Steve,
This may well be the most important part of this seven-part series. Here we go!
Developing Your Study Plan
Now that you've made your decision as to the two-exam vs. one-exam approach, you're ready for the most important part of the entire CCNA process: Developing your study plan.
That's right, this is the most important part of your CCNA chase. Without this study plan, your study will be unstructured, random, and most likely unsuccessful.
There are several steps involved in developing a successful study plan. Let's examine them one at a time.
Schedule your exam NOW.
Okay, Chris has lost his mind. : ) Why should I schedule my exam now? I haven't started studying yet!
From experience, I can tell you that this technique works. People complain about timetables and deadlines, but the truth is that people do their best work with a deadline.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I've heard this:
"I'll schedule my exam when I'm ready."
You know when "ready" is? For many people, NEVER. I know someone who's been preparing for their CCNA for years - literally! He's going to schedule that exam when he's ready. He's been getting ready for years!
By scheduling your exam now, you give yourself a mental deadline. You'll be surprised at how focused your mind becomes when you know the date of your exam before you start. I have used this technique for my CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE exams. It will work for you!
Scheduling your exam at a Prometric site:
www.2test.com
www.2test.com
Scheduling your exam at a VUE site:
www.vue.com
www.vue.com
Both sites have test center locators, so no matter where you are in the world, you can find the testing center nearest you.
We all have times of the day that we're mentally sharper than others. I personally am a "morning person", so I always schedule my exams for first thing in the morning. If you're stronger in the afternoon, schedule an afternoon exam.
Schedule Your Study Time, And Track It.
Ever hear someone describe their study time like this? "I don't know why I haven't passed the CCNA exam. I've been studying for four months!"
Do not make the mistake of measuring your study time in months.
What does it mean when someone says they've been studying for "months", anyway? I hear that all the time, and it doesn't mean anything. It's a totally inaccurate way of measuring how much studying you've done, and it's also a good way of fooling yourself as to how much work you've actually put in.
Consider this example: Sam studies 90 minutes a day, six days a week. His study time is uninterrupted and quiet. Sam does this for eight weeks.
Bill studies 45 minutes a day, six days a week. His study consists of opening his book in front of the TV, and taking phone calls while he thumbs through the pages. Bill does this for twelve weeks.
Over eight weeks, Sam will put in 72 hours of solid study.
Over twelve weeks, Bill will put in 54 hours of subpar study.
Yet Bill will say, "I've studied for three months!"
Instead of doing what Bill did, do what Sam did. Make a commitment to study "x" minutes a day, stick to it, make sure your study is uninterrupted, and track your study time. You're much better off to get six hours of quality study time a week than to get 10 hours of constantly interrupted time.
You can track your time using Excel, or even Notepad. Every day, write down how much time you spent studying and the topic(s) you studied. You have to write this down. Not only will you have an accurate picture of how much study you're actually putting in, you'll be able to make sure that you've spent adequate time on every exam topic.
Would you make an appointment with a client, or another professional like a doctor, and then just not show up? Of course not. That would be incredibly unprofessional.
Consider your study time an appointment with yourself. Just as you would not be late or skip an appointment with someone else, do not skip this appointment with yourself.
The mental aspect of pursuing the CCNA is just as important as studying. Tomorrow, I'll teach you how to keep a positive attitude - by keeping your goals away from the trolls!
See you then!
Chris Bryant
CCIE #12933
The Bryant Advantage, 9429 Apple Blossom Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, USA
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