Passed Network+! An apology, then to the CCNA!

Hey Folks,

It has been little over a month since I started on the certification journey.  This week, some of that hard work paid off and I am Network+ certified.  The test was scheduled for May 17th in the early afternoon.  Monday night I admit I was nervous.  It is that little bit of self-doubt that creeps up whenever your being tested.  But, I used that as fuel to study a bit more, get up a little earlier, and focus that much more.  When I actually sat for the test, I was the only one in the room.  45 minutes later I was done and hit the "grade now" button.  The next few lines is what I was thinking while I sat at the screen.................. waiting...waiting...did the computer lock up??...just a white screen thats odd...did it lose connection??  why is it taking so long......ma'am is this normal??  ok progress bar is up....10 percent...20 percent....40 percent...why did it skip the 30%...that can't be normal....shit 80 percent already I am not ready....99...ahhhhhh...congratulations you passed etc etc.  As much as I am happy I passed, I am reassured I made the correct decision that Thursday night a month and a half ago. 

I enjoyed a few beers....maybe more than a few...in Corpus with some friends after passing.  To those people I didn't see or didn't spend enough time with, it was a whirlwind of a few days so after days and nights of focus, I let myself be distracted.  Not purposely mind you, but just...let it be.  I may have made some commitments but forgive me since as soon as the test was done,  the last thing I wanted was another to-do list to have fun.  There will be plenty of time to catch up and talk later.  You know my number!

However, this is the beginning.  Plus,  in the grand scheme of things the Network+ exam is "easy"  Easy in comparison to what lays ahead.  It is definitely no slouch but like I mentioned before, it is broad and shallow.  The CCNA is going in waist deep, not testing the water with the toes.  So, here is a couple of things that while be going on the next few days...

• Design CCNA lab setup
• Get with DPG to see what series of routers and switches are best
• Get a hold of study materials
• Sybex?
• Official Cisco Stuff
• CBT Nuggets
• Plan a timeline for sitting for the test
• 1st half by beginning of June
• 2nd half by end of June
• Are these doable?

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So, I am planning to keep moving, I might take it slow this week and pick up next weekend with similar studying hours.

Till next time!