First let me say that nothing will prepare you better than hands-on experience in the area of the certification. If you are going for the A+ you should be very familiar with the inside of the computer for the hardware and you should know the software too.
Step 1 – Start about six months before the exam and read as much about the exam as possible. Find out the objectives and what area they cover.
Step 2 – Gain the hands-on experience you need. If you are working toward the A+, get a old pc and learn how to remove, replace and add cards. Learn how to install WinXP and troubleshoot the OS. I say to use an old or “Non-Production” pc because you will at some make the pc not work properly. I never use my regular pc when training to learn a new software or process. It is well worth spending about $150 to buy an old pc and use it for testing. XP may not run very fast but it should run on older computers.
Step 3 – Read as much material on the subject matter. I usually set aside about 30min each day to read from a manual on the subject matter. I wrote a post on Network+ resources. I also try and take notes as I am reading. The basic principles of reading and retention apply to this step. Cramming for an exam is never a good idea. You may pass the exam but it really does you no good in the long run.
Step 4 – Take a training class on the subject. Try your local community college or you may try some other training centers such as New Horizons. I have used New Horizons in the past and have been pleased with the results. The course material is crammed into short sessions and coupled with hands on labs. Make sure that you have a good instructor when attending the training. You should ask the college or training center for the credentials of the trainer.
Step 5 – One month before the exam you should review a study guide or study notes. I use the exam cram books. Try and start memorizing the critical areas (ports, beep codes, etc).
Step 6 – During the last month you may try some of the preparation tests or quizzes. You can find some free ones online and there are many pay versions as well. Try to find out the areas you have weaknesses. Study in these areas and review the other areas.
Step 7 – Start making notes on 3x5 cards of critical memory items. For the Network+ I would list OSI and other basic command line items. I then carry these cards in my pocket and review them when I have a few minutes.
Step 8 – One week before the exam you should take a day and spend about six hours in a very serious study session. It is hard for me to focus on studying for more than 30 min, so I plan my six hours in 30 min sessions. I focus each 30 min. session on different areas of the exam. I also spend the last week reviewing the 3x5 cards and the exam cram book.
Step 9 – The night before the test you should get plenty of sleep (at least 8-10 hours). Now is not the time to stay up and cram. Your body truly does function better with sleep. I personally take a sugar free Red Bull with me to the exam so that I get the extra energy boost. There are many experts that will give varying opinions on how much sleep, what type of food is best and other types of brain power tips. Just get some sleep.
Step 10 – The day of the exam you should try and stay as relaxed as possible. Arrive at the test center at least one hour before your test begins. You should plan for traffic and other delays in your trip to the test center. If possible, visit the test center in advance to view the surroundings and where you will take the test.
Step 11 – Ask the test center for blank paper. When the test begins you should do a “brain dump” on the blank piece of paper. When I was first told this technique I thought it would not help but it does. I was able to write out the OSI for the Network+ and later when asked a question I drew a blank. I quickly referred to the note I had written and it “triggered” the information that I needed.
Step 12 - Stay calm and read every question thoroughly. They will try and give you trick questions. The do these questions so they can try and eliminate imposters that have only crammed for the test and do not truly know the material. Answer the question and move on. Usually your first response will be right. Do not put too much time in to second guessing yourself. If you studied and you know the material you should get it right the first time.
If you fail the exam you should be given a report of the areas where you missed questions. Find out when you can test again and spend more time reviewing the material.
I hope this helps.
Resources for this post:
http://www.comptia.org/
http://www.testtakingtips.com/
http://www.jasonejohnson.com/2007/05/best-resources-for-comptia-network.html
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