Test Today

Spent last week up at Humboldt, and had lots to write about, but internet service at the hotel was down most of the week. I'll write about the trip later.

I had a test today. It was for an Inventory Management Certification that I am trying to get. All in all, I have to pass 5 tests and this is my 4th. After 12 years of school and 8 years of college, these tests are easily the most difficult I have ever taken. Actually blood tests are the toughest for me...I hate needles.

Over the last week, I spent a little over 20 hours studying. Yes, I even brought the book on vacation with me. The organization that provides the certification takes the tests very seriously. They design the tests such that it is virtually impossible to pass unless you know and understand the material...there is no last minute cramming in hopes of eeking out a passing grade. They invest a lot of time and money developing and qualifying test questions, and they protect the integrity of the tests with great fervor.

The test costs $150 dollars. When I showed up at the testing center, I had to present two forms of ID. All of my personal belongings were removed and put into a locker. Once the test was started, I could not leave, even for the restroom, without permission from the test administrator. The test administrator remained in the testing room, observing all who were taking tests. I had to sign a release that I could be videotaped while taking the test. All scratch paper is turned in immediately upon test completion. It's all pretty intense.

Going into the test I gave myself a 50/50 shot at passing. I could have used another day to prepare, but could not reschedule without forfeiting the $150. It had been almost a year since I took the 3rd test, and I had forgotten how difficult they made the questions. After 7 questions (out of 75) I didn't think I had any correct and was pretty discouraged. it was one of those times where all you can do is laugh at yourself and make the best of the situation. I smiled knowingly to myself and plodded onward.

After the test, they directed me to the locker with my personal belongings and told me to clean out my stuff. After I had re-holstered my cell phone and picked up my keys, etc, I turned toward the administrator and she told me "congratulations". I blurted out "you're kidding me!" Minimum passing was 300 and I got a 302. Bare minimum, but passing. If I had missed one additional question, I would have dropped below 300.

It is such an awesome feeling to succeed in the face of certain defeat!! I stepped out into the hall and pumped my fist and yelled "Yesssss!". Unfortunately Vicki wasn't there... she would have loved to see it. It bugs her that I am fairly stoic and am not normally demonstrative when I am excited. This morning I couldn't hold still...I skipped/ran to my car, and had a bounce in my step that I couldn't contain. I need to be like that more often.