VMWare 5 Certified!

Hello all,

Short update on the VMWare VCP class.

After the lecture was over on Friday, I immediately went into the testing center to take my test.

All week long and even prior to attending the VCP class, I had been studying to take the VCP5 test.  After class was over I would go back to my room and study.  I did this every night until between midnight at 2 am, and then wake up at 6 to goto class.  The rest of the class would go out at night to eat and party.  My classmates invited me out, however, I declined because I wanted to study for the test.  All week long they gave me grief, mocking me for "studying" in my room.  While I knew the kidding was in fun, I knew what I was there to do.

The first response upon announcing I was taking the test was from a super funny Englishman who said, "Well you must be bloody (expletive) in the head!"  Others followed with their own ribbing and a good yuck, yuck.

So off to the testing center.  If any of you have taken a certification test recently, you know that it can be quite an ordeal.  You have to read, or be read to, all sorts of documents, your picture is taken, you electronically sign documents, all of this is before you even are able to take a test.  The whole ordeal can take 10-15 minutes.  I was first and other were behind me.

Let me back up a bit.  Typically, at this training and testing facility, they do not allow students to take the test immediately after the class.  They recommend a day pass, or even a few weeks for you to study the materials and be absolutely ready for the test.  This was my first time at this facility, who was sub contracted from the main company I use, CED Solutions in Atlanta, GA.  This new facility was not going to allow anyone to test until I asked them to call the Atlanta location.  The gentleman called and they said that nobody could test.  I asked him to mention my name and ask for an exception.  He told them my name and they said, "Oh, it's Tom...let him test....if he says he is ready, he is!"  So there was a special dispensation given to even test after the class.

I went into the test booth a little nervous as I have never taken a VMWare test.  As soon as the test popped up I knew I was prepared.  86 questions and 120 minutes to complete.  I was out of there in 26 minutes. 

I stepped out of the room and back where the others were preparing to take the test.  The testing gentleman was getting his second tester prepared to take the test. 

The gentleman asked, "What's wrong?"
I said, "Nothing...all done."
"Right, did it fail or bomb out?"
"No, I'm done and I passed!"

Just then we heard the noise of the printer starting to warm up as it began printing the testing report results.  444 out of 500.  300 is passing.  The testing gentleman was shaking his head and yelled out, "Damn boy!  I have never seen anyone take, and PASS a test that fast!"

I walked back into the classroom where many of my classmates and the instructor were.  They asked, "So you decided to not take the test after all?"

I held up my paper and told them I passed.  The instructor said, "LET ME SEE THAT!"

My Englishman lab mate yelled out, "Bloody balls of steel, have you!?  LOOK OUT everyone, Tom's balls just hit the floor!"  (his words, not mine) to the eruption of laughter and congratulations from the entire room.

Nobody else who took the test that day passed. 

Later that evening, I did joined the guys in going out to celebrate not only the end of the class, but the fact that I passed the test.  I had 24 Buffalo Wild Wings, and a few cold ones.  The guys told me that I did it right.  They all have to go back home and not only do their jobs, but find time to study AND go take their test, again.

Ah, sweet victory.