The journey toward obtaining the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification involves passing two critical exams, each designed to test different aspects of your teaching and technical skills. While the first exam, the CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201), assesses your theoretical understanding of instructional concepts, it is the second exam, the Classroom Performance-Based Exam (TK0-202), also known as the video exam, that poses a unique and often challenging hurdle for candidates. Unlike traditional written exams, the video exam requires you to demonstrate your practical ability to teach in a classroom setting within a strict 20-minute timeframe. This exam evaluates not only your technical knowledge but also your ability to engage learners, deliver content effectively, and manage a classroom environment—all within a condensed, high-pressure format.
For many candidates, the video exam represents the most daunting aspect of the CTT+ certification process. It’s not just about what you teach but how you teach it. This exam places you in the position of a classroom instructor, asking you to simulate a live learning experience, where clarity, confidence, and interactivity are paramount. To successfully navigate this challenge, preparation is key. A deep understanding of the exam’s requirements, the skills that will be evaluated, and the expectations of the judges will provide you with the roadmap needed for a successful performance.
Understanding the CTT+ Video Submission Requirements
The first step in preparing for the CTT+ Classroom Performance-Based Exam is to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the “Classroom Trainer Exam” form. This form outlines the specific expectations and criteria that will be used to evaluate your video submission. The key focus of the exam is your ability to communicate learning objectives clearly and effectively. You must demonstrate that you can engage your students, prompt their thinking through questions, explain complex concepts in simple terms, and guide them through exercises—all while maintaining a confident, professional demeanor.
When preparing for the video submission, it’s essential to carefully consider the content you plan to teach. Choose a concept that is not only valuable for your students but also manageable within the 22-minute time limit. The exam requires you to cover the content efficiently and effectively, which means you need to select a concept that fits the time frame without overwhelming your learners or leaving out important details.
For instance, teaching a concept like the Switch statement in C# can be a great choice. It’s an essential programming concept that can be broken down into manageable steps and is suitable for a range of students, from beginners to intermediate learners. By selecting a focused topic, you’ll be able to structure your lesson plan with clarity and purpose, ensuring you make the most of every minute of your video.
Planning and Preparing for Your Video Recording Day
Once you’ve selected your topic and reviewed the exam form, the next step is to prepare your lesson plan. This is where detailed planning becomes critical. Begin by breaking down your lesson into clear segments. Each minute of your video should be accounted for, with specific goals in mind for every portion of the lesson. Consider dividing your lesson into a brief introduction, a teaching demonstration, an interactive component with student participation, a guided exercise, and a conclusion. You must weave these elements together seamlessly to maintain a logical flow while keeping students engaged.
One important aspect of your preparation is ensuring that your lesson is interactive. Simply presenting information to your students is not enough. The exam requires you to engage students through questions, discussions, or activities that demonstrate their understanding. This interaction is crucial in showing that you can keep learners involved in the material and assess their comprehension throughout the lesson.
As you rehearse, consider the dynamics of the classroom and how you’ll manage the flow of the lesson. One of the most challenging aspects of the video exam is maintaining your presence while teaching remotely, which is different from in-person teaching. You need to make sure that your body language is clear and engaging, and that your tone of voice conveys authority and enthusiasm. Additionally, you must manage your time effectively, balancing instruction with moments of engagement and practice without rushing or running over the time limit.
Technological Considerations and Overcoming Common Pitfalls
While the content and delivery of your lesson are essential, the technical aspects of the video exam are just as important. This means ensuring that all equipment is properly set up and functioning before the recording begins. The quality of the video and audio, as well as the positioning of the camera, plays a crucial role in making your presentation clear and professional. Poor video or sound quality can detract from your message and distract the judges, so take the time to test everything in advance.
Check your camera angle to ensure that both you and your classroom are well-lit and clearly visible. You should be visible in the frame while still leaving room for students or materials to be showcased if needed. Additionally, consider the acoustics of the room. Make sure your voice comes through clearly without distortion, and eliminate any background noise that could interfere with the video’s quality. Depending on your recording setup, you may want to use a microphone to ensure crisp sound.
In terms of classroom management, it’s essential to remember that your performance will be judged not only on your ability to explain the concept but also on how well you interact with your class. Although the exam is performed remotely, it still reflects a real classroom experience. You must create a sense of engagement, responding to students’ questions and guiding them through the exercise as you would in a live classroom.
One common pitfall many candidates encounter is overloading the lesson with too much content. While it’s tempting to showcase a wide range of material, the key to success is focusing on depth rather than breadth. Avoid trying to teach too much in too little time. Instead, select one or two key learning points and ensure that your students leave with a strong understanding of those concepts. This focus will allow you to deliver the content in a more engaging and memorable way.
