CCENT Done

I realize I haven't posted for a bit. Ever notice that time flies when you are super busy and/or you try to take a quick 15 minute nap.

Anyways, LX-103 aka Linux+ test one was passed on my fourth attempt. I got a 500 with a passing score of 500. When I saw the score, I was in shock. I thought I had that test mastered by now and to find that I just barely passed was kind of depressing. Then I realized that I passed and got the hell out of the testing center.

Next, I jumped on part two which was LX-104. This was a lot less confusing. I do not know if it's because I had already suffered through Linux for this long and I understood it better or this is just easier. Anyway, after 3 weeks (I was trying to make up for lost time) I went in and failed with a score of 480 when 500 was passing. I was not all that sad about it because I'm used to being a failure, so I went back a week later and got a 630. I am now Linux+ and LPIC-1 certified.

What does that mean? Probably nothing. Actually, it meant I got to start working on something I really wanted to work on which was my first Cisco certification. This is part of why I got into WGU.

I took a while to complete prep. I started March 23rd and I did not take my exam until May 11th. I took multiple days off from prep due to trying to rest and I had a few things going on in April. Also, I probably over did it a bit. I bought a switch and router and set it up. I do not regret doing that because it was fun and I legit can take a Cisco switch and router out of a box and set them up. Still, it wasn't necessary and I could have been prepping for the test better. Also, I watch a bunch of CBT Nuggets videos but I never learn anything from videos. That's just me.

Anyway, I went in on May 11th and failed with a score of 788 with 832 as passing. As always, I'm a failure so I was cool with it. I went back on May 20th and passed, so now I have my CCENT. Resumes were updated immediately.

I have a few non certification classes for WGU, but CCNA Routing and Switching will be mine soon enough. Then I have the big one. CCNA Security. Scared to fail? Not me.

LX-103

Linux+ has been my hardest class at school so far even though it only feels hard when I get into the certification exam.

I have failed in 3 times. That can hurt. The worst part is, you have to wait 2 week to take the test again after the second attempt. My first attempt I got a 340 out of 500. Second attempt was 370, and 3rd attempt was a 480. No one has direct proof, but it is expected that each question is worth 10 points so I may have failed by 2 questions.

In the world of IT, you cannot get frustrated by failure. I know people that failed the test twice. I know people that failed their CCNA R & S 4 times before passing but passed both Linux exams on the first try. I really enjoy Linux and would like to do more with it one day. For now, I'll just be happy passing my exam on Friday. 4th time's a charm.

The Job Hunt

At this point I have my CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+. What I do not have is a job?

Fear not, it is all temporary, but it can make me anxious as well. My prior job at a tech support representative was valuable work experience, but it can be difficult to explain that to a prospective employer.

At my last interview, I was asked if I handled switches, routers, and firewalls. The best answer that I could muster is that I'm very familiar with them, but never got to use them in a work environment. How can one get experience if one cannot get hired to gain this experience? Hopefully this position that I really want is willing to take a chance on me so that I can show that I can get up to speed quickly.

Otherwise, I am looking at other help desk jobs where I can at least get an opportunity to do some more advanced stuff. At least that way, if I am taking a job that might be "below me" at least I can use it to boost my resume. We shall see.

The Reboot

I'm going to try this again. Just for the record. I have the A+ that was the goal of this blog. I also have Network+ and Security+. Now I am aiming higher. Hopefully this isn't a one off and I don't post again for a year. We'll see tomorrow lol