Are you considering taking the CAE or another credentialing exam? How you prepare might be different than how others prepare. Knowing yourself, your learning style, your current strengths and the resources available to you are all key components in positioning yourself for success. For example, some people are better able to leverage long-term memory over short-term memory, or vice versa, and you should plan your preparation around your personal strengths and idiosyncrasies. All these factors should be considered and leveraged when planning, studying and preparing for your exam.
If you feel one of these exams is in your future, it’s never too early to start planning. Download the exam content outlines, application and eligibility criteria to best determine when/if you’ll be eligible to sit and what information you will need at that time to apply for your exam. It’s always easier to collect the necessary materials and information as you participate in educational courses, vs. trying to look up the information months or years later when you are completing the application. Communicate your interest in the credentials to your colleagues. Many free educational opportunities were provided to me by colleagues who knew I was working on earning the needed professional development points for my application.
While it’s tempting to load your points in areas you currently work in, or feel drawn to, try to diversify the subject matter to review all areas covered during your exam. If you’re not sure what areas are your strengths or weaknesses, take a practice exam at the start of your studying process and use the domain scores to assist with identifying areas for growth. For example, the CAE Study Guide has study questions at the end of each content area along with additional reading materials to support the questions and topics covered. This can help guide your continued studying within the specific topics or sub-topics you identify as growth areas for you.
When searching for sources for additional education, don’t limit your choices to association-specific opportunities. Many resources for non-profit organizations or leadership training can also be applicable. Look into the specifics of what is covered in the webinar or course, and whether those topics fall within the domains or topic areas of your exam. Look for multi-session courses, conferences or meetings. These are great options for individuals looking to quickly obtain the needed points for a pending application deadline. Reach out to other industry professionals who have obtained the credential you seek to find insights on other resources you might not have otherwise considered.
Join a study group if you can. While preparing, I joined a study group by responding to a request posted in WSAE’s Communities. Each meeting, we focused on a specific topic led by one group member and talked through the study questions related to the topic from the CAE Study Guide. Those discussions proved invaluable for exploring the logic, implications and external factors of each question. We shared tips and tricks for taking multiple choice exams and everyone brought their own unique background and strengths to the group. Joining or forming a similar group is highly recommended and can count as CAE points, provided you have 3 or more individuals from 3 or more organizations involved. Leverage your WSAE community to locate and connect with those who have similar goals near you.
As your exam approaches, use this time to take remaining practice exams, do a final review of newer content and relax. With a strong, holistic preparation plan and plenty of advance time with the content, you now need to stay focused on the mental game. Don’t let yourself freak out or second guess yourself. Some people will do best with additional down time or relaxation before an exam, where others – myself included – need to stay busy in order not to fixate. You know yourself better than anyone else does and should adjust your plan accordingly to fit your unique needs. Certifications can stay with you for life and the effort is well worth the reward.
This article was first published in the Spring 2018 issue of VantagePoint magazine, the quarterly publication of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives (WSAE).