Do I take the test?

[OzzieGeorge]

I was made redundant about a year ago from a major telephony company and immediately decided to do my CCNA (I did do the bootcamp course) to expand my job prospects. However after booking the course (which included pre payment for the test) I almost immediately got a new job. With the workload of learning new telephony systems and day to day work I have been hard pressed to devote the time needed to my studies!

The question is, having paid for the test, should I take it, knowing that I will probably fail (I had had to learn 5 different telephone systems at the same time and I'm getting paid to know them). Or should I just let it go and get round to it when I can devote more time to the subject?

I'm thinking do it and see but your opinion would be appreciated!

 

[iolair]

Well, if you're going to lose the chance to take the test, I'd go ahead and take it. Do you have any experience working with Cisco routers, switches, and networks? If you plan on taking it in the near future, you get a sneak peak at what you'll be up against when you do get a chance to study. Good luck.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[kmcferrin]

I don't think that there is a a retest limitation on it, is there? It might be worth it to take the test. If you pass then you have the certification. If you fail then you've already gotten a look at the test and can be better prepared for an eventual retake.

If the company that you order from sent you a voucher, you may want to hold the voucher until it's closer to expiration. You may have more time later to properly prepare.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCTS:Windows 7
MCTS:Hyper-V
MCTS:System Center Virtual Machine Manager
MCTS:Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Server Administrator
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator
Certified Quest vWorkspace Administrator

 

[iolair]

If you mean retest as in take the test again, the only limitation I know of is that you can't retake the test until after a period of time. I know when I failed the BSCI, I wasn't allowed to retake the test for a week. But as far as the vouchers go, I don't know if there is a time limit on when they're good or not. I have, in the past, rescheduled a test for a month or two later with no problems.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[kmcferrin]

Yeah, if you fail one of the exams you cannot retake the exam for 5 days. But considering that in most cases you have to schedule at least 2-3 days in advance that shouldn't be a significant barrier.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCTS:Windows 7
MCTS:Hyper-V
MCTS:System Center Virtual Machine Manager
MCTS:Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Server Administrator
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator
Certified Quest vWorkspace Administrator

 

[burtsbees]

Yup. Take it.

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Ozziegeorge,

I agree with Burt and the others - take the exam - especially if you have never taken a Cisco exam before; however - do check to see how long the voucher is good for!

Just seeing a Cisco exam and getting that under your belt is part of the battle when you want to get Cisco certified!

Good luck!!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[OzzieGeorge]

Thanks

I have until the end of may and have come to the conclusion that my new employers don't want me to get it, as they have booked me on another course for a telephone system between now and then!

I will do it though just for the experience!