Study Tips

(READ, PRACTICE & UNDERSTAND, and MEMORIZE)

In order to be successful at anything in life, it requires a person to have some diligence, dedication, and some preparation.  This also holds true for someone wanting to become certified in Information Technology.  Sure, most people have different study habits, but I’ve listed some surprisingly easy concepts that may help you to succeed:

  • How much time should you study for your classes?

    This really depends on how many hours a week you will be going to class? Most classes at Computer Networking Center meet twice a week for about four hours per night.  This is a total classroom time of eight hours per week.  We normally recommend a BASE MINIMUM of an additional six hours per week (Obviously, more studying time outside of class the better!).  Therefore, we recommend you study those additional six or more hours during the week (hour and a half per day on Mon – Fri) or weekend (two or three hours on Saturday and Sunday).  If you can put more time in for studying, this always helps, but make sure you don’t STRESS yourself out.  Remember, we all have STRESS and TEST ANXIETY (some more than others), but remember what your instructor told you in class.  You must follow his or her guidelines and you should do fine.
  • Where should you study for your classes and/or certification exams?

    Students always have different studying habits, but once you find a routine and schedule that you are comfortable with.  Try to stick with that schedule.  Some students have told us over the years that they find it hard to study at home with all the distractions (i.e. family, TV, etc..).  If you are having trouble studying at home, then find yourself a quiet library, coffee shop, or your classroom to study.  Yes, you can study in the classroom at Computer Networking Center.  Most of our classes are held in the evening, so you are more than welcome to study in the lab.  We always recommend calling our office ahead of time to make sure the lab is available.
  • What other resources will you need?

    Computer Networking Center will give you all the resources (i.e. Books, Study Materials, Practice Exams, Tool-kits, etc..) you need for your courses, but ask the administrator if there are any other related resources (i.e. Laptop, Desktop, Secondary Laptop or Desktop, Internet Connection, etc..) that may help you with your study process.   The administrator at Computer Networking Center will be able to guide you along and point you in the right direction for all the resources you will need.
  • Ask the important people in your life for help and support?

    This can be very important while you are studying.  If you have the proper help and support from your friends and family, the studying process can go a lot smoother.  The last thing you need in your life while studying is more stress from your friends and family.  Therefore, sit down with them and explain to them that you need to focus on your training and studying for the next few months.  Trust me, family and friends should understand that you are doing this to better yourself and your future.
  • Try to make friends in class for studying purposes?

    Going back to school for anyone at any age can be difficult.  Therefore, it’s always important to make friends in class or get together with a group of people from your class.  I’ve always found it easier to study if I have a study partner or a study group.  This way you can all relate to what’s being taught in your classroom and help each other if one student is not comprehending the material.
  • Don’t stress yourself out! Find some time for yourself!

    Have you ever heard the proverb “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? What does this mean? It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring.   More importantly, how does this relate to you studying for class? It is very important to set some time aside for yourself.  Don’t get me wrong, concentrate on your classes and studying.  If you don’t study hard and properly, then you are just doing an injustice to yourself, but don’t forget to make some time for yourself.  If you don’t put aside some time for yourself, then you will be more stressed out and you won’t be able to focus on your courses properly.