Alison E. Doehring, M.S.Ed., CSAEd, CSAEd-CU
Senior Director, ZipAssist & Student Affairs Development
The University of Akron
Let’s be honest, no matter your level of education, experience in the field, or track record of career success, sitting for a competency exam is stressful. And add in the elements of a timed, proctored exam…geesh! If you are anything like me, the combination of those factors was a bit daunting, not to mention that the exam required allocated financial resources and time management for exam prep and testing. If you find yourself festering about the intricacies of your upcoming certification exam, remember to take a deep breath and F.O.C.U.S.!
When I was in grade school, my mother would help me study by introducing or creating acronyms. As a kid who struggled with memorization, developing acronyms helped me make sense of curriculum by providing me with an easy-to-remember word or phrase. From ROYGBIV [colors of the rainbow] to Never Eat Soggy Waffles [cardinal direction points], acronyms have long been a strategy I use to make sense of action steps, describe a process, or as a catchy marketing approach [like writing a guest blog post 😊].
So, when it comes time to take your Student Affairs Certification exam, I hope you’ll remember to break down the preparation process into these five simple steps. By following these FOCUS principles, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the exam:
F: Familiarize yourself with the exam. The CSAEd™ certifications utilize computer-based exams composed of multiple-choice questions administered through a proctored, online portal. The Core certification exam is 150 questions with a three-hour time limit, while the Specialty certification exams are 50 questions with a two-hour time limit. You are permitted to take a pre-defined break during the exam if needed. And, in my experience, if you need a testing accommodation, to reschedule the exam, or have any questions about the technology needed, the Consortium staff will gladly help you. If you haven’t yet reviewed the Candidate Handbook, I highly recommend it. This document provides a wealth of information, including a description of each domain that you will see covered in the exam questions and a timeline for how to prepare for your testing day.
O: Overcome nerves. Well, I hope the first letter in our acronym didn’t stress you out…please don’t worry, you’ve got it! But, to level with you, test anxiety is common and, in my experience, the thought of a timed exam testing my knowledge was a bit stress invoking. We all have tricks in our toolbox for calming our nerves and grounding ourselves. For me, it was taking the dog for a walk before the exam and having a cold Diet Coke and pack of gummy bears before sitting down at the computer. During the exam, I took my time but didn’t overthink each question. And, when I felt torn between answers, I simply flagged the question and came back to it at the end. Whatever techniques work for you, my advice is to use those strategies to manage your nerves -- like a quiet [and comfortable] place to test, a healthy snack before the exam, relaxation techniques like deep breathing or simply remembering that you can always come back to a question if you’re feeling stuck. (Just be sure to do it before any mid-exam breaks since that’s the only time you won’t be able to revisit questions.) Since you select the date and time for the exam, remember to pick a timeslot when you’re at your best. For me, it’s around 9 am, so each of my exams were scheduled for mid-morning when I knew my brain was ready yet not overwhelmed with “noise” from daily life. A positive attitude and good night's sleep can also make a big difference.
C: Confidence. Simply put, don’t overthink whether you’re “ready” for the exam or if you know “enough” about the profession. By meeting the eligibility requirements for the exam, you likely have the knowledge, skills, and competency. The more you prepare for the exam, like reading the Candidate Handbook, or looking at the “What to Expect” resources provided by the Consortium, the more confident you’ll feel. Reading over sample questions will give you a sense for how the exam is structured and the domains from which the questions have been constructed. Remember, the exam wasn’t developed to “trick” you – it was created to test your critical and practical thinking based on your years of experience as a professional in the field.
U: Utilize resources! Don't approach the exam prep process alone! Take advantage of available resources, including Consortium founding member associations that have created optional exam preparation activities. From the Candidate Handbook to content outlines and a list of academic articles, the Consortium has an entire webpage dedicated to helping you prepare for the exam.
S: Sharpen your skills. Last, but certainly not least, give yourself some time to prepare for the exam. As a candidate from the pilot testing phase of the certification, I wish I had the wealth of resources at my disposal that have since been developed! These resources have been created to help ease nerves, center your mind on the content, and help you prepare for exam success. You’ve chosen this exam to demonstrate your experience and competency, and you have the years of experience and education necessary to qualify as a candidate. Use this opportunity to reflect on your experience and catapult your career further with a credential that endorses your competency. Regardless of which tool in your metaphorical career toolbox you’re looking to enhance or validate, engage in the resources provided and trust that you can successfully complete this exam!
The Student Affairs Certification is a great way to validate your skills and propel you further in your career. Remember to take a deep breath, utilize the F.O.C.U.S. principles you read here, and trust in your experience. So, there you have it, my advice for exam preparation and test taking…I hope you enjoyed the perspective and advice. Now, go forth, conquer that exam, and celebrate your well-deserved accomplishment!