WOW! I just completed the Distributed Exam about an hour ago, and aside from needing food and coffee, I don't feel very crazy, surprisingly.

I took about 15 minutes to take the test tutorial (recommended if you don't already know how the software works), then the entire 4 hours for 95 questions, and all 30 minutes for comments.

I was surprised to find out during the last-minute review of incomplete answers, that when the clock went to 0 and I had a question up on the screen -- time stood still and I seemed to have unlimited time to complete that one (it was one of the longest questions on the test).

Same with the Comment period. When the clock ticks to 0, just be sure to have a comment form up on the screen for one of the questions, and you can type as long as you want, adding comments in that screen for other questions you didn't get to.

There were several questions I KNOW I got right, several I missed for sure (saw a couple in the comment period), a large number that SEEMED right (to me at least) :-), and the make-or-break 30-40% that I'm more than a little unsettled about.

The best test-taking tips I read from others were:

1) Take the tutorial to learn about things like splitting the screen between question and Exhibit, and keystroke shortcuts

2) Skip down to the "bottom-line" question that is being asked, then go back and read the details.

3) Then immediately eliminate all the answers that CANNOT POSSIBLY be correct. Work with the ones that are left.

The problem with #3 is that at least 4 times during the test I eliminated all the answers that CANNOT POSSIBLY be correct, and had no answers left! (sinking feeling in pit of stomach).

On to 71-156 on Thursday. If you haven't signed up yet, just do it before the 17th. You'll be a better (or maybe bitter) person for it!