What can you do today to learn more and get that certification tomorrow? (Photo credit: XPS)
There are five main steps to studying for I.T. certifications. Some people don’t use all of these resources and are still able to pass, but it is best to give yourself a wide variety of study materials to help you learn the content as thoroughly as possible. These steps don’t necessarily need to be taken in this particular order, but some combination of all of them should help you succeed. Lets dive right into the concepts:
Step 1: Download the Exam Objectives
Begin by downloading the exam objectives so you know exactly which topics are covered on the test. (Photo credit: Austin Distel)
Once you choose an IT exam to take, you should start by downloading the list of exam objectives. This list shows every concept that will be on the test, so you know what to study (and what NOT to study). Save the objectives either as a PDF in a prominent location on your computer, or better yet: print them out and put them in a binder. You will want to check back into these objectives often to see if you are on track. Some people like to put checkmarks next to each topic that they understand thoroughly, and this can be a good method to visually track your progress.
Step 2: Watch Video Lessons
Video lessons are a great way to be exposed to new material for the first time. (Photo credit: Sergey Zolkin)
Many people are visual learners; they would much rather watch someone demonstrate a concept than read about it in a textbook. Video lessons are a great way to expose yourself to new material for the first time.
For entry level IT certifications such as A+, Network+, and Security+, one of the best resources for video lessons is Professor Messer. He offers comprehensive playlists of free YouTube videos that completely cover all of the exam topics.
For other certifications, paid options are available through multiple vendors such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and more. Find a highly rated video series that fits your budget and start watching!
Note: “IT bootcamps” are often very expensive, and while they can be immersive, you could gain that same knowledge through independent study (while saving a bunch of cash). But to each their own…
Step 3: Read a Good Textbook
A good textbook can help you dive deeper into each exam topic and really understand the details. (Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon)
While videos can be a great way to introduce new topics, reading good books about the exam topics is one of the best ways to get a more thorough understanding of the material. Even if you consider yourself more of a hands-on or visual learner, if you can push yourself to read through an entire textbook on the subject, you will definitely pick up some new knowledge.
Depending on your exam, there are many different textbooks by many different authors. Read reviews and ask around to find the best book for your topic.
Step 4: Get Hands-On Practice
Hands-on practice is the best way to really connect with the material. (Photo credit: Caspar Camille Rubin)
If you are studying for an IT exam, you will eventually need hands-on experience with the hardware and software covered in the test. Companies such as Practice Labs and Boson offer labs that give you step-by-step walkthroughs, giving you hands-on practical experience from anywhere with an internet connection.
While most software can be downloaded and installed fairly easily, it is important to note that hardware can be virtualized, which can save you money. For example, if you own a PC with Windows but want to get some practice using macOS or a version of Linux, you can download hypervisor software like VirtualBox or VMware to create a simulated, virtualized version of that other operating system right on your Windows desktop.
Step 5: Take Practice Tests
Practice quizzes and tests are how you check your knowledge. (Photo credit: Green Chameleon)
After you’ve done the work to learn the material, it is important that you take the time to test your knowledge and ensure that you have truly learned the content. Some of the best practice tests are the ones that not only give you the correct answers at the end, but also explain why each right answer is correct, and why each wrong answer is wrong. This turns the testing process into that final piece of the learning cycle, which spins you back up to steps 2-4 for more detailed learning on the questions you get wrong.
As you take practice tests, try to avoid getting discouraged! Any questions that you get wrong are simply opportunities to make corrections and re-learn the material in a new way.
Get Certified!
When you are ready, go pass your test and grab that certification! (Photo credit: Lewis Keegan)
If you scoring above an 85-90% on practice tests, you are most likely ready to attempt the real exam. If you are still below 85%, go back through steps 1-5, determining your areas of weakness and focusing your study on those specific areas. Find the topics that you enjoy the LEAST and work on them in new ways until you actually start to like them!
Once you take the test and get the certification, it’s time to celebrate, relax for a bit, and then make your next plan. Is it time to start applying for jobs? Is it time to go for another certification? Take the momentum from your success and apply it to your next project, and you will be unstoppable.
Thanks for reading! Good luck!