Final Preparation and Delivery: Ensuring a Successful Video Submission
As you approach the final stages of preparation, it’s essential to rehearse your performance repeatedly. Practicing your script will help you become more comfortable with your timing and delivery. Be mindful of your body language, voice modulation, and pacing as you speak. Practice as if you were teaching a real class—standing up, engaging with your “students,” and speaking clearly and confidently. This will help you build confidence and make your performance feel natural during the actual recording.
Once you’ve recorded your video, review it carefully before submission. Watch it as if you were the evaluator, paying attention to areas where you can improve. Does your delivery come across as clear and confident? Do you engage with your students effectively throughout the lesson? Is your lesson structured logically, with smooth transitions between segments? Ask for feedback from colleagues or friends who can offer constructive criticism and suggest areas for improvement.
Perfecting Your Presentation for the CompTIA CTT+ Video Exam
In Part 1, we discussed the foundational steps of preparing for your CompTIA CTT+ video submission exam. You’ve carefully chosen your topic, gathered your class, and planned your lesson. Now, it’s time to master the presentation aspect of the exam. Your ability to deliver a clear, engaging, and well-structured lesson is crucial to passing this exam, and perfecting these skills will require careful attention to timing, student engagement, and effective teaching strategies.
One of the biggest challenges of the CTT+ video exam is managing your time. You have between 18 and 22 minutes to deliver a comprehensive lesson that covers all the essential points of your topic while also engaging with your students. Given this short time frame, structuring your lesson effectively is key. When I taught the C# Switch statement, for instance, I had to condense complex concepts and provide relevant examples without losing the depth or clarity needed for students to fully understand. The goal is to be succinct but not oversimplify; each segment of your lesson should be purposeful and time-efficient.
Balancing content delivery with interactive questioning is equally important. CompTIA judges want to see that you are not just delivering a lecture but also actively engaging with your students. Asking targeted, thoughtful questions throughout your lesson is a powerful way to ensure that students are paying attention and processing the material. For example, instead of simply explaining the ‘break’ statement in a Switch statement, I asked the students, “Where have you seen the ‘break’ statement before?” This reinforces previous learning and encourages students to think critically about how new concepts relate to what they already know. These questions not only enhance student engagement but also show the judges that you are able to maintain a dynamic and responsive classroom environment.
Structuring Your Lesson for Maximum Impact
Effective time management isn’t just about cutting down content; it’s about structuring your lesson so that it flows logically and keeps students engaged from start to finish. A key part of your preparation will involve breaking your lesson into clear, digestible segments. Start by defining your learning objectives early on. What do you want your students to walk away with at the end of the lesson? Once you have your objectives in mind, you can start organizing the content. Break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable pieces, and make sure each segment has its own focus. For example, with the C# Switch statement, I first explained its syntax, then showed an example of its application, and finally worked through an exercise that reinforced the concept.
During the lesson, ensure there are clear transitions between each part of your presentation. For instance, after introducing the concept of the Switch statement, you might transition into an exercise by saying, “Now that you understand the basic structure of a Switch statement, let’s put this into practice with an exercise.” These transitions not only help students follow along but also give you a moment to reassert control of the lesson and refocus attention on the next step. This structure ensures that the lesson is coherent and keeps the students engaged without overwhelming them with too much information at once.
Another important component is the exercise portion of your video. CompTIA judges want to see how you facilitate student learning through active participation. Don’t just present a concept—give students an opportunity to apply it. In my class, I used a real-world example based on a Kafka Coffee Shop scenario, where students had to solve a problem using the Switch statement. By allowing the students to work in groups, I not only made the exercise more interactive but also promoted collaboration and problem-solving skills. The goal is to make the lesson practical and interactive, rather than just theoretical.
Overcoming Common Pitfalls During the Video Exam
While structuring your lesson and engaging your students are critical to success, it’s equally important to ensure that your presentation runs smoothly from a technical standpoint. When I recorded my first video, I realized that I had overrun the 22-minute limit. The session exceeded 30 minutes, which is far too long for the exam. The initial attempt was too verbose, and I found myself running out of time to complete all the key components of the lesson.
In response, I revisited the material and identified areas where I could condense or streamline my explanation without losing the core message. I focused on making my explanations more concise and delivering key points with more clarity and efficiency. The second attempt was more structured, and I was able to deliver a tighter, more focused lesson that fit within the time constraints. This experience reinforced the importance of rehearsal. Effective timing isn’t something that happens spontaneously; it requires practice and a refined approach to ensure that you can cover everything you need to in a short amount of time.
