can start whenever you’re ready.
The lab component of the exam is conducted through Apache Guacamole, similar to the course labs. To ensure a smooth experience, all you need is a stable internet connection and some uninterrupted time.
Exam Preparation Tips
To prepare effectively:
- Engage Fully with the Course: The eEDA course includes 51 hours of content. While it may feel repetitive at times, it’s crucial to go through it thoroughly. This helps reinforce concepts and can provide you with valuable insights you might otherwise miss.
- Understand the Course Structure: Familiarize yourself with the nine sections of the course. This way, if you need to refer back to your notes during the exam, you’ll know exactly where to look.
- Complete All Labs: Make sure to complete all six labs included in the course. Although I personally didn’t use the Sandbox lab, completing the other labs provided a clear understanding of the exam objectives.
- One Pass Should Be Enough: I generally review everything twice, but for this exam, I felt confident with just one pass through the course. Depending on your experience level, a single pass might suffice.
My Exam Experience
When you’re ready to take the exam, simply click the start button, accept the terms and conditions, and begin. The exam starts with the 35 multiple-choice questions, followed by the lab section.
A word of advice: download the PDF containing usernames, passwords, and objectives before starting the lab. I wasted about 10 minutes searching for this file, which was frustrating and avoidable.
The lab questions may require some interpretation, and there was one particular question that I found ambiguous. It asked for the identification of “X with Y,” but there were multiple instances of this, which wasn’t clear from the question.
The dynamic flag questions are unique to your exam, likely designed to prevent cheating. However, they are not critical to passing, so don’t stress too much about them.
Timing and Results
Here’s a breakdown of my timing:
- Course Completion: I completed the course in about a month, listening to it while commuting or during downtime.
- Exam Completion: The exam took me just two hours, with 35 minutes spent on the multiple-choice questions and around an hour on the lab.
- Lab Section: After a quick 15-minute coffee break, I started the lab. Despite losing 10 minutes searching for the PDF, I finished the remaining lab questions quickly.
With nearly six hours to spare, the 8-hour window is more than sufficient to complete the exam. I scored 86%, and although I wish I had gotten 100%, I attribute the lower score to some unclear questions.
While I have more experience in the industry, I believe even a beginner could pass this exam within the allotted time. The course is designed as an entry-level certification, and everything you need to succeed is provided within the course.
Final Thoughts
If you’re preparing for the eEDA exam, follow the steps outlined here, stay focused, and you should do just fine. I hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of the exam and how to prepare for it. Best of luck with your preparation, and feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions in the comments below.
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