By David Scott
We are now a few months into 2017. A lot of people like to set goals at the beginning of each year based around what they would like to accomplish for the year. Sometimes your workplace helps by suggesting goals they would like to see you accomplish before your next annual review. If one of your goals is to get your CBET certification now is a good time to start!
The first CBET test of 2017 is in May. The next one is in November. My advice is to try for the May test. Don’t put it off until November. That way, if you don’t pass the first time (which happens often) you have the November test as a backup plan. Then, you can still meet your goal of getting your CBET certification before your annual review.
I know it can be frustrating not to pass on the first try, but it happens. I have seen it happen to people I thought for sure would pass the first time. It is not a reflection on the person. The first time taking the test can be a little overwhelming. That’s why I recommend the backup plan only six months later. There are also some distinct advantages. One advantage is that you have seen the test and the layout of it. There will be fewer surprises the second time around. Two, you studied like crazy the first time and just missed passing but now you have your test results back and know the areas you need to brush up on. The people who I’ve seen take the test multiple times are the people who wait too long before taking it again.
Now, no one wants to take the CBET test more than once. So, what is the best game plan to avoid that? The testing window this year is May 1 through May 15. Start studying at least six weeks out from the test. Plan on studying at least an hour each day. You can study more on weekends if needed. If you are starting to understand and remember the items studied, then maybe skip the weekends or just do a little on weekends. You don’t have to do the entire hour of studying all at once. Break it up. You have two 15-minute breaks and a half hour lunch at work, maybe you can use some of that time for studying. Then whatever part of the hour you don’t get in at work you can do at home. Maybe you’ll really get into it and study more. Those are usually the people who get the highest scores on the test. I know people have lives outside of work, family and kids that take up a lot of time from studying. If you don’t get your hour a day during the week then plan on studying on the weekend to make up the time.
Study someplace quiet or where you can concentrate with minimal interruptions. Look at the outline for the test and break it down each week by the test subjects. There are six areas to the test. Take at least six weeks to study. The last week will be your review week to go over everything and put it all together. Plan on taking the day before the test off for a final review. Then take the day of the test off. Even if the test is only three hours, you deserve to take the whole day off. I suggest taking the test in the morning when your mind is clear.
Here are some helpful study resources:
- www.aami.org/professionaldevelopment
- www.my.aami.org/store
- www.cabmet.org/study-group
- www.htmcertifications.com
Best wishes and let me know the results!