Preparation: Level 2 Admin Certification Exam

• Start with the area you're most comfortable with… It really helped me get a feel for the exam format and shake off the heebie jeebies before tackling the harder stuff.

My personal advice? If you've got a few months of solid hands-on experience, just go for it and take the exam. It's genuinely scarier than it sounds. I was on the fence for ages... I had almost two years of experience when I finally took it, and when I opened the exam, my first thought was, "I totally could've done this just a few months into my first role!"

Don't let the fear hold you back 😉

Hi Valerie!

One thing to keep in mind is that each exam gives you plenty of time, and they are open book, so don’t forget to use your resources if you are stuck (like support.gainsight.com, PDFs from the VILTs, etc).

I’m sure others can chime in, but the VILT sessions on JO, Reports and Dashboards, and Surveys cover all (I’m pretty sure) of the topics that are on the exams. Since it’s a practical exam, I would just make sure you are feeling comfortable configuring programs and emails, or reports and dashboards without needing to follow step by step instructions.

I don’t know if this helps or not, but if you have any other questions let me know!

Brian

Hey ​@vmasciarelli !

It's been a while since I took my Level 2 Admin Certification, and the Continuing Education is all multiple-choice, so my memory isn't super fresh, and features have changed a lot since then.

But as mentioned above, you have plenty of time (don't think I even used a quarter of it, despite spending a lot of time double-checking things) and it's open book style. So, no need to rush!

Adding to Brian's (amazing instructor, btw!) insights, I'd recommend:

• If you have Gainsight access but not to a Sandbox, ask for a training environment (email to training@gainsight.com). That will allow you to do and undo your heart’s content without the fear of breaking something.
• Take the exam with a dual monitor if possible, and plan for at least a two-hour block where you won't be disturbed at all. This way, you won't have to jump between screens to check documentation, and you won't risk losing your train of thought.
• Start with the area you're most comfortable with. For me, that was Reports and Dashboards (I have less JO experience). It really helped me get a feel for the exam format and shake off the heebie jeebies before tackling the harder stuff.

And remember, you get a free retake! You can literally consider your first attempt as a trial run. If you pass, awesome! If not, the feedback you get will be incredibly helpful to strengthen your weaknesses.
 

My personal advice? If you've got a few months of solid hands-on experience, just go for it and take the exam. It's genuinely scarier than it sounds. I was on the fence for ages... I had almost two years of experience when I finally took it, and when I opened the exam, my first thought was, "I totally could've done this just a few months into my first role!"

Don't let the fear hold you back 😉

PS: I was already working on the response when the mention came ​@revathimenon 😅

Hey ​@vmasciarelli !

It's been a while since I took my Level 2 Admin Certification, and the Continuing Education is all multiple-choice, so my memory isn't super fresh, and features have changed a lot since then.

But as mentioned above, you have plenty of time (don't think I even used a quarter of it, despite spending a lot of time double-checking things) and it's open book style. So, no need to rush!

Adding to Brian's (amazing instructor, btw!) insights, I'd recommend:

• If you have Gainsight access but not to a Sandbox, ask for a training environment (email to training@gainsight.com). That will allow you to do and undo your heart’s content without the fear of breaking something.
• Take the exam with a dual monitor if possible, and plan for at least a two-hour block where you won't be disturbed at all. This way, you won't have to jump between screens to check documentation, and you won't risk losing your train of thought.
• Start with the area you're most comfortable with. For me, that was Reports and Dashboards (I have less JO experience). It really helped me get a feel for the exam format and shake off the heebie jeebies before tackling the harder stuff.

And remember, you get a free retake! You can literally consider your first attempt as a trial run. If you pass, awesome! If not, the feedback you get will be incredibly helpful to strengthen your weaknesses.
 

My personal advice? If you've got a few months of solid hands-on experience, just go for it and take the exam. It's genuinely scarier than it sounds. I was on the fence for ages... I had almost two years of experience when I finally took it, and when I opened the exam, my first thought was, "I totally could've done this just a few months into my first role!"

Don't let the fear hold you back 😉

PS: I was already working on the response when the mention came ​@revathimenon 😅

​@vmasciarelli Very exciting! I agree with what everyone has said above. You definitely have plenty of time to complete the exam, so if you get stumped on a question, you can skip it for now and move on to the next one, then go back to it later.

