Category Archives: IT Cert

Anthony’s IT Certification Tips – 10 of 10 – Enjoy the Journey!

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Want to really excel when it comes to earning professional IT certifications? You need to learn to really love the process.

How is this possible? Well, if you follow many of the previous tips in this series, I think you will discover that the cert process really can be an enjoyable process.

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For example, I really discover that when I use a tracker, find the study materials that are right for me, and lab things up as I go along, I absolutely LOVE studying for a new certification. I mean, I really LOVE it. It’s one of my favorite things to do in life. Heck, I even enjoy taking exams.

When you finally earn that new certification, do not forget to celebrate the achievement! I have a ritual here. I call Keith Barker and chat about the process, then I go out with my family and celebrate. Since I love chatting with Keith, and celebrating with my family, I try and obtain as many certifications as humanly possible. (Are you looking for ideas in how to celebrate? Check out this recent CBT Nuggets blog post.)

If you aren’t thoroughly enjoying the cert process, then something is wrong. Find out what it is and fix it as soon as possible. For many students, it might be a bit of loneliness. If this is the case for you, seeking out a users group or forum somewhere could help. Or chat with your fellow students in the comments section of courses right here at CBT Nuggets! There usually us a fix for whatever is wrong during your cert journey.

Thank you for reading my “Tips for Cert Success” series. I sincerely hope at least one of my tips made or will make a measurable difference in your IT certification pursuits. Until next time, remember, study with passion!

Anthony’s IT Certification Tips – 9 of 10 – Prepare for Setbacks

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Are you like me? Did you excel in academics in school as a youngster, never failing a single exam, and always having plenty of study time? Well, get ready, my certification-questing friends, because all of that might change now — and very quickly.

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While you do not want to approach your certification pursuit thinking that you are going to fail, you do want to prepare yourself, your timelines, and trackers for potential setbacks. Think about it: You might have some life event occur that keeps you from studying as much as you had planned one week, thus pushing your completion date out further. Or you might have a first attempt at an exam not go well, and to make matters worse, it could be your first time failing a test in your life!

Be ready for these setbacks. Factor them in. It’s OK. It happens to ALL of us. I personally sat and took the CCIE R&S practical lab exam many times before passing it. And that exam cost $1,500 each attempt, and was placed on my wife’s credit card. Talk about pressure!

When you have a setback, let it be a very temporary one. Regroup and immediately start back on your journey. If it is a failed exam, then you will have an excellent idea of what areas you need to improve upon.

I like to remember this Winston Churchill quote:

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Study with passion my friends!