My certification journey has been less than normal. I'm trying to squeeze in an exam before I go (but I don't like my chances). However I can offer five TopTips that I've picked up through my Career Factor process as an unemployed person (as well as over my years as an IT Pro)...

1. Have a good support structure. It's vital to have people you can lean on and talk with during a time of unemployment. It's really easy to retreat into your own little world (even if you live with family) and shut down lines of communication. For the sake of your mental health - and that of those around you - make some time to regularly catch up with friends and special people in your life to talk about how you are feeling. It will help to ward off feelings of inadequacy and help you understand that everything you're feeling is normal and things will get better.

• Plan your study time. Life will find a way to consume everything. Unless you are regimented (and I haven't been awesome at this) at ensuring the other noise in life doesn't creep in, your study time is usually the first thing that suffers. Stay strong. Commit to a reasonable amount of time too, and make your goals achievable - aim for a chapter and a review exam per session. If you break it into bite size chunks, it'll become so much easier.

• Grow your network. The brotherhood of Geeks (including the sisters! Big shout out to GeekGirls everwhere!) around the world are there and they are very supportive. I've benefitted massively by being involved in two active user groups - one online (AuTechHeads) and one in real life (BIG-AU). The people I've met and work with in these groups are encouraging, inspiring and knowledgable. You can learn heaps by getting involved, and it also means you don't have to keep up with all the trends in technology yourself.

• There's resources to suit every learning method. I know I learn best in a classroom situation. That said, I've also found some of the online, self-paced learning I've used through Career factor to be really helpful. Additionally there's books, online and offline practice exams - all sorts of material that should suit all kinds of learners.

• Failure is always an option. It is entirely possible that no matter how hard you've worked in preparation, you may fail an exam. At the moment Microsoft have a 'free second try' program so that if you don't pass the first time you can have a second go round for free (but you do need to register for it before you attempt the exam in the first place). Lots of people fail the first time. Get back on the horse. Dust yourself off. It's not the end of the world (unless your failure caused the end of the world, in which case THANKS FOR THAT, JERK!).

I don't think I've added anything to the mix you probably didn't already know - but it never hurts to be reminded. Looking forward to meeting you (all?!) at Tech Ed North America! 15 days until I'm in the USA - I can. not. wait. If you're following me on Twitter, keep an eye out for the #MolkInTheUSA hashtag, chronicling my preparation and journey.

Molk out.