Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing IT Certifications

As someone who has been studying IT certification for several years, I want to share some of my thoughts on the common mistakes I have seen, including those I have made myself.

Not Having a Specific Goal in Mind

One of the biggest pitfalls is not having a specific goal in mind. Think about what you are studying for and why you do it. Maybe you enjoy the subject, or it can help with your career advancement or job change. It's crucial to have a clear objective or a reason to pursue the certification. Otherwise, the time and effort you invest may not lead to meaningful achievements.

Paying When You Don't Have to or Paying Too Much

An important consideration is whether you need to pay for your qualifications and training. Often, your employer will cover these costs, but if not, it can be a very costly mistake. I have seen many individuals believe that they can enter the industry by paying thousands of dollars for training, but the results have frequently been disappointing. It's important to be selective and smart about the certifications you choose. Look for free resources, such as those offered by VMware, Microsoft, and Cisco. These platforms provide a wealth of free training materials and resources that can be very beneficial.

Taking on Too Much

Taking on too many certifications at once can also be detrimental. It's important to consider your workload and professional goals. Rushing into too many exams can lead to burnout and failures. If the cost is your own, a failed exam can also affect your finances. It’s okay to take things at a reasonable pace and give yourself enough time to study effectively. Plan your study schedule and allocate the time you can actually dedicate to each certification.

Finding Quality Resources

Access to quality resources is crucial. Before you start studying, it's important to verify the resources you have. Outdated or hard-to-find resources can significantly impact your readiness for the exam. Vendors often provide blueprints, which detail the specific knowledge required to pass the exam. These are invaluable tools. Take the time to read these and find additional resources that can help you prepare. Preparation is key.

Vagueness in General

Another issue is the vagueness in the relevance of certain certifications. For instance, a DevOps certificate might cover a wide range of skills, but is it really necessary for everyone? Typically, a specific role or discipline is more relevant to most professionals. Your certification should align with that role. As an example, if you've been working as a systems engineer and now you're transitioning to an architect role, certifications like CISSP and TOGAF might be more suitable. A general Microsoft certificate might be easier to obtain, but it might not showcase your specific expertise well.

Here's my two cents: Experience remains the king of qualifications. If you want to push yourself, test yourself, polish your resume, and show your relevance in the industry, certifications can be a valuable addition. When vendors know that you've passed a specific exam, it means you have a certain level of expertise in their technology stack, which can be very convenient for organizations that have invested millions of dollars in related solutions.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome. Let's discuss the best strategies and insights to overcome these common mistakes and achieve success in IT certifications.