One common mistake that many candidates make is trying to include too much information. It’s tempting to present as many concepts and examples as possible, but this approach can overwhelm both you and your students. The key is to focus on depth rather than breadth. Choose one or two key concepts and ensure that students leave with a strong understanding of those concepts. Don’t try to cover everything—just make sure that whatever you do present, you present it in a clear, engaging, and thorough manner.
Another potential pitfall is neglecting the importance of student engagement throughout the lesson. Remember, the exam judges want to see your ability to interact with students, not just lecture to them. Avoid turning your lesson into a monologue. Encourage active participation by asking questions, providing opportunities for students to ask questions, and facilitating group activities. This will not only keep students engaged but will also demonstrate to the judges that you are capable of managing a dynamic, interactive classroom.
Technical Considerations for Recording the Perfect Video Submission
While content and delivery are essential, the technical aspects of your video exam are just as crucial. The judges will not only evaluate how well you teach but also how well you present yourself on video. If the video or audio quality is poor, it can detract from the overall effectiveness of your lesson. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your recording setup is optimal.
Start by testing your camera equipment. The camera should be positioned at a proper angle to capture both you and the students, ensuring that everyone can be seen clearly. Good lighting is essential as well. Avoid dark rooms or harsh overhead lights that can create shadows or make it difficult for the judges to see you clearly. Ideally, the lighting should be even, with enough brightness to make you and your students visible without causing glare or overexposure.
The audio quality is just as important as the visual quality. Ensure that the microphone is positioned correctly so that your voice is clearly audible, even if you’re speaking softly. Background noise should be minimized to prevent distractions. Consider using an external microphone for better sound quality if necessary. Poor audio quality can make your video difficult to follow and can detract from the clarity of your lesson.
The camera positioning should allow for clear views of you, your students, and any materials you may be using, such as a whiteboard or slides. Make sure that the students are visible when you ask them questions or engage them in activities. Avoid positioning yourself too far away from the camera, as this can make it difficult for the judges to see your facial expressions or body language. Your presence in the video should feel natural and engaging, as if you were in a real classroom.
Overcoming Technical Challenges in the CTT+ Video Submission Process
As you approach the final stages of preparing for the CompTIA CTT+ Classroom Performance-Based Exam, one significant hurdle still remains: ensuring that your video submission meets the technical requirements for clarity and professionalism. While the content of your lesson is undoubtedly crucial, the quality of your video and audio is equally important, as it will directly impact the judges’ ability to evaluate your teaching performance.
When preparing to record your lesson, many candidates immediately consider high-end, professional-grade equipment to ensure a polished result. However, this approach isn’t always necessary. I learned this lesson the hard way when I borrowed a professional-grade photo camera, expecting superior video quality. Unfortunately, the autofocus feature of the camera created a distracting noise that was clearly audible in the final recording. This mistake taught me a valuable lesson: expensive gear is not always the key to success. Instead, I opted for my smartphone as the recording device, which proved to be a practical and cost-effective solution. The smartphone delivered clear, high-definition video without the intrusive autofocus noise that plagued my earlier attempt. The most important takeaway from this experience is that effective recording doesn’t always require high-end equipment. Sometimes, simple solutions can be just as effective as costly alternatives.
In fact, the smartphone proved to be more than adequate for my needs. Not only did it produce crisp video, but it also allowed me to focus more on my teaching and less on the technical aspects of recording. This freed me to concentrate on delivering a clear, engaging lesson while ensuring that the technology didn’t overshadow the content.
Sound Quality: Ensuring Clear Audio for an Effective Video Submission
While video quality is important, sound quality is arguably even more critical in a teaching video. In my experience, ensuring clear, professional-quality audio was one of the most challenging aspects of preparing for my CTT+ video submission. After all, your ability to communicate with your students effectively is the cornerstone of the evaluation. If the judges cannot hear your voice clearly, the value of your lesson diminishes significantly.
To improve the audio quality, I had to make adjustments to my recording environment. The first step was to find a quiet location. I opted for a room that was isolated from external noise, ensuring that background distractions such as traffic or people talking wouldn’t interfere with my performance. I also turned off any environmental noise sources, like the ventilation system, that might introduce unwanted hums or buzzing sounds. Even with these precautions, the audio quality wasn’t perfect.
I realized that recording in an ideal environment is only part of the equation. To further enhance the sound, I used Adobe Rush CC, a user-friendly video editing software, to eliminate any residual background noise and adjust the volume. Adobe Rush CC allowed me to quickly and effectively clean up the audio, making my voice clearer and more professional-sounding. Using this tool, I was able to boost the audio without distorting my voice, ensuring that the judges could hear me clearly even if I spoke softly or had slight variations in tone.
