Feeling nervous about that big certification exam coming up? It’s perfectly understandable. Tackling a major test, especially if it’s been a while since you last studied seriously, can be daunting.
But remember, earning a certification—whether in IT, law, HR, or any other field—can be incredibly valuable. It not only validates your skills and knowledge but also boosts your career prospects and opens up new opportunities.
Still, this doesn’t make preparing for a certification exam any easier. Depending on the exam, you might have to dedicate a significant chunk of your time to studying, which can be tricky when you’re balancing other responsibilities, like work, family, and personal commitments.
But don’t fret – with the right study plan and some effective studying strategies, which we share below, you can do it.
Understand the Exam Structure
First and foremost, know what you’re up against. Each certification exam is different, so before you start studying, familiarize yourself with the format, content, and type of questions you’ll face. You can’t create a proper study plan without knowing how difficult and comprehensive the questions or performance tests will be.
For instance, the bar exam is a mix of multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests, while various IT certifications might focus more on practical, hands-on problem-solving. The easiest way to go about this is to check the official exam guide and sample questions provided by the certifying body.
Create a Study Schedule
Having a well-structured study schedule is everything. Without it, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose perspective; with it, you can study effectively each study session (as long as you stick with it).
To create a study schedule that works best for you, take a moment to objectively look at your typical day: how many hours, realistically, can you dedicate weekly to your study sessions? It’s important to be as objective as possible here because we all have time pockets we tend to waste, sometimes on mindless scrolling, other times on video gaming.
Next, break down the syllabus into manageable chunks and allocate time to each topic. If you’re working full-time, you’ll have to be more flexible by utilizing any unexpected free time —early mornings, lunch breaks, evenings. Weekends are for more intensive study sessions.
Invest in the Right Study Materials
When it comes to your study materials, keep the motto “quality over quantity” in mind. Meaning, it’s better to invest in a few well-structured, reputable study guides, textbooks, and online resources, than to have dozens of subpar materials.
Now, many certification exams have official study materials, so you should make these your primary source. Then, supplement it with practice tests and flashcards.
For the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam, for example, the PMBOK Guide is essential, but don’t ignore other resources that offer different perspectives and practice questions. For instance, online forums, where you can exchange tips and resources with fellow candidates, can help you get varying perspectives.
If you’re tackling the New York bar exam, consider enrolling in a comprehensive review course. A good New York bar exam review can provide invaluable insights and practice materials tailored to that specific exam.
Practice, Practice, Practice
You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: practice makes perfect. In fact, if there’s one thing you take from this guide, make it this: regularly take practice tests under timed conditions.
When practicing, review your answers critically and try to understand why you got a question wrong. Then, revisit that topic. For exams like the CPA, which are known for their complexity, practicing simulations and task-based questions can be particularly helpful.
Regularly practicing will also help you identify areas where you need improvement. Which brings us to…
Focus on Your Weak Areas
To make real progress, it’s essential to target your weak spots.
For example, if you’re studying for the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam and struggle with cryptography, make sure you dedicate extra time to this area. You can also use different resources—videos, articles, discussion forums—to get a better grasp.
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mentor or tutor if needed!
