Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for SUSE Manager Certification

By Aarav Goel 19-Mar-2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for SUSE Manager Certification

SUSE Manager is one of the most powerful tools for Linux system management, enabling IT professionals to efficiently handle software updates, patch management, compliance, and automation across multiple Linux systems. Earning a SUSE Manager Certification validates your expertise in enterprise Linux administration, making you a highly sought-after IT professional.

However, passing the SUSE Manager Certification exam is not as easy as it seems. Many candidates fail due to lack of preparation, ineffective study strategies, and common mistakes that could have been avoided.

In this blog, we will explore:
The most common mistakes candidates make while preparing for the SUSE Manager Certification
Effective strategies to improve your chances of passing
Practical tips on studying, practicing, and managing exam stress

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear roadmap to pass your SUSE Manager Certification on your first attempt! 🚀

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for SUSE Manager Certification


1. Underestimating the Exam Complexity

🔹 Mistake: Assuming the Exam is Easy

Many candidates believe that SUSE Manager Certification is just about basic Linux administration. However, the exam requires an in-depth understanding of patch management, automation, compliance auditing, and large-scale Linux deployment.

✅ Solution: Take the Exam Seriously

Review the official SUSE Manager exam objectives carefully.
Take practice exams to assess the difficulty level.
Allocate sufficient time for studying and hands-on practice.

📌 Example: A candidate who only studied Linux basics struggled in the exam due to lack of hands-on experience with SUSE Manager features like SaltStack automation and system monitoring.


2. Skipping Hands-On Practice

🔹 Mistake: Relying Only on Theory

Many candidates focus solely on reading study guides and online courses, without spending time practicing real-world scenarios in SUSE Manager. This leads to difficulty in answering practical questions during the exam.

✅ Solution: Gain Hands-On Experience

✔ Set up a SUSE Manager test environment and work on real-world tasks.
✔ Practice deploying patches, automating system configurations, and managing software repositories.
✔ Follow step-by-step tutorials from SUSE documentation.

📌 Example: A candidate who spent time configuring SUSE Manager in a virtual lab found the exam much easier than expected.


3. Not Understanding Patch & Configuration Management

🔹 Mistake: Memorizing Commands Instead of Understanding Concepts

SUSE Manager is heavily used for patching and configuration management in enterprise environments. If you don’t understand how repositories, patch deployment, and SaltStack automation work, you may struggle in the exam.

✅ Solution: Focus on Patch & Configuration Management

✔ Learn how to manage patches using SUSE Manager.
✔ Understand SaltStack for automation.
✔ Practice configuring software channels and subscription management.

📌 Example: A candidate who only memorized Salt commands failed to apply configuration management concepts to a real-world use case in the exam.


4. Ignoring SUSE Official Documentation & Training

🔹 Mistake: Using Only Third-Party Resources

Many candidates rely on unverified YouTube tutorials and outdated blogs, ignoring official SUSE documentation. SUSE frequently updates its tools, and relying on unofficial resources may lead to learning outdated concepts.

✅ Solution: Use Official SUSE Learning Resources

Read SUSE Manager official documentation.
✔ Enroll in SUSE training courses on their official platform.
✔ Join SUSE forums and discussion groups for community support.

📌 Example: A candidate who relied on old SUSE Manager tutorials missed out on new features like SaltStack automation and failed questions related to it.


5. Not Practicing for Timed Scenarios

🔹 Mistake: Taking Too Long to Answer Questions

SUSE Manager exams are timed, and some candidates struggle to complete the exam within the given time because they spend too long on difficult questions.

✅ Solution: Improve Time Management

✔ Take mock exams under timed conditions.
✔ Skip difficult questions and return to them later.
✔ Use elimination techniques to narrow down multiple-choice questions.

📌 Example: A candidate who practiced with time-limited mock exams was able to finish the real exam with extra time to review answers.


6. Ignoring Advanced SUSE Manager Features

🔹 Mistake: Focusing Only on Basic Functions

Some candidates study only basic Linux administration but ignore advanced SUSE Manager features like:
SaltStack for system automation
Monitoring and reporting tools
Integrating SUSE Manager with cloud platforms

✅ Solution: Learn Advanced SUSE Manager Topics

✔ Explore SaltStack automation and event-driven infrastructure.
✔ Understand how to integrate SUSE Manager with cloud-based storage solutions.
✔ Practice configuring compliance and security audits.

📌 Example: A candidate who ignored Salt automation found the exam difficult when asked to create automated configurations for Linux servers.


7. Not Reviewing Answers Before Submitting

🔹 Mistake: Rushing Through the Exam

Some candidates submit their exam too quickly without reviewing their answers, leading to avoidable mistakes.

✅ Solution: Always Double-Check Your Work

Use extra time to review flagged questions.
✔ Ensure commands and configurations are correct.
✔ Look for typos in multiple-choice answers.

📌 Example: A candidate changed two wrong answers during review and passed the exam by a narrow margin.

 


8. Not Checking Exam Policies & Requirements

🔹 Mistake: Ignoring Technical Exam Requirements

Some candidates face technical issues on exam day due to poor internet connection, unsupported browsers, or not having a proctor-approved environment.

✅ Solution: Be Exam-Ready

Read the SUSE exam policies beforehand.
Check system requirements (camera, internet speed, browser compatibility).
✔ Take a system compatibility test before the exam.

📌 Example: A candidate who didn’t check system settings failed due to technical issues during the exam.


Conclusion

Passing the SUSE Manager Certification requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and strategic exam preparation. Avoid these common mistakes and follow best practices to ensure success:
Take the exam seriously and study all topics
Get hands-on experience with SUSE Manager
Use official documentation and training materials
Practice time management with mock exams
Understand patch management, automation, and security

Koenig Solutions is a leading IT training company that offers a comprehensive training course for the SUSE Manager Certification. The course covers all the topics required for the exam and includes practical exercises to provide hands-on experience. Additionally, the course includes mock tests that replicate the actual exam, helping you to practice effectively and manage your time better.

By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of passing the SUSE Manager Certification on your first attempt!

💡 Ready to get certified? Start your SUSE Manager training today! 🚀

Aarav Goel

Aarav Goel has top education industry knowledge with 4 years of experience. Being a passionate blogger also does blogging on the technology niche.