Ultimately, sound quality proved to be one of the most important factors in delivering a successful video submission. While it’s essential to create an engaging, dynamic lesson, the clarity of your voice is what ensures the judges can follow along and understand your teaching. A great lesson, after all, is of little value if the audience cannot hear or comprehend it.
Camera Placement and Engaging with Students During Your Video Submission
In addition to ensuring high-quality video and audio, the next challenge lies in capturing the dynamics of the classroom and the interaction between you and your students. One of the unique aspects of the CTT+ video exam is that the judges want to see how you manage the classroom environment and engage with learners. It’s not enough to simply deliver a lecture to the camera—you must create an interactive and dynamic learning space.
In my case, the key to successfully capturing this interaction was ensuring that the camera was strategically placed to record both me and the students. I enlisted the help of a volunteer to hold the camera during the recording. By moving around the room and interacting with the students, I was able to show the judges that the lesson was not just a one-sided presentation but a collaborative learning experience.
When positioning the camera, it’s important to make sure that you’re clearly visible, but also that the students are visible at least once during the recording. This demonstrates that you are effectively engaging with the class. The camera angle should be adjusted so that it captures both you and your students in a way that highlights the interaction. For example, if you ask students a question or prompt them for feedback, the camera should focus on their responses, ensuring that the judges can see the full scope of your teaching dynamic.
The camera should also be positioned so that it doesn’t distract from the lesson. Avoid overly close-up shots that only capture your face or body, as these can create a disjointed feeling for the viewer. Similarly, wide shots that show the entire room may result in a loss of focus on you as the instructor. Finding the right balance is key to capturing the essence of your teaching style and classroom interaction.
Preparing for the Logistics of Recording Day: Tips for a Smooth Experience
While it’s easy to focus on the technical aspects of the video submission—such as camera placement and audio quality—the logistics of the recording day are equally important. Ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of recording requires meticulous planning and preparation.
The first step is to rehearse your setup multiple times before the actual recording. This includes testing the camera angle, ensuring that the students are clearly visible, and checking that the audio equipment is functioning properly. Rehearsing the setup allows you to anticipate any potential technical problems and correct them before the recording begins. It’s also an opportunity to adjust your teaching style to account for the limitations of the camera and ensure that you are engaging with the students in a natural way.
Another important consideration is timing. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of delivering the lesson, but you must stay mindful of the time limit. The CTT+ video exam has a strict time frame of 18 to 22 minutes, and exceeding this limit could result in disqualification. Make sure to rehearse your lesson to the point where you can comfortably deliver it within the time constraints. This rehearsal will help you refine your pacing and ensure that your lesson is concise without sacrificing essential information.
Finally, be prepared for unexpected challenges on recording day. Even with thorough planning, technical issues can arise. Having a backup plan in place, such as a secondary recording device or a designated person to assist with setup, can help alleviate stress and ensure a smooth recording experience. The more prepared you are, the more confidently you can deliver your lesson, knowing that the technical and logistical aspects are under control.
Understanding the Importance of the Classroom Trainer Exam Form
After successfully recording your 20-minute video lesson for the CompTIA CTT+ video submission, your work is not yet complete. The next crucial step involves submitting both the video and the Classroom Trainer Exam form. This form plays a pivotal role in the evaluation process, as it provides the judges with essential context for your lesson and allows you to explain how you met the various teaching criteria. The form is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity for you to clearly outline your instructional approach, teaching strategy, and how you ensured that the learning experience was effective for your students.
One of the first sections of the form asks you to define your lesson’s learning objectives. While this may seem straightforward, it’s important to go beyond simply listing the objectives. The judges want to understand how you communicated these goals to your students. Did you clearly explain the objectives at the beginning of your session? Did you write them on a whiteboard or verbally explain them? This section is where many candidates miss the mark, thinking that the video alone will speak for itself. However, the form gives you the chance to articulate the planning process behind your lesson and show how you ensured that the students understood the purpose of the lesson from the outset.
By taking the time to thoroughly complete this section, you demonstrate that you have a clear teaching plan in place and that your lesson was designed with intentional goals. This level of detail not only aligns your video submission with the expectations of the judges but also reinforces your commitment to thoughtful, structured teaching.
Tailoring Your Lesson to the Needs of Your Learners
Another key section of the Classroom Trainer Exam form involves describing the characteristics of your learners. This is an area where you must demonstrate that you’ve considered your students’ unique needs and adapted your lesson accordingly. Teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, and the ability to tailor your content to a diverse group of learners is one of the most valuable skills a teacher can have. The judges will be evaluating how well you’ve adapted your teaching methods to suit your students’ varying levels of expertise, backgrounds, and learning styles.
