Certification Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors and get the most out of your certification

 1. Studying for a 'HOT' cert, rather than something you love doing.  

People in IT tend to pursue a certification based on it's popularity at that moment. Many will often ask for advice on the hottest cert to study for.
pursuing a hot cert is a bad strategy. An area perceived to be hot right now might be glacialy cold in six months. These trends are impossible to predict. This too may lead you to an area thats not of your interest. if you like Systems administration, why go for a developer cert.

Determine what you enjoy doing in IT and find a certification that will support you on the same.

 2. Don't use one study Method.

Books can be helpful certification prep tools. so are simulation labs, classroom-based training and online training.
Do not confine your studies to just one of these types. Variety is not only the spice of life but it can kick you certification prep to the next level.

3. Assuming a certification will fast-track your career.

People expect an immediate raise or promotion the moment they bang that cert. The more acronyms after their name i.e MCSE,RHCE,CCIE, the more they feel they deserve the corner office.
Certification are an indication of an employee worthiness, which coupled with other skills i.e. communication skills, team-player and experience, make an excellent techie.

4. If you are not ready, don't test.

You need to be thoroughly prepared for your exams before testing. if you feel you need an extra week or month be patient take your time.

5. Avoid Braindumping.

Braindumps are exact questions and answers from certification tests provided to test-takes for a fee or free. Braindumps are unethical. It's not different from getting a test ahead of time and swotting the answers.
Another drawback of braindumps is you never get to understand the material so you'll be half baked on the job.

Read widely, know your stuff, GO get Certified.