Certifications are an essential way to validate your skills and advance your career. Whether you are seeking professional, academic, or technical certification, adequate preparation is the key to success.

This year, I obtained quite a few certifications, notably at Nutanix, spending a lot of time at Nutanix University. But behind these successes there are also some failures, often linked to poor preparation.

This is what motivated the writing of this post in which I will share with you some tips for choosing and preparing for your Nutanix certifications, or any other certification.

WHY GET CERTIFIED?

This is the big question that comes up often and there are several answers to this question:

– Skills Validation: Certifications attest to your skills and expertise in a specific area. They confirm that you have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your field of study or work.

– Career advancement: Certifications can open new professional opportunities. They can help you get a job, advance in your current career, or qualify for higher, better-paying positions. For example, passing the Nutanix NCS-Core will allow you to access the “Services” part and the deployment of clusters.

– Access other certifications: Some certifications require you to have already obtained other certifications as a prerequisite before you can attempt them. This is particularly the case of the previously mentioned NCS-Core which requires holding the NCP-MCI.

– Upskilling: Certifications attest to your skills and expertise in a specific area. They confirm that you have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your field of study or work.

– Personal Challenge/Satisfaction: Obtaining certification can be a source of personal pride and satisfaction. The opportunity to put yourself face to face with a challenge. It is a personal achievement that demonstrates your commitment to your professional or academic development.

Each of these certifications corresponds to a particular field and offers specific benefits, whether it be technical skills, management skills, language skills, regulatory compliance or other needs. It is important to choose the certification that best suits your personal and professional goals.

THE CHOICE OF CERTIFICATION

This may seem like a basic approach, but the choice of certification is essential to passing the exam.

Indeed, if you are new to a technology, you are not going to go straight to the most difficult certification, you have to go from strength to strength. And some certifications require you to have already obtained others as prerequisites.

Choosing which certification to take is an important decision that depends on your personal and professional goals. Here is a multi-step process to help you choose the certification that best suits your needs:

1. Identify your goals: Before choosing a certification, think about your goals. What do you hope to achieve by obtaining this certification? Do you want to advance in your career, change fields, acquire new skills, or simply validate the ones you already have? Being clear about your goals will help you make an informed decision.
   
2. Assess your current skills: Take an inventory of your current skills. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What areas do you want to strengthen? This assessment will help you determine the level of certification that is right for you.
   
3. Check the reputation of the certification: The reputation of the certification body is important. Opt for certifications that are recognized and respected in your industry. Well-established certifications tend to be more valued by employers.
   
4. Evaluate program content: Review the content of the certification program. Check if the topics covered match your goals and if the program is suitable for your skill level.
   
5. Consult already certified professionals: Talk to professionals who have obtained the certification you are considering. They can give you insight into their experience and the value of the certification.

Nutanix offers a tool to guide you towards the certifications best suited to your profile.

Remember that choosing a certification depends on your personal interests, your career, and your industry. It may be a good idea to consult a mentor or career advisor for advice specific to your situation.

10-POINT PREPARATION METHOD

Studying for a certification can be a demanding task, but by using effective techniques, you can maximize your study time and improve your understanding. Here are some review techniques that will help you achieve your certification goals.

1. Study of the lesson plan: Nutanix certifications, and many other certifications, offer a lesson plan, the famous blueprint. It is in this one that you will find everything you need to revise to pass the certification with peace of mind. Go through each course page, each link, each element of the blueprint to best prepare yourself for the exam.
   
2. Note-taking: When revising, take notes to summarize key information. Use a note-taking style that works best for you, whether in full sentences, bulleted lists, or diagrams. Notes will help you organize your thoughts and revise quickly.
   
3. Cards: Cards are effective tools for memorizing concepts, definitions or terms that arise directly from note-taking. Create sheets that summarize the important points of the course material so that you can review them quickly.
   
4. Diagrams: Creating diagrams can help you visualize connections between ideas. This is especially useful when you need to understand complex concepts and their interrelationships.
   
5. Quizzes and Self-Assessment: Test your knowledge by creating quizzes or using certification-related practice questions. This will allow you to gauge your understanding of the material and identify areas where you need to focus more of your revision.
   
6. Spaced Revision: Instead of studying intensively for long periods of time, embrace spaced revision. This means you regularly review the same content over an extended period of time, which helps strengthen long-term memory. Do a little bit every day.
   
7. Practical / Labs: Practical exercises are an essential component of preparation for any certification. This allows you to apply the concepts you have learned and develop your practical skills. Set up a lab, try solving problems, completing tasks, or working on certification-related projects to familiarize yourself with real-world situations you might encounter.
   
8. Mock exams: Mock exams are simulations of real exams. They are valuable in helping you understand the exam format, duration, and type of questions you will face. You can usually find practice exams online or in preparation books. Take as many practice exams as possible to practice time management and get used to the exam questions.
   
9. Identify your weak areas: When you practice with exercises and mock exams, note the questions that you have difficulty understanding or solving. This will help you identify your weak points and areas that need further review.
   
10. Find yourself a mentor: Reviewing certifications is much simpler and more effective when you do it with an already certified mentor. It will often push you to your limits by bombarding you with questions that are more specific than the exam. But it’s for your own good! Remember that he already has his certification and knows how it is done.

By using these review techniques, you can better prepare for your certifications and increase your chances of success. Remember that the key is consistency and perseverance.

Good luck in your preparations and in obtaining your certifications!