Trust what you know, use your resources, and have confidence that you will crush it! Like ​@romihache said -- since you get a free retake, this first exam can just be a practice test for you if that helps. And if you pass it, all the better! You’ve already completed the certification recommendations as well which is awesome.

You’re going to do great! Best of luck to you 😁

Hey ​@vmasciarelli !

It's been a while since I took my Level 2 Admin Certification, and the Continuing Education is all multiple-choice, so my memory isn't super fresh, and features have changed a lot since then.

But as mentioned above, you have plenty of time (don't think I even used a quarter of it, despite spending a lot of time double-checking things) and it's open book style. So, no need to rush!

Adding to Brian's (amazing instructor, btw!) insights, I'd recommend:

• If you have Gainsight access but not to a Sandbox, ask for a training environment (email to training@gainsight.com). That will allow you to do and undo your heart’s content without the fear of breaking something.
• Take the exam with a dual monitor if possible, and plan for at least a two-hour block where you won't be disturbed at all. This way, you won't have to jump between screens to check documentation, and you won't risk losing your train of thought.
• Start with the area you're most comfortable with. For me, that was Reports and Dashboards (I have less JO experience). It really helped me get a feel for the exam format and shake off the heebie jeebies before tackling the harder stuff.

And remember, you get a free retake! You can literally consider your first attempt as a trial run. If you pass, awesome! If not, the feedback you get will be incredibly helpful to strengthen your weaknesses.
 

My personal advice? If you've got a few months of solid hands-on experience, just go for it and take the exam. It's genuinely scarier than it sounds. I was on the fence for ages... I had almost two years of experience when I finally took it, and when I opened the exam, my first thought was, "I totally could've done this just a few months into my first role!"

Don't let the fear hold you back 😉

PS: I was already working on the response when the mention came ​@revathimenon 😅

​@vmasciarelli Very exciting! I agree with what everyone has said above. You definitely have plenty of time to complete the exam, so if you get stumped on a question, you can skip it for now and move on to the next one, then go back to it later.

Trust what you know, use your resources, and have confidence that you will crush it! Like ​@romihache said -- since you get a free retake, this first exam can just be a practice test for you if that helps. And if you pass it, all the better! You’ve already completed the certification recommendations as well which is awesome.

You’re going to do great! Best of luck to you 😁

💯, ​@romihache 

For me, my comfort zone is JO. Surveys was what gave me the heebie jeebies, so I basically crammed those prep guides for awhile and then just sat down and did it. (And yes, I did have to rebuild the survey once on the test because I goofed, but it was still no biggie!)

Bottom line – the level 2 exams are almost all practical knowledge. If you’re doing the work, you know it. You get to show your work, so it’s not like they can’t see your thinking. Best of luck!

Hi Valerie!

One thing to keep in mind is that each exam gives you plenty of time, and they are open book, so don’t forget to use your resources if you are stuck (like support.gainsight.com, PDFs from the VILTs, etc).

I’m sure others can chime in, but the VILT sessions on JO, Reports and Dashboards, and Surveys cover all (I’m pretty sure) of the topics that are on the exams. Since it’s a practical exam, I would just make sure you are feeling comfortable configuring programs and emails, or reports and dashboards without needing to follow step by step instructions.

I don’t know if this helps or not, but if you have any other questions let me know!

Brian

Hello ​@romihache,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and thoughtful advice, it really helped me feel more prepared and confident going into the exam! I took both Level 2 Admin Certification exams recently and passed them on my first try. No need to take them again, thankfully.  I followed many of the tips you mentioned, especially blocking out quiet time, using a dual monitor setup, and leaning into the areas I felt strongest in first. I went back and reviewed over all the questions once completed and had more than enough time. Having the open-book format and access to resources like Gainsight documentation and VILT materials made a big difference which I did end up using as some of the action items I was unfamiliar with but figure it out.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU and that I appreciate the encouragement and practical insights. It’s reassuring to hear how others have navigated it successfully! 😊

Sorry, I forgot to link the relevant post ​@vmasciarelli 
Here you go!
 

Hello ​@bholmes,

Thank you so much for your guidance and feedback, I really appreciate it! I followed your advice, used the resources you mentioned, and felt well-prepared going into both exams. Although I did have to use some notes to review over some actions as it was unfamiliar territory to me. However, I’m happy to share that I took them and passed both on my first try! WAHOOO 🎉

Your tips definitely helped me feel more confident going into the exam and with all the amazing feedback I received from others. Thanks again for all your support! Your awesome 🥳 Now onto level 3….