| Okay you have now passed your certification | | | | you learn something new write about it. This |
| test, congratulations! Now what? How is this | | | | not only helps you stay visible but shows |
| going to actually improve your life, your | | | | that you are up to date with the latest |
| career? Have you thought about your plans | | | | technology. If you are studying for another |
| after you have passed the test? For many | | | | certification or an upgrade to your existing |
| taking a certification exam is only a | | | | one learn all you can about the material and |
| stepping stone to true success. | | | | then start writing tutorials that teaches |
| | | | others on the same subject. Not only will |
| The first thing I would do even before | | | | this help reinforce what you have already |
| pursuing a certification is to have a plan on | | | | learned but it could lead to increased job |
| how this is actually going to help you in | | | | offers and other opportunities. |
| your career. Just because you have passed the | | | | |
| test does not mean you are an expert. You | | | | The third step would be to visit as many |
| must first prove it to the rest of the world. | | | | newsgroups as possible to put your knowledge |
| How do you do this? | | | | to the test. By helping others this way you |
| | | | reinforce what you have learned and again |
| Sit down at your computer or desk and write | | | | gain valuable exposure in the field. |
| out your career goals for the next year, five | | | | |
| years, ten years and your entire working | | | | Lastly I would find a local user group in |
| career. How does this certification fit into | | | | your area and start volunteering for it. This |
| those goals? Can you use it to establish more | | | | will greatly increase the number of contacts |
| credibility as an expert? | | | | you can network with and make your name known |
| | | | in the community. Do not have a user group in |
| The first step I would take is to start | | | | your area? See if you can start one and start |
| writing tutorials on the subject matter that | | | | speaking about your area of expertise to a |
| you claim to be an expert in. Post these | | | | local crowd. Later I would connect with other |
| tutorials to your own website, blog or eZine | | | | regional user groups to see if they are |
| distribution websites. the more you write | | | | looking for speakers and then start speaking |
| about a subject the more likely a person is | | | | at these user groups. |
| going to consider yourself an expert in the | | | | |
| field and the certification just backs that | | | | For many the certification test is the place |
| up as well. The more visibility you receive | | | | where most people stop in their careers and |
| the more likely you are to get clients that | | | | then complain that this test did not really |
| are willing to pay for your services. | | | | help them. The test is merely a stepping |
| | | | stone in establishing more credibility. The |
| The second step I would take is not to stop | | | | rest is up to the individual. You reap what |
| studying! The best thing for you to do is | | | | you sow. Certification only contains some of |
| learn as much as possible about your subject | | | | the seeds that you need to plant in order to |
| matter and to stay on top of it. Each time | | | | become truly successful. |