Five tips to prepare for certification tests

1. Leave enough time

This is the most important tip, because if you don’t leave enough time to study you won’t be able to put any of the great advice below into practice: you’ll just have to cram. As soon as you have the date of your test in the calendar, create a study timetable and start preparing. By giving yourself adequate time you can learn in a more structured way and revise properly, giving your brain a chance to consolidate the new information – most of what you ‘learn’ when cramming at the last minute will be forgotten soon after entering your head.

2. Do lots of practice tests

Taking a lot of practice tests will really help you get ready. Working on practice tests will help you determine which areas you need to brush up on, as well as getting you familiar with the actual test format. Try doing your practice tests in a variety of different settings, including ones where you aren’t totally comfortable, so you’ll be ready for anything

3. Time Yourself

It’s important to time yourself while taking practice tests. There is always a time limit on certification tests and you want to be able to comfortably take the test within that timeframe. Find out how long your test should take – if it is supposed to be finished in two hours and you’re taking four, you’re probably not ready for the test.

4. Undertake Formal Training

The most foolproof way to prepare for your certification tests is to train for them with an accredited training provider. By studying formally in this way you’ll get all the information and skills you need delivered in a structured way by trained and dedicated staff. Training courses can also get you ready for multiple certifications at once, something that is much harder to do alone.

Studying in a more formal setting also ensures you get the support you need and offers ready-made opportunities for networking and forming study groups with your peers. You’ll also have feedback from qualified instructors who can assess your progress. This will take the guesswork out of knowing whether you’re ready to sit your exam or need to do more work first, as well as providing guidance as to which areas you are strong in and where you need to focus your energies.

5. Form or Join a Study Group

Studying alone can be boring and it is far easier to get distracted. Try and find people who are studying for the same exam and put together a study group where you can all encourage each other to stay on track. Some benefits of studying in a group include avoiding procrastination, faster learning by combining knowledge and experience, breaking the monotony of solo study, and augmenting the benefits of formal study by creating your own ‘classroom’ outside of official classes.