Three LinkedIn Learning hacks for faster certification exam prep

I have a lot of engagement from learners prepping for the Microsoft AZ-500 Security Engineer exam using my AZ-500 Exam Prep series, and one of the most common questions I receive is:

What can I do to prepare for my exam more quickly?

In fact, that is probably the number two question, second only to “What is on the exam?”, which unfortunately, is a question I cannot answer for you!

HOWEVER, what I can do is help you use your time more effectively to be as ready as possible on exam day. So, here are my three hacks to help you prepare for certification exams faster with LinkedIn Learning. And make sure you stick with me until the end of this article, where I'm going to share with you my favorite story related to AZ-500 exam prep this month.

#1 - Listen to lectures at 1.5x normal speed

It's a little-known fact that LinkedIn Learning instructors record their voice at a pace designed to be comfortable for people who do not speak English as their first language. This is very important for accessibility of learning material to a very large audience. So, while you might think increasing the speed to 1.5 X normal will make the speaker sound like a chipmunk, it actually does not at all! You will find that the timbre (pitch) of their voice remains the same. Give this a try and I guarantee you will be amazed as your mind adjusts to the faster pace in just a few seconds!

I also find that with some LinkedIn Learning instructors, I can even take the speed up to 1.75 and I can still lock in on that very fast pace with my mind!

BONUS TIP: Take this tip right over to YouTube and you will find the same is often true!

#2 Create collections for your weak spots 

You will find that for any given exam, there some exam skills tested where you'll be weaker than other areas. This is where you use the search feature on LinkedIn learning and create collections to quickly store bookmarks for additional videos from other courses to deepen your knowledge in those areas. So, for the AZ-500 exam, create a collection called AZ-500.

When you find you are particularly weak on an objective, go flag some videos for additional viewing and get to that additional viewing later. Just move on to the next AZ-500 exam objective video, working your way through the entire course, taking quick detours as necessary to search and flag those additional videos for later study. Circle back to your collection after you have gone through the AZ-500 certification course at least one time. 

#3 Use the Q&A feature

This feature allows you to ask questions in a normal LinkedIn thread, which is visible to courses instructor and other learners so you can quickly get help. This is a great way to tap into your instructors expertise, as well as that of the broader community. To alert your instructor directly, type @, followed by the instructors name! You will find the Q&A tab directly below the video.

My favorite AZ-500 story

Earlier this month, a student who took my AZ-500 Exam Prep course passed the exam. However, he was so curious to know if he had answered one particular question correctly, he was messaging me directly from the parking lot of the exam center!

So, if you have not yet started preparing for AZ-500, find the Azure Security Engineer Learning Path HERE. Also, be sure to get a copy of my "Ultimate AZ-500 Exam Prep Guide" at ig:// /AZ500ExamPrep.

Good luck!