The journey toward earning the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is one filled with twists, turns, and challenges that demand both resilience and a deep understanding of networking principles. My journey began back in February, when I proudly passed the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) exam. It was a moment of pride, a small but significant milestone on my way toward greater achievements in the field of networking. Still, there was no mistaking the hurdles that lay ahead. The road to the CCNP was never going to be a straight line, and I quickly realized that the path I was about to embark on would demand much more from me than I initially expected.
At the time, the CCNP Routing and Switching certification required three separate exams: the 300-101 Route exam, the 300-115 Switch exam, and the 300-135 TShoot exam. Each one represented a unique set of challenges that tested everything I knew about network routing, switching, and troubleshooting. I knew my goal was clear, but the journey ahead was anything but easy. I soon learned that the certification wasn’t just a test of knowledge but a test of character. The months that followed would teach me invaluable lessons about persistence, self-doubt, and the importance of perspective.
The Switch Exam: A Step into the Unknown
Having just passed the CCDA, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and confidence. After all, the CCDA exam had given me a firm foundation in network design concepts. I felt like I had a strong understanding of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and other Layer 2 technologies, so naturally, I assumed that the Switch exam would be a smooth continuation of my studies. But nothing could have prepared me for the intensity and complexity of the CCNP Switch exam.
I threw myself into the preparation process, diving deep into resources like the Official Cert Guide and the Pluralsight video series, hoping to equip myself with the knowledge necessary to tackle the exam. Despite my solid preparation, the exam proved to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. The questions were intricate, the scenarios challenging, and the pressure was high. I felt the weight of my preparation all lead up to this one exam, only to be met with an overwhelming sense of doubt. I had studied for months, but on the day of the exam, I felt like I was in over my head.
When I finally received the results, I was both relieved and disheartened to see that I had passed—but just barely. The margin between success and failure was razor-thin, and that feeling of narrowly scraping by was unsettling. For a brief moment, I even questioned my abilities, wondering if I was truly cut out for the next steps in my CCNP journey.
However, as I reflected on the experience, I realized that success is often not about perfection but about perseverance. The Switch exam, while difficult, was a pivotal moment in my path toward professional growth. Instead of focusing on the narrow margin by which I passed, I learned to embrace the victory itself, however small it seemed in that moment. It became clear to me that the true measure of success isn’t always found in perfect scores but in the resilience to continue pushing forward, regardless of the challenges that arise.
A Perspective Shift: The Power of Perseverance
After my experience with the Switch exam, I found myself in deep reflection. Although I had passed, I felt a sense of unease. I had worked so hard, yet the result was much closer to failure than I had imagined. It was in this moment of doubt that a conversation with a friend offered me a new and refreshing perspective.
As I expressed my frustration to her, telling her that I barely passed and wished I could have done better, she responded with a question that completely shifted my thinking. “What do you call a med student who got straight D’s?” she asked. I, intrigued and confused, replied, “I don’t know. What?” With a smile, she answered, “A doctor!”
Her point was simple but profound. It wasn’t the letter grade that defined success; it was the fact that the student made it through, ultimately becoming a doctor. This insight was a revelation to me. In a world where perfection is often celebrated, it’s easy to forget that sometimes, the most important thing is simply pushing through, no matter the circumstances. The pursuit of success is often less about achieving the ideal than about showing up, putting in the work, and never giving up.
This perspective shift changed everything for me. Instead of viewing the Switch exam as a failure, I began to see it as a vital learning experience. Yes, it was challenging, and yes, I had barely passed—but I had passed. That was a success in itself. I realized that it wasn’t about how many times I stumbled along the way but about how many times I got back up and continued to move forward.
This lesson became even more significant as I continued my journey toward the other CCNP exams. I had learned that failure didn’t have to be an endpoint—it could be a starting point for growth and improvement. My focus shifted from striving for perfection to simply making progress, however incremental that progress might be.
The Importance of Persistence: Embracing the Journey
As I prepared for the remaining exams in the CCNP series, I began to realize that my approach needed to evolve. The pressure I had placed on myself to get everything perfect was counterproductive. I understood that the key to succeeding in the CCNP Enterprise certification wasn’t just about mastering concepts or memorizing every detail—it was about developing a mindset that valued persistence above all else.
Each exam became a lesson not only in technical expertise but in personal resilience. The route exam, the switch exam, and the troubleshooting exam would each bring their own challenges, but I knew that I had already conquered one of the hardest tests—my own self-doubt. The switch exam had been tough, but it had made me stronger, more determined, and more focused on the long-term goal. Every failure, every near-miss, and every moment of uncertainty was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Along the way, I also learned to be kinder to myself. The pressure to perform at an exceptional level every single time was unrealistic, and I had to give myself permission to make mistakes. In fact, those mistakes were often the best teachers, providing insights and lessons that could not have been gained any other way. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, I started to embrace them as part of the process. Each challenge was simply another step forward on my journey to becoming a CCNP Enterprise professional.
In the end, the most important thing I learned was that the journey itself was as valuable as the destination. The hardships, the doubts, the struggles—they were all integral parts of the process that shaped me into the professional I am today. I realized that success wasn’t just about passing exams or achieving certifications; it was about the person I became along the way—the lessons I learned, the character I built, and the confidence I gained.
Looking back, my experience with the CCNP Enterprise exams was not just about technical knowledge but about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to keep going, even when things seemed uncertain. The challenges I faced along the way only made me stronger, and I learned to approach each new obstacle with a renewed sense of determination. Ultimately, the road to becoming a CCNP Enterprise professional wasn’t defined by the hurdles I encountered but by the lessons I learned from overcoming them.
Overcoming Setbacks and Testing Realities
The pursuit of any prestigious certification is rarely a smooth ride. For me, it was a journey marked by moments of triumph and setbacks, each of which taught me something essential about perseverance, growