Yearly Study Plan for Professional Certification

Explore practical examples of establishing a yearly study plan for professional certification.
By Taylor

Establishing a Yearly Study Plan for Professional Certification

Creating a yearly study plan is essential for anyone pursuing professional certification. It helps you stay organized, focused, and on track to achieve your goals. Below are three diverse examples of establishing a yearly study plan, each tailored to different fields and learning styles.

Example 1: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Context

This example is for busy professionals who want to earn their PMP certification while managing their work and personal responsibilities.

To start, you’ll want to break down the PMP exam material into manageable sections over the year. Here’s how you can create a structured plan:

  1. Months 1-3: Foundation and Framework

    • Spend the first three months understanding the basics of project management principles.
    • Resources: PMBOK Guide, online courses (like Coursera or Udemy).
    • Goal: Complete the first two chapters of the PMBOK Guide each month.

  2. Months 4-6: Process Groups and Knowledge Areas

    • Dive deeper into the five process groups and ten knowledge areas.
    • Resources: Study groups, flashcards, and practice tests.
    • Goal: Focus on two knowledge areas per month, using weekends for group discussions.

  3. Months 7-9: Advanced Topics and Mock Exams

    • Concentrate on advanced project management techniques and strategies.
    • Resources: PMP exam prep books and online mock exams.
    • Goal: Take one full-length mock exam each month to gauge progress.

  4. Months 10-12: Review and Final Prep

    • Use the final months for review and to fill any knowledge gaps.
    • Resources: Revision notes, audio summaries, and flashcards.
    • Goal: Review all materials thoroughly and schedule the PMP exam by the end of the year.

Notes

Consider joining a local PMP study group for motivation and accountability. Adjust the pace as needed based on your understanding of the material.

Example 2: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam

Context

This plan is for candidates who are preparing for the CPA exam while balancing a full-time job.

Creating an effective study schedule involves breaking down the four sections of the CPA exam over the course of the year:

  1. Months 1-4: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

    • Dedicate the first four months to FAR, as it’s often the most extensive section.
    • Resources: CPA review courses (like Becker or Wiley).
    • Goal: Study 15 hours a week, focusing on one chapter every two weeks.

  2. Months 5-8: Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

    • Move on to AUD, using the same structure as FAR.
    • Resources: Review videos, practice questions.
    • Goal: Take practice tests every three weeks to track progress.

  3. Months 9-10: Regulation (REG)

    • Study REG, focusing on tax regulations and ethics.
    • Resources: Online forums and peer study groups.
    • Goal: Complete all REG topics and practice problems by the end of Month 10.

  4. Months 11-12: Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

    • Finally, study BEC, which is often considered the least intensive.
    • Resources: Study guides and past exam questions.
    • Goal: Complete BEC study materials and schedule the CPA exam by the end of Month 12.

Notes

Adjust your study hours based on your comfort level with the material. If you find a section particularly challenging, consider allocating extra time to it.

Example 3: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification

Context

Ideal for IT professionals aiming to enhance their cybersecurity skills with a structured year-long study plan.

The CISSP exam covers a broad range of topics, so it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time for each domain:

  1. Months 1-2: Security and Risk Management

    • Start with the first domain, focusing on security governance and risk management.
    • Resources: CISSP study books and online webinars.
    • Goal: Spend at least 10 hours each week on reading and practice questions.

  2. Months 3-4: Asset Security and Security Architecture

    • Move on to asset security concepts and security models.
    • Resources: Online courses and peer discussions.
    • Goal: Complete a deep dive into each topic with supplementary video content.

  3. Months 5-7: Security Engineering and Communication

    • Study security engineering, focusing on cryptography and physical security.
    • Resources: Practice quizzes and forums for problem-solving discussions.
    • Goal: Regularly assess your knowledge through quizzes at the end of each topic.

  4. Months 8-12: Final Review and Practice Tests

    • Use the final months for comprehensive review, focusing on weak areas.
    • Resources: Full-length practice exams and study groups.
    • Goal: Take at least three full practice exams to simulate the test environment.

Notes

Consider using a study app to keep track of your progress and schedule. Make adjustments based on your learning pace, ensuring you’re comfortable with all domains before the exam.

By following these examples of establishing a yearly study plan for professional certification, you can set yourself up for success in your certification journey!