What are the most common mistakes made when studying for an IAM certification?

1 Mistake 1: Not choosing the right certification

There are many IAM certifications available in the market, but not all of them are suitable for your career goals, experience level, or industry sector. For example, if you work in a healthcare organization, you might want to consider a certification that covers the specific regulations and standards of that domain, such as the HCISPP. Similarly, if you are a beginner in IAM, you might want to start with a foundational certification, such as the SSCP, before moving on to more advanced ones, such as the CISSP or the CISM. Therefore, before you start studying, you should research the different IAM certifications and their requirements, benefits, and challenges, and choose the one that aligns with your objectives and capabilities.

2 Mistake 2: Not using the right study materials

Another common mistake is relying on outdated, inaccurate, or irrelevant study materials. IAM is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant updating and learning. Therefore, you should use the most recent and reliable sources of information, such as the official guides, books, websites, and blogs from the certification bodies, experts, and practitioners. You should also avoid using materials that are too general or too specific for your certification level and scope. For example, if you are studying for the CISSP, you should focus on the eight domains of the common body of knowledge (CBK), rather than on the details of a particular technology or tool. Conversely, if you are studying for the CISA, you should focus on the audit and assurance aspects of IAM, rather than on the broader concepts of security management.

3 Mistake 3: Not practicing enough

One of the most effective ways to prepare for an IAM certification exam is to practice as much as possible. However, many candidates neglect this aspect and rely solely on reading and memorizing the theory. This can lead to poor performance and low confidence in the exam, as they may encounter unfamiliar scenarios, questions, or formats that test their practical skills and knowledge. Therefore, you should practice using various methods and resources, such as online quizzes, mock exams, flashcards, case studies, and simulations. You should also review your answers and learn from your mistakes, as well as seek feedback and guidance from others who have taken the exam or have experience in IAM.

4 Mistake 4: Not managing your time and energy

Studying for an IAM certification can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially if you have other commitments and responsibilities in your personal or professional life. Therefore, you should plan your study schedule and stick to it, as well as allocate enough time for rest and recovery. You should also avoid cramming or procrastinating, as these habits can affect your retention and comprehension of the material. Moreover, you should balance your study sessions with other activities that can help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or socializing. Additionally, you should manage your time and energy during the exam, as well as before and after it. You should arrive early, read the instructions carefully, pace yourself, and check your answers. You should also celebrate your achievements, reward yourself, and reflect on your learning outcomes.

5 Mistake 5: Not applying your learning to real-world situations

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes you can make when studying for an IAM certification is to treat it as an isolated or theoretical exercise, rather than as a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge in real-world situations. IAM is not just about passing an exam, but about improving your ability to protect and manage the identity and access of your organization, customers, and partners. Therefore, you should apply your learning to your current or desired role, projects, or challenges, and use it to solve problems, create solutions, or implement best practices. You should also keep learning and updating your IAM skills and knowledge, as the field is constantly changing and evolving. By doing this, you will not only increase your chances of passing the exam, but also boost your credibility, reputation, and career prospects in the IAM field.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?