Edit: Some links no longer work.
Originally posted December 2004 by IBM Systems Magazine
A co-worker recently finished the requirements for his IBM pSeries certification. I asked what he’d done to prepare for and pass the IBM eServer Certified Advanced Technical Expert: pSeries and AIX 5L (CATE). What follows are some ideas that came up while talking with him and another CATE-certified co-worker. In many cases, the primary attribute one needs to achieve this certification isn’t intelligence or skill with AIX, but the motivation to study and schedule the test.
Some people believe that taking tests and getting certifications are of no benefit and flatly refuse to do so. Others want to take every test available so they can prove to the world that they’re fully qualified for the tasks at hand. I’ve known plenty of people without certifications who were top-notch performers and really knew the material. I’ve also known people with certifications who, despite their book knowledge and test-taking abilities, lacked practical application skills. I believe a certification demonstrates that you’re familiar with the material and know enough about it to go pass a test. In some instances, employers and potential employers will examine your certifications during the hiring process. As is pointed out on IBM’s Certification Web site, certification is a way to “lay the groundwork for your personal journey to become a world-class resource to your customers, colleagues, and company.”
When preparing to take these tests, my friends told me that they would first visit the IBM Web site or directly access the tests, educational resources and sample tests. On IBM’s Certification Web site, the Test Information heading links to education resources, including Redbooks, which can be ordered or downloaded as PDF files. CATE certification requirements are outlined here.
To get started, determine if you meet the prerequisites, some of which are required and some of which are recommended. You can then choose three core requirement tests to take. You must take at least one of these tests–233, 234, 235, 236; you may substitute Test 187 for Test 237 and Test 195 for Test 197. Each test lists objectives, samples, recommended educational resources and assessment tools. After choosing your tests and acquiring your preparation materials, you’re ready to study. Some people take their time, reading Redbook chapters here and there as time permits. Others set study goals–read a chapter a day, read for 30 minutes a day or some other method. Still others find that going to a class works best for them. Use whatever method suits your learning style. At the end of each Redbook chapter is a short quiz to measure your understanding of the material presented in the chapter. These are excellent tools for verifying that you’re ready to take the test.
One co-worker would call the testing location and schedule a day and time for the test. He found that having that deadline looming kept him from procrastinating and forced him to work at acquiring the knowledge. My other co-worker preferred to methodically study the material, and wouldn’t schedule his test until he was sure that he had a good knowledge of the subject.
How ever you go about it, there’s a great satisfaction that comes from passing these certification tests. And while it doesn’t prove anything more than your familiarity with the subject and your ability to pass a test, it may make the difference between you and another candidate in your hunt for a promotion or a new position.