In my own experience, I worked with a class that included students with different levels of technical knowledge, so I made sure to adjust my explanations to be accessible to everyone, from beginners to more advanced learners. I provided clear, simple examples for those who were less familiar with the subject matter, while offering more in-depth explanations and challenging problems for the more advanced students. This approach ensured that every student could engage with the material at their level, making the lesson more effective and inclusive.
When completing the form, it’s important to document how you tailored your material to fit the needs of your students. Did you simplify complex terminology? Did you offer analogies or real-life examples to make abstract concepts more relatable? By explaining how you made your lesson more accessible and relevant to your specific group of learners, you provide the judges with concrete evidence that you are capable of adapting your teaching style to different audiences—a key skill for any effective instructor.
Submitting the Video and the Classroom Trainer Exam Form to CompTIA
Once you’ve completed the Classroom Trainer Exam form and polished your video, the next step is submitting both to CompTIA. This is the final phase of the process, and it’s crucial that you follow the submission guidelines carefully to ensure everything is in order. The form typically asks for specific details about the video, including the lesson’s objectives, learner characteristics, and any adjustments you made during the session to ensure the material was accessible to all students.
Make sure that you double-check your video before submitting it. Review the recording to ensure that it clearly demonstrates the skills you’ve outlined in your form, such as engaging with students, presenting the material in an interactive way, and maintaining a dynamic classroom environment. Watch the video with a critical eye—are there areas where you could have engaged students more effectively or explained concepts more clearly? This self-assessment is important for your growth as an instructor and can also help you make necessary revisions before submitting the final version.
Once you’ve ensured that both the video and the form meet the submission requirements, you can submit them to CompTIA through their designated submission portal. After submitting, you’ll typically receive feedback from the judges within a few weeks. While waiting for the results can feel like a long process, it’s important to remember that the judges are evaluating not only the content of your lesson but also your ability to meet the specific criteria set forth for the exam.
Receiving Feedback and Reflecting on Your Performance
After submitting your video and form, the final step is to await feedback from CompTIA. Typically, you will receive feedback within a few weeks, which will include an evaluation of your video submission based on the teaching criteria. This feedback is invaluable, as it provides insights into areas where you succeeded and areas where you can improve. Many candidates find that the feedback process is one of the most helpful parts of the CTT+ certification process, as it helps them understand how to better engage with students, structure lessons, and fine-tune their teaching techniques.
If you pass the exam, you will earn your CTT+ certification, which will serve as a testament to your ability to teach effectively in a classroom setting. However, even if you don’t pass on your first attempt, the feedback you receive will be invaluable for your continued development as a teacher. Take the time to review the feedback carefully and use it as an opportunity to improve your skills. Did the judges note that your student engagement could have been more interactive? Did they suggest that your timing or pacing could be improved? This is all constructive feedback that can guide you in refining your teaching methods.
Regardless of the outcome, the process of preparing for the CTT+ video submission is a valuable learning experience in itself. By completing this process, you gain not only a certification but also enhanced skills as an instructor—skills that will serve you well throughout your career. The CTT+ certification provides you with the tools to be a more effective teacher and equips you with the confidence to lead learners in a dynamic and engaging way.
Conclusion
The CompTIA CTT+ Classroom Performance-Based Exam is a unique and challenging certification that tests not only your technical knowledge but also your ability to communicate and engage with learners in a real-world classroom setting. While the process may seem daunting, the key to success lies in careful preparation, thoughtful lesson planning, and mastering both the content and the delivery of your lesson.
From selecting the right equipment and ensuring sound and video quality to structuring a dynamic and engaging lesson plan, each element of the CTT+ video submission contributes to a successful outcome. However, it’s important to remember that the exam is not solely about the video itself—it is about demonstrating your ability to teach effectively, adapt to diverse learner needs, and manage a classroom environment. By completing the Classroom Trainer Exam form, you provide critical context for your submission, showing how your teaching strategies align with the expectations set by the judges.
Receiving feedback from CompTIA after your submission is an invaluable part of the process, whether you pass or need to refine your approach. The insights gained from this feedback can help you grow as an instructor, improving your ability to engage, teach, and inspire your students. Ultimately, the CTT+ certification not only validates your skills as a technical trainer but also enhances your confidence and effectiveness in the classroom.
With diligent preparation, a focus on continuous improvement, and a willingness to learn from both successes and challenges, the CTT+ video submission exam can be an empowering experience that opens doors to new teaching opportunities and elevates your career in education.