Certify with CertInstructor: How to Prepare For and Take Your Certification Exam

Step 1: Know the exam before you study for it

Every certification publishes exam objectives. Download them first and treat them as your checklist. For each objective, ask yourself honestly: Could I explain this, and could I do it?

Details such as the number of questions, the time limit and the passing score are set by the certification body and can change between versions, so always confirm them on the official exam page. As examples at the time of writing:

• CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions, scored on a 100 to 900 scale with a passing score of 750.
• EC-Council CEH v13 (312-50): 125 multiple-choice questions over 4 hours.

Step 2: Build a study plan

A plan beats motivation. Pick a realistic timeline, for example 4, 8 or 12 weeks depending on your background, and divide the objectives across the weeks. Keep the last week for review only.

Each CertInstructor exam prep package includes a study plan for exactly this reason, so you are not deciding what to study each evening.

Step 3: Use practice tests the right way

Practice tests are the best tool for finding weak spots, and the worst tool for memorizing answers. A few rules:

• Use practice mode first. Read the explanation for every question, including the ones you got right.
• Study by topic. If you keep missing questions on one domain, go back to the lesson and the lab for that domain.
• Switch to exam mode near the end. Use the real number of questions and the real time limit so exam day feels familiar.
• Do not chase a perfect score. Consistent, comfortable results on fresh questions matter more than one lucky run.

CertInstructor Exam Prep is built for this workflow. Each package combines a study plan, topic-based practice tests, condensed review notes, answer explanations, and an online exam simulator on our own learning platform with a Practice mode (answers can be shown or hidden) and an Exam mode (realistic question count and time limit). Content updates are included for 3 months after purchase.

Browse CertInstructor Exam Prep

CertInstructor Exam Prep is independent study material. It does not contain actual exam questions and is not a guarantee of passing.

Step 4: Get your exam voucher

You need a voucher (or a booking made with a payment) to sit the exam. Vouchers are bought for a specific exam, and some are available with a retake option.

• CompTIA exams are delivered through Pearson VUE, either at a test center or online with remote proctoring.
• EC-Council exams are delivered through EC-Council's approved delivery options, including online proctoring for many exams. Check the details on the voucher page for your exam.

CertInstructor sells official vouchers, including CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and bundles such as the CEH v13 Elite Bundle (official exam voucher, training and iLabs). For other exams, search for the voucher you need.

Step 5: Prepare for exam day

If you test online:

• Run the system check on your computer ahead of time.
• Prepare a quiet, clear room. Proctors can ask you to show your desk and surroundings.
• Have valid identification ready, matching the name on your registration exactly.
• Log in early. Check-in takes longer than most people expect.

If you test at a center:

• Arrive early with your ID.
• Expect to store your belongings in a locker.

On either format:

• Do not study new material the evening before. Review your notes and sleep.
• On performance-based questions (CompTIA), consider skipping them first and returning at the end, so a long simulation does not use up time you need for the rest.
• Read each question twice. Many wrong answers come from missing a word like first, best or except.
• Flag hard questions and move on. You can come back.

Step 6: After the exam

Pass or not, request your score report and look at the domain breakdown. If you passed, update your resume and professional profiles, and look at the next certification on your roadmap. If you did not, the report shows exactly where to focus. Use it to adjust your study plan, rebuild the weak areas with labs, and rebook when your practice results are consistently strong.

The full series

1. Learn: choose the right path and study material. Read the roadmap
2. Practice: build hands-on skills with labs. Try the free Pentest Range
3. Certify: prepare, book and pass. Browse Exam Prep

Questions about which exam or voucher is right for you? Message us through the store and we will help you choose.

CertInstructor is a CompTIA and EC-Council partner. CompTIA, Security+ and related names are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc.; EC-Council, CEH and related names are trademarks of EC-Council. CertInstructor Exam Prep is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CompTIA, EC-Council or any other certification body. It does not contain actual exam questions. Exam formats, passing scores and policies change, so confirm current details with the certification body before you book.