Hey, I’m Mats, a test automator with a small, and ever-growing hobby: collecting certifications. When I first stepped into IT, I found myself wondering: how much could I really learn if I committed to studying? What started as a single, necessary certification soon turned out into a full-blown collection spree.

In this post, I’ll give you insights, tips, and a little motivation to help you start your own library of certifications!

The “why” behind your cert chase

Without a strong “why,” earning a certificate is hard. Let’s face it, no one is going to read a 100 page syllabus “just because.” Even if you think you do it “just because”, there’s a reason behind it: curiosity, a goal, or a need for growth. Identifying that motivation is key. It’s what keeps you motivated and focused when the studying gets intense.

For me, my "why" is a mix of credibility, competition, and personal interest. When I first entered the world of test automation, I was eager to learn as much as I could, as quickly as possible. It wasn’t just about getting certified. It was about learning testing fast, proving my skills, and staying competitive. I saw an opportunity to do something special: many people aren’t keen on studying after work hours. I wanted to go the extra mile and prove that dedication could lead to real growth.

It’s also about personal challenge. The thrill of pushing myself to learn fast. That inner competition, not just with others but with myself, is what keeps me moving forward.

How can you find your “why”? Finding your reason is personal, but asking yourself a few key questions can help: What’s your goal? What excites you? What sets you apart? … Remember, it all starts here. No “why”, no certificate.

The secret sauce

When it comes to choosing certifications, I start with the ones that are required by my company. Those are non-negotiable. After that, I pick certifications which I feel deliver the most value to my job. When all the necessary ones are achieved, all that is left, is rambling of a list of certificates. To be honest, I tend to not think about which one I would pick next. This would affect my motivation, as I would prefer other certifications over the current one. So I just pick the next in line without thinking about it.

As for studying, my process is anything but normal. I begin by reading the syllabus with full attention, diving into the material as if it’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever read. I go through it twice. The first time to understand the content, the second time to take detailed notes. After that, I take it to the next level, and here is where I think outside the box. I pretend to teach the material. I imagine myself as a professor, standing in front of a classroom, using a whiteboard to explain concepts. I even ask questions to an imaginary audience. This might sound a bit wild, but the key tip I follow is simple: "Teaching others will make you understand something really well."

I’ll admit, staying motivated is sometimes tough, especially after work hours. When I hit those moments, I remind myself of my “why.” But sometimes that doesn’t really help, and I just have to embrace the pain and boredom. The key is simple: don’t stop. Push through the tough moments and keep your eyes on the prize.

In terms of comparing theory to practice, I tend to not do that. Mainly because in IT, theory and practice can often be very different. Still, focusing on understanding the theory has worked for me, as it builds a solid foundation to be of value on the job.

A plan is essential

Planning your time for studying is very important. It isn’t just about how many hours you can cram into a week. It’s about how consistently you can study and maintaining balance.

I set aside specific times on specific days for studying, with larger blocks reserved on weekends. While I don't have lots of obligations to attend, the concept of setting time aside remains the same. The key is to find a study schedule that works for you, one that you can consistently follow without burning out. The goal is to stay motivated.

Discipline is non-negotiable. Sorry that I have to say it. It’s about being consistent. I use the "1,2,3 technique" when I have a hard time to pick up the syllabus. The idea is simple: count to three and start without overthinking it. When you get to “three,” you’re already in motion, which reduces the mental resistance that can stop you from studying. Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part.

Sometimes it is tempting to study more, you feel fired up. Don’t fall into this trap! Studying has to be balanced. Even if you feel like you could do more, stick to the process. Trust in the fact that steady, focused effort will get you there. Quality over quantity.

Dealing with failure

When I’m finishing up my last questions on an exam, I’ll review my answers one more time, and click that “Finish” button, to immediately receive my score. It is bad… My heart sinks to my feet and disappointment sets in. I failed. I failed the exam for which I was so motivated to pass.

It is okay. Failure is part of earning certificates. Failure is part of anything. No one gets everything right the first time, and I’m no exception. I’ve failed exams and faced demotivation along the way. But, it is okay.

When I fail, I don’t dive right back into studying. Instead, I take a break. I let myself reset mentally and emotionally. We’re only human, and our minds can only absorb so much before we burn out. I give myself time to reset, sometimes even taking a few months off. During this time, I let the material dwell in my mind, and when I pick up the syllabus again, it often feels like I’m seeing things with fresh eyes. I have a better understanding of the material, and I approach the content with a clearer perspective. You’re not avoiding your failed exam. You are recovering.

“When do I start studying again?” Whenever you are ready. The last time I’ve failed an exam was August 2024. Now it’s November 2024 and I’m starting to feel ready again. I took three months to recover mentally. I didn’t touch the syllabus a single moment in those three months. Three months may look a lot to others but, they don’t know I take massive pride in earning certificates. It’s your journey. Take as much time you need, and when you are ready, strike back. 

Reflection is an important part of my process. When picking up the course, I assess where I went wrong, taking a close look at what specifically was hard for me. Often, I already know which parts felt challenging. I go deeper on those areas. I study beyond the syllabus, do my own research on it. This makes me understand it on another level. One trick I use is to break down the problem into smaller, manageable chunks. As the saying goes, "Don’t eat the elephant as a whole." This approach is a strategy I learned from the Special Forces' selection process, where complex challenges are broken into achievable steps. It helps you build up your confidence again. 

Reach out to peers or mentors! Seeking advice is super important. Ask if they had similar challenges or talk with them about what went wrong. They might give you some insights that will make you understand the topics from another point of view. Or… They’ll probably motivate you so much that you even forgot you failed the exam.  

Failure doesn’t mean giving up. It’s an opportunity to rework your approach, adjust your mindset, and come back stronger. Failure has become part of my career, really. It is essential to success. One step at a time. 

What’s in it for you? 

Now, what’s the real benefit of all this? The answer lies in your value. Certifications are more than a piece of paper or a PDF file, they’re proof of your commitment, tackling problems, and your dedication to learn your field. 

When you chase certifications, you’re not just gaining knowledge, you’re building confidence. Every new certificate represents a challenge you’ve overcome, a step forward in your career. It proves that you’re serious about your profession and willing to put in the work to keep improving. 

I’m not going to hide it. It also helps you stand out. It’s a signal to employers, colleagues, and clients that you’re invested in staying ahead of the curve. In a competitive field, that extra certificate can make all the difference. 

So, what’s in it for you? Growth, confidence, recognition. And for some, the satisfaction of knowing that with each certificate, you’re pushing your boundaries and improving yourself. 

A final word 

This is more than filling up your resume. It’s about developing a mindset that thrives on continuous learning. It’s about taking control of your career, and standing out in a world that’s constantly evolving. Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t be afraid to take your time. Certification isn't a race. It’s a marathon.  

Like I said in my previous blogs, the cosmos of IT is big, and there’s always something new to learn. So, whether you’re just starting or already deep into your career, remember that growth is the goal. Keep pushing and keep learning. After all, there’s always room for one more certificate, right? 

Thank you.