How to Best Prepare for Network Certification Exams

If you’ve been out of school for a while or you’re not a great test-taker, the idea of taking a network certification exam can seem intimidating. However, showing up for your exam prepared and confident can go a long way in helping you pass.

Take practice exams.

Practice exams are a great way to build confidence and learn how to effectively manage your time during the exam. There are many sites and programs that cover CompTIA certifications as well as a diverse range of other tech-related topics. Additionally, make sure to invest your time in solving real-world problems before spending hundreds to take the exam.

Consistently practicing will make you feel more comfortable taking the exam and can help ease exam-related anxiety. AlphaPrep offers a mobile app with performance analytics that can show you what areas of the exam need improvement. The app also features video courses, official certification guides, and coaches. Most importantly, AlphaPrep offers a pass guarantee.

Use study guides.

Choosing the right study guide can play a significant role in helping you pass the exam. Making an investment in premium study guides can help you force yourself to devote more time to studying, as you’ll feel more motivated to study after spending on study materials. It’s important to remember that devoting more time to studying will pay off in the long run, since you’ll be able to save hundreds by passing the exam the first time.

Hire a mentor.

Consider finding or hiring a mentor to help prepare you for the certification exam. Mentors can not only help you answer exam questions, but will show you what to study in order to solve questions on your own. Having someone available to talk you through hard-to-understand questions is crucial to passing the exam.

To find a mentor, try searching online or exploring services offered by local colleges. There are also a variety of online mentors and study resources that can be used for free. For instance, LinusTechTips and Professor Messer on YouTube provide educational videos on different tech subjects. Educational videos can be found for nearly all subjects on the exam, so don’t hesitate to search if something is unclear to you.

Invest in exam prep courses.

Since it can be difficult to stay motivated studying through online classes, some students benefit more traditional college courses. Traditional, in-person courses provide hands-on, guided instruction through the exam material. Attending classes in person also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and meet with the professor for further instruction.

Some colleges offer programs focused around passing CompTIA certifications with the option of taking the certification at the end of the course. Community college programs typically cost between $300 and $700 and last 12 to 15 weeks.

Know the test objectives.

Most certification exams, including CompTIA, outline a list of necessary objectives required to pass the certification. Studying these objectives can give you an idea what material will be on the test, and you’ll be left feeling more confident knowing that you can accomplish all of them. Additionally, test objectives are updated roughly every three years and detail old information that has been dropped from the upcoming exam.

Devoting time and effort toward studying for the exam will enable you to take the exam with confidence. Make sure to begin studying and take practice exams as far in advance as possible to ensure the best result on your official test. All in all, determination and ambition will allow you to pass your network certification exam with flying colors.