Turns out I didn't hallucinate my .Net Beta Security exam after all. I got a letter the other day saying I didn't pass the exam (scored a 650 while you need 700 to pass). My first reaction was shame; I work with .Net day-in and day-out, teach .Net classes, and consider myself fairly proficient with it. Like most programmers, I have a healthy self-esteem (perhaps venturing into arrogance?) and this was a blow to it.
After reflecting on it further, however, I see how failing the exam isn't such a bad thing. My preparations were modest; while I did read one security related book, I didn't devote a lot of time to getting ready for the exam. I don't consider myself a .Net security expert. The truth is, I've been taking MS certification exams for granted -- I remember really studying for my first MCSD exams in 1999, working through demo applications and all -- and when I easily passed, hardly missing a single question, I knew I was way over-prepared. I went ahead and took all the other exams for the MCSD requirement in about 6 weeks, and passed all but 1 on the first try (I failed the Solution Architectures exam by 1 dang point on the first time around! Took it again a few days later and passed).
When .Net came around, I didn't see the value in rushing onto the MCSD.Net bandwagon; I was stable in my job and having the latest certs come in most handy when looking for new work. When teaching for ODU and ITPro, I figured I should really have the credentials so I went ahead and got my MCAD for .Net. These tests were cut from the same cloth as the earlier certification exams; by using good test taking skills (ever since high school I've always done well on standardized tests) and my practical .Net experience, I made it through those MCAD exams without a hitch. I didn't have any need to get the full MCSD.Net, so I stopped at the MCAD. This Spring I took the Beta Security exam, figuring it would get me to that MCSD.Net hallowed ground. I kind of assumed I would pass it, since I've been so successful at the others.
Turns out I overestimated myself and underestimated the Security exam. I was complacent. It serves as a little wake-up call to me: Grant, don't be an arrogant ass and prepare for the cert exams! I'm challenging myself to pass the security exam before the year is over.
Some will gasp and wonder why I would post this failure on my weblog, when future employers and colleagues (and others) are sure to check it out. I don't follow the If at first you don't succeed, don't admit you tried mantra; instead, I think how one responds to set-backs shows more about a person than how one responds to success. Besides, not that many people read this weblog anyway!