Public Declaration - Getting Certified

Posted on November 13, 2007 by Eric
Filed Under Announcements

Recently, BripBlap challenged a group of us on a new meme - making a public declaration of something you’ve kept private that you are now willing to share with the world.

I like this challenge. It’s something to keep me accountable and honest.

I’ve been telling myself for years that I was going to get a particular certification. This is no ordinary certification, but one of the most difficult to get in my field. It’s not just a written test; it’s also a one day intensive practical evaluation of how well you know the topic. The pass rate for the one day lab has, for first time test takers, something like a 15% pass rate (or so I’m told, and it seems to jive with the folks I know who don’t pass til their second or third time through). That means 85% of people fail their first time taking the test. I really don’t want to be part of that 85% if I can help it.

My goal is to take the written portion of the test in December. The written doesn’t have the same intensity as the lab test, but it will still take some study. I won’t let moving interfere with that.

I plan on taking the one day lab component of my certification by the end of April of next year.

I will do my best to pass the test the first time through, but I won’t get discouraged if I don’t pass it the first time. I hate to fail. I’m sure you do too. But this test is designed to fail people. You almost have to get a chance to do the lab practical before you fully understand what you need in order to get through it. I will pass it the second time I take it if I do not pass it the first.

I need this certification to move up in my career. I only have one more level before this certification is required. To get it now would almost surely bump me up to the next level, and I would have most of the credentials I need for another bump. This would represent an increase in pay for us, and the possibility to save more money, or “loosen the belt” in some areas we have tightened in order to afford the new house.

Well, there it is. Wish me luck!

Comments

6 Responses to “Public Declaration - Getting Certified”

MoneyChangesThings on November 13th, 2007 6:59 pm

Go for it!
BuildAndSucceed on November 14th, 2007 5:21 am

Sounds like a Cisco certification (CCIE?)

Good luck!
wealthy_1 on November 14th, 2007 8:50 am

Good luck, Eric!!
Kyle on November 14th, 2007 10:53 am

Great Declaration. Good luck!
Eric on November 14th, 2007 7:56 pm

Thanks everyone! I’ve already started my studying!
brip blap » forgot a festival! on November 15th, 2007 9:36 am

[...] to quickly highlight one more addition to the public declaration lists: Eric from A Penny Closer plans on taking the one day lab component for his certification by the end of April of next year. He also has some great thoughts in the post on being determined to retake it even if he [...]