Computer Certifications – The Art of Self-Study
Many of the popular computer certifications in recent years (such as the MCTS, CCNA, PRINCE2, CompTIA series, etc.) can be obtained via self-study and independent preparation. This can be a credible alternative to professionally taught, instructor-led courses from either the exam provider or a partner.
Why Self-Study for Computer Certifications?
-
An official instructor-led course could cost approximately $500 per day. Self-study material consisting of study books, practice exam questions, and on-line material could cost $100.
-
Can you spare the two, three, or five days an instructor-led course could take? Time spent learning could reduce client exposure time.
-
Instructor-led training is often self-limiting. The instructor has to cater for all pupils, reducing course content level and pace so the weakest pupil can understand. Self-study means you work at your pace.
-
Self-study resources for computer certifications are increasing in sophistication, with many available on-line, as eBooks, and as Kindle books. Many are structured especially for home learning, with modular approaches and varied learning techniques.
Study Environment
-
Identify the resources with which you will prepare for the exam. These could be books, practice exams, simulators, on-line forums, e-books, and others. Depending on the certifications that you’re after, you should be able to shop around, compare resources, and buy early.
-
Find a spot at home where you can concentrate without distractions. No TV, instant messaging, Internet, and so on. Music is fine if it helps, but you will need to spend around six hours a week learning, revising, and practicing materials; this needs to be done in a library-like area.
-
Create a basic study plan. It doesn't need to be too detailed––just the basic times and amount of time you will study each day or week. It's fine to have weekends off to refresh and relax.
-
Be consistent and stick to your plan. If you miss a session, work extra at the next one.
Self-Study Approach
Time planning is essential when preparing to take professional computer certifications. Treat it like a mini project. Firstly, book the exam! Don't wait until you think you are “ready.” Book the exam first, somewhere between three to six months from now. Many exams are now available on-line via the likes of VUE and Prometric and can be scheduled at a testing center of your choice; they can easily be rescheduled with a few days notice.
-
Six months to go – Exam is booked and materials purchased. Read the material in its entirety. Avoid making notes at this stage; instead focus on the material and key topics.
-
Four months to go – Re-read the key material, this time making notes and study cards of the key topics, exam objects, and areas you need to reference.
-
Two months to go – Familiarize yourself with the exam questions: style, answering techniques, and so on. Use exam simulators or on-line practice exams. Avoid brain dumps!
-
One month to go – Avoid learning any new material. Focus revision boards and notes, making them compact and bullet-pointed. Identify areas of weakness.
-
One week to go – Focus on exam techniques and time management. Make sure you know the time, location, and directions to the exam center.
-
Day of the exam – Don't cram or spend all night re-reading. The preparation time is done and it's better to get a good night’s sleep. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam starts for registration purposes. Take along ID, generally a driving license or passport as a minimum.
-
During the exam – Be calm. Take a watch to allow you to manage your time. Work out the number of questions divided by the allocated time to give you a rough estimate of how many minutes per question you can spend. Read the question twice before answering. Mark any questions that you are unsure about as you can generally go back and edit any of your answers.
You will normally get your exam result within a few minutes of completing the exam and will receive a basic printout showing your scores. If, in the unfortunate event of a fail, identify which areas were of issue based on your scores, and look to rebook as soon as possible. There is normally a seven-day reschedule period before you can retake.
All in all, good luck! A well-prepared approach to computer certifications will serve you well. Exams aren't there to scare or prevent your achieving your professional aim, simply a way of showing your clients you are professional and skilled.
Share Your Thoughts
What’s been your experience with computer certifications? How do you self-study? Please share your tips, hints, war stories, and thoughts in the Comments below.
Creative Commons Image Source: flickr xb3