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How do you study for certifications?

Hi! I'm looking to enter IT. In IT, many jobs require certifications to pursue specific roles.
How do people in IT study for certification tests? What is your approach to studying on a consistent routine?

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Zarella’s Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a very common problem for all students, how to study given you have a lot of things pulling you in other directions. It really depends on your ability to manage your time effectively. What you should do is create a daily schedule, use a calendar application to help you stick to the schedule, and put in time specifically for study. For me, if something is not on my calendar, it doesn't happen, so I have to very intentionally add things to my personal calendar to remind myself to do them. Make sure you have entries for things like exercise and fun, not just activities that are school or work related. Turn on alerts so you will be reminded.

Here are some tips for mastering time management:
1. Know how you're spending your time
- distribute your time between work, school, study, exercise, and fun activities.
- allow for down time! (I like to read fiction before bedtime)
2. Stick to a daily schedule (use calendar tools and reminders)
3. Prioritize your activities (what is most important for you)
4. Tackle the most difficult task first (avoid procrastinating, the sooner you start, the faster it will get done)
5. Set reasonable time limits, one or two hours of study should be sufficient
6. Learn when to say no, and feel free to let people know you are busy at certain times
7. Avoid multitasking (as much as it seems a good thing, you can't really put all your attention on multiple things at once)

I hope this helps and good luck in your studies!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Zarella! Chiara
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Liwen’s Answer

Hello Chiara,

Your question is spot on! The key lies in establishing a regular study routine, a strategy that's particularly vital for professionals juggling full-time jobs.

Here's a surprising fact: even dedicating just 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference! I typically carve out this time either early in the morning or late in the evening, ensuring I have a quiet, uninterrupted half hour to focus on certification work.

Additionally, I make it a point to thoroughly review the certification materials. This allows me to effectively allocate my study time across different sections.

I hope this strategy proves useful to you!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Liwen! Chiara
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Nikki’s Answer

Usually, the certification programs will provide you with course material. As I go through the class material I like to take notes in Google Docs that I can go back to later. Then once I've finished the material and it's time to study I will read through my notes. The certification program may also give you a study guide. I would work off of that study guide. For a lot of popular certifications, there are many practice tests that are available. I highly recommend taking a few practice tests as this can help you get comfortable with the format of the questions that will be asked. I am also a fan of using flash cards to learn terminology when it is required. Quizlet is a great resource for online flashcards!
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Loriel’s Answer

I cannot give you Answer for this unfortunately.

However, what I can do is let you know a couple of things that are general.

First things first if you have a linked in account do a search for people in the IT field reach out to them make those connections ask them how they study for their certifications. They will answer you back people are very active on LinkedIn.

Not only will that allow you to get the answers that you were looking for but also allow you to create connections and you know creating connections as part of the long game when it comes to finding a job.

Secondly common as an academic advisor I always tell my students consistent studying comes when you build that into your day. As an example we always have a certain time that we eat dinner, eat lunch, eat breakfast, exercise, watch your favorite TV shows.. so you need to build studying into your schedule. That's the only way you can be consistent with it.

Loriel recommends the following next steps:

Reach out to people in the IT filled on LinkedIn
Create time for studying in your daily schedule
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Loriel. Chiara
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Stephen’s Answer

Usually every certification has study guides you can purchase to help you study. There are also in person classes you can take for some of the certifications. Either way, you'll need to dedicate focus and time to studying to make sure when you take your certification exam you pass!

If you haven't studied for a certification before I highly suggest starting out with a shorter exam (i.e. ITIL Foundation). That way you can ease into the studying and test taking realm for certifications.

More tips:
1. Find out if you can what % of questions will come from a particular section so you can make sure you spend more time on those areas.
2. Break out studying into manageable chunks so you don't get overwhelmed
3. Take a break and come back if you have too! Sometimes a fresh mind will absorb more information.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Stephen! Chiara
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Michael’s Answer

I can speak for a few of the certifications I have completed including Cisco. I find that it is best to read as much information about the topics \ area as possible. Then take time to find a way to actually put the information to practical use. This means trying to get access to labs and equipment where possible. Playing and solving issues for your self helps to understand and gain extra knowledge about the topic.

Once you have a clear base for the topic and information - CRAM. Read and re-read the information where the topics and information seems like the same thing over and over again. This will allow you be confident when sitting for these certifications.

This is the best way to pass Cisco - for myself anyway. A few of the topics I do not use or have access to on a daily bases so reading and practical exercises is the only thing that will help.

There is a lot of online course and study guides made to incorporate both practical and information in a single course but they tend to cost some money and are not always as good as finding the information and knowledge yourself.
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Roberto’s Answer

Online learning is a key element of life-long learning.
You might want to consider digital credential from elearning platforms, such as Coursera or also at https://skillsbuild.org for free educational content and credentials
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Jessica’s Answer

Hi Chiara - It's important to devise a study strategy right from the start, once you've received your certification course material. Make sure to set aside dedicated time for studying, whether it's 30 minutes a day or an hour every other day. Consistency is key! It's essential to make studying a priority (but also it's important to give yourself a break and have fun).
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