How To Study For Exams & Certifications

This is my ultimate list for studying exams and certifications. Hopefully, your find it useful!

Enjoy!

1. Start with the easiest or most enjoyable study tasks.

Start with the easiest or most enjoyable study tasks to get started first.

If you procrastinate to study, this is what you should do. You will build momentum and discipline over time.

2. Create a Study Plan to organize your studying.

Top students almost always create a study guide to help them study. Create a list of key topics you need to cover.

Use your course outline to build your study plan.

Break it down based on Weeks or Sections. Add study tasks like watch lectures, make notes, do practice problems, etc.

Do this for each course. Use this template for inspiration.

Research show that those who create plan for their projects increase their likelihood of success by 300%.

2. Set Goals and Reasons

Believe in yourself and your success. It is important that you visualize succeeding in the exam you are taking.

In order to do this, write down what sort of results do you want from the exam. Visualize the ideal outcome from the course you are taking. Get 90%? Develop expertise and mastery? This will be your goal.

Next, list out the reasons for the results you want. More knowledge, be better at your job. Make more money. Write as many as you can.

Take a look at your goals and reasons everyday. It will motivate you to study.

3. Study for 30 minutes at a time.

When you are just starting to study, plan to study 30 minutes at a time. Focus on developing consistent 30 minute study cycles to keep you refreshed an energized.

You are more than welcome increase this amount as you get more comfortable with the material.

Take 5-10 minute breaks every 30 minutes. Do something relaxing (i.e. meditating).

Use a timer to keep track of your studying.

4. Invest in a video course If you are taking a certification or designation exam

If you are taking certifications such as PMP, CPA, CFA, CHRP, Salesforce, CCNA or any others. I highly recommend you invest in a good video course.

It will give you a good roadmap on what you need to study and focus on. If the instructor is experienced, he or she will help you master the material easier.

It doesn’t need to be the best. It just need to be good enough for you to get a good start.

Ask your friends or research online for a highly reviewed or popular course.

5. If you are taking a university course, prioritize lectures.

If you are taking university courses, prioritize your lectures.

It is usually your course instructor or professor is who creates your exams. Take what they say seriously.

They are putting the best information and research you must know for the exams. Learn them in detail.

Your professor will drop clues like “make sure you remember this” or “this is what most students miss”. These concepts are likely to show up on tests and exams.

6. Create “formula sheets” or Study Packages.

Create “formula sheets” or Study Packages with key concepts. Remember to handwrite your notes as you go.

Handwriting helps understand information deeper. Write down all key formulas, concepts, details.

Draw diagrams and mind maps to help you study. Start with the professors/instructors’ notes then move on to the text.

7. Quiz yourself as you study.

When I was in university and studying certifications, I would regularly quiz myself on the concepts I previously studied.

Use the formula sheets and study packages to review and quiz yourself continuously. 

8. Repetition is the key to master.

Don’t expect to immediately understand new material.

Nobody understands things completely by reading it once.

Repeatedly study key concepts and notes. Review your important concepts and study packages in detail at least 3-6x before exams.

Do this in a relaxed manner. Not need to go high intensity. The key to mastering concepts is relaxed repetition.

9. Teach what you learned.

I LOVE TEACHING! Personally, teaching is something I love doing. I realize that more I teach people, the faster I learn.

This is another pattern I saw among most successful students. Teaching is one of the best ways to enhance and solidify your learning regardless of the subject.

Find someone and teach them what you learn. If you are struggling to explain a concept, you don’t know it well enough. Use repetitions to build your brain cells and understanding.

10. Do practice problems and study what you get wrong.

Spend time to find and do practice problems. Celebrate what you get correct (no matter the score - key is progress).

Then, create a list of what you get wrong and spend time learning these concepts well (it will make you stronger).

These two techniques are one the best techniques to study effectively.

11. Use online resources to fill any knowledge gaps.

If you have a challenging time with a concept, use online resources to fill any knowledge gaps. There are many free resources available online; YouTube, articles, practice problems, quizzes to help you master the material.

Make notes on what you learned and add them to the formula sheet or study packages.

12. Sleep for 7-9 hours each day.

The best way to rest and recover your body and brain. Professional athletes like Lebron James and Roger Federer sleep between 8-10 hours to help them recover.

13. Exercise 20-30 minutes each day.

One of the best ways to energize your body and brain. Exercising help you focus and study longer.

Do relaxed slow-to-medium pace aerobic or cardio-based exercise for maximum benefit.

14. Take care of your body, mind, soul and relationships.

Take time to appreciate your efforts - no matter how little.

Thank and appreciate your body, mind and yourself.

Also, be good to others and help them succeed.