I remember deciding to pursue my first IT certification, the CompTIA A+. I had signed up for a class that lasted one week, per exam, meaning two weeks. We reviewed so much material during that time that the task of preparing for the certification seemed overwhelming. Even with an instructor, the scope of the material was a challenge.
Mixed messages
Somedays, I would hear from others how difficult the exam was; on other days, I would hear how easy the exam was. I would also hear advice about topics I should study more and even some topics I didn’t think about studying. These conflicting comments only increased my anxiety as my exam date drew closer. No matter what I read, studied, or heard from people about the exam, I felt like I was not prepared to pass it. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material, anxious from the comments of others and feeling like I didn’t do enough preparation when I finally passed the exam, it didn’t bring me joy so much as relief that I had survived it.
Then it was time to prepare for the second exam, and those same feelings came back but this time with a little more confidence that I could pass it. After that first A+ exam, I have not only passed more exams, I have also have helped others prepare successfully for many certification exams.
Exam hacks
Below is a list that has helped not only me but also others to successfully prepare for exams.
Prep is king
Preparing for a certification exam is hard enough due to the quantity of material and the added stress of sitting for an exam and passing. You can make it more effective by using the objectives to help guide you, putting a session plan in place that is motivating as well as reducing the distractions during your dedicated study times. These are commonly overlooked preparation hacks that will benefit you in your next certification exam.
These are just some handy hints for passing IT Certification exams. What tips would you give? Have you recently completed a certification or are you planning on taking one soon? Packt would love to hear your thoughts, so why not take the following survey? The first 200 respondents will get a free ebook of choice from the Packt catalogue.*
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