Taking IT tests is not easy. There’s a reason why many people fail in their first attempt. When you are getting ready for the CompTIA exams, it is a huge amount of time, energy and preparation someone has to invest.
That is why we have compiled some tips to help you get your CompTIA certification. While nothing will replace your studying, these tricks and secrets will sure help you get confident and ready to take your test. Here are 13 tips that can help you get CompTIA certified.
1. Avoid “Brain Dumps”
A brain dump is when a person posts test questions after taking a test, which many times include answers. This might be helpful to get knowledge, but be careful, since there is no quality control, and you may be getting the wrong answers. It might help you pass the exam but, it will not do you any favors when you need to use the knowledge in real life. Brain dumps can get the person posting them in legal issues since CompTIA exam takers have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
2. Know your Learning Style
People have different learning styles. You may have to write things down or see images in order to learn and memorize better. Some people need silence. Maybe reading things out loud helps some people retain their knowledge, but you may need to explain and or demonstrate the concepts to someone else out loud in order to learn.
Figuring out what works for you in terms of retaining information is the best test trick when you have a hard exam to take. This online test can tell you if you’re an auditory, visual, or kinetic learner. Learning that will make all the difference when you are taking any test.
3. Have in mind the objectives
Having the test objectives in mind does more than just prepare you for the layout of the test. It works like a roadmap that enables you to know how fast or slowly you’re moving through the material.
Time is crucial in these exams and knowing where you are and how much time you have left is fundamental. Studying the objectives means you are more prepared to take and pass your exam in general.
4. Hyperfocus on your weaknesses
Take a CompTIA practice test to see how ready you are and where your weaknesses are. When you’re reviewing your answers, check what you keep getting wrong and then redouble your focus and study efforts in those areas.
5. Skip the Hardest Questions
These IT tests are about time management, so, if a question seems too difficult and time-consuming, skip it. On the Security+ test, there are beta questions, seemingly random questions that are being tried out for future versions of the test. They are not graded, but it is hard to tell which ones are, so don’t skip too many questions without answers.
Beta questions are not a feature of every CompTIA test, so skipping a hard question will give you more time to the questions you know the answers. By the time you return to the hard question, you may be more comfortable to answer it.
6. Get ready for the CompTIA’s Performance-Based Questions
Performance-based questions (PBQs) ask the taker to solve a problem or perform a task in a simulation. These questions take more time and can be daunting if you’re not prepared for them. But don’t be scared, they are a little bit more complex, but not impossible to answer. Keep in mind that most PBQs will come at the beginning of the test and getting ready for these questions with labs will make it much easier. However, if you reach the question and don’t feel confident, skip it and after come back to it.
7. Get high-quality instruction and materials
Getting official textbooks from CompTIA or materials from well-established industry professionals is a good way to ensure you are consuming the best materials. Also, taking the courses at organizations that offer classroom-style training programs for CompTIA certifications which teach courses using the most current exam objectives for each certification.
8. Build a PC Computer or Set up a Network
This is especially important for the CompTIA A+ exam and the Network+ exam. The CompTIA A+ 901 exam covers hardware and the 902 covers software. While it might sound difficult, building an actual computer is a great and fun way to prepare for a CompTIA test. It will be not just great for grasping the theory itself, but the actual hands-on practice. The same thing goes for the Network+ exam. Nothing is better to make you fully understand networks than to actually set up one for yourself. It’s easier to memorize things when you do them in real life. If this is not possible, finding a tech lab like this one at ICOHS College tech school in San Diego, is the best thing. Their CompTIA A+ course includes hands-on experience with building computers, a great component of any IT training.
9. Join a Community or group for CompTIA Test Tricks
Joining a CompTIA study group online is an amazing way to get ready for the test. They share several good resources, study suggestions, and more in the CompTIA subreddit, /r/CompTIA which is full of people who have either passed their certifications or who are further ahead in the process. If you have a question or a hard time to understand a tricky section, you can always ask and people will be happy to share the secrets and give the answers.
10. Make a Study Plan to Pass the Exam
Planning and keeping track of the content you need to cover in your studies is crucial. Be sure to allow more time for difficult subjects or areas you might need some extra help on. Set aside a specific time everyday day to dedicate to different topics and then stick to it.
11. MOST, BEST, LEAST
A great exam trick is if a question contains capitalized words like MOST, BEST or LEAST pay attention because it gives you a hint as to what the question is about. Many answers seem to fit, but there is only one option that corresponds to the capitalized superlative and will help you successfully pass your exam.
12. Master the Multiple-Choice Tricks
First, eliminate answers that are obviously wrong. Second, recall information related to the question asked. This is a very effective method for remembering the correct answer. If two of the answers are related, that probably means that one of them is the right one. If all the answers seem incorrect, you need to review the question to try to figure out what they’re actually asking. For more hints and tricks, check these multiple-choice questions.
13. Rest Well the Day of Your CompTIA Exam
Last but not least, you need to be well-rested, hydrated, fed and as calm as possible. Coffee or black tea will also help keep you alert. So, get a good night’s sleep and be sure to eat good food and bring a water bottle with you.
Another thing that will help keep you calm is to know exactly where the testing location is. Leave yourself plenty of time in case there is heavy traffic or you get lost. And, finally, build up your confidence by giving yourself a pep talk. You’ve got this!
14. Final Thoughts
Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged, especially if you have tried and failed before. With the CompTIA A+ exam cost, you want to make sure you are investing your money wisely. Self-study is important, but most people need extra help. That’s why ICOHS College offers hands-on tech industry training with top-notch instructors to help you pass your CompTIA courses, get your certified, and ready for an IT job. About 85% of ICOHS College students have passed the exam on their first attempt.
With classes offered during the day and evening, we’ll help you along your tech certification career path. Then, we provide student services to assist our graduates in getting hired in California, which includes networking with our employer partners and writing a good resume.
The tech industry in San Diego is in desperate need of IT professionals who are certified and ready to get those jobs. Taking the CompTIA certification classes are a great way to get started. If you want to pass the CompTIA exam in San Diego and get certified, contact us!
