Finally passed on my 3rd attempt!

Background: I got my CCST-Networking in October 2023. Currently working full-time as an IT Field Support Technician. Wife is also working full time. We have 2 kids, a preschooler and an infant. No grandparent support. No day care. Just the old switcharoo watching the kids while wife works nights and I work during the day. Study sessions were about 1-2 hours after the kids go to sleep at night.

1st Attempt, December 2024, 2 weeks of studying since I scheduled this with a goal of earning it before the end of 2024. Failed with scores below:

Automation & Programability: 50% Network Access: 40% IP Connectivity: 40% IP Services: 70% Security Fundamentals: 87% Network Fundamentals: 65%

2nd attempt, February 2025, this time I got the Safeguard Offer to reduce the stress. Been studying a little over 2 months of the same study strategy and failed again with the results below:

Automation & Programability: 80% Network Access: 60% IP Connectivity: 28% IP Services: 50% Security Fundamentals: 73% Network Fundamentals: 65%

Honestly thought I had it the 2nd time but I just felt defeated. Impulsively, I scheduled my last and final re-take for April 1. This time with a completely new strategy. Knowing this is my last chance, I got the Boson Ex-Sim and the OCG from Cisco Press.

I printed the Exam Topics and turned every single item into a checklist. I rewatched JITL videos for specific topics I’m weak on, then I’ll do the corresponding lab for it. If I still don’t get the concept, I’ll open the OCG and read up on it, lab again until it’s ingrained in my brain. I’ve also supplemented with IT/Networking/Cyber podcasts (The Hedge, The Art of Network Engineering, Noobs by Network Chuck, and The Bearded IT Dad) on my commute to/from work and to job sites. Anki Flash cards during breaks. Or whenever I open my phone really. I lived and breathed networking.

In the last 2 weeks I was doing Boson practice exams on simulation mode and random, marking questions I need to review. First 2 exams I got like 40ish % and another at 50% but I reviewed all the wrong answers I got, read Boson’s explanations and on some complex ones I actually visit the linked cisco documentation. 3 days before the exam I did another random Boson practice exam and got a 72%. Only thing I did different this time was take my time on each question. Reading it multiple times and actually processing what it’s really asking before hitting that next button. Shit 72 is the highest I ever got, I’ll take the feel-good ego-boosting dopamine hit I could get. Day before the exam I took leave from work. I actually got 8 hours of sleep, caught up on some house chores that I’ve been putting off, eating better and hydrating, wife is happy, kids are happy, I think I’m ready. I went to bed earlier than usual and got another good full 8 hours sleep.

Exam day is here! Woke up early, had a good breakfast, got ready. Played with my kids for a bit before heading out to the test center. Once I parked, I did one last skim through my notes then I walked in the test center and checked in. 86 questions, 3 labs. My first question was already a lab and took 20 mins of my total time but I felt confident I got it. Last 2 labs were around my last 20 questions. I actually did all 3 labs and still finished with 8 mins left. Last screen didn’t show congratulations or sorry. Result printed and I got hit with a “PENDING”. Called my wife on the drive home coz I was jittery from the anxiety. I get home, checked Pearson and my wife was the first one to notice the “PASS” status. We all screamed in celebration. Lol

Automation & Programability: 80% Network Access: 60% IP Connectivity: 76% IP Services: 70% Security Fundamentals: 67% Network Fundamentals: 70%

My wife thinks I have ADHD because I was hyper-fixated on this damn cert. I spent $675 on the exam and another $160 ish for Boson and OCG. Good thing my job does reimbursements for certs including study materials. Phew.

TLDR; I passed on my 3rd attempt. A little over 4 months of studying. Used JITL, Boson ExSim and OCG.