This document provides guidance on preparing for and taking the Elastic Certified Engineer (ECE) exam. It outlines the initial steps to take, including checking the exam version and topics. It recommends attending webinars, blogs, and re-reading the agenda to focus preparation. The strategy suggests starting with stronger topics, gaining confidence, and then tackling weaker areas. It notes what may be covered in the exam and tips for testing in Kibana. It provides links to mock exams and notes accommodations and ways to obtain the certification for free through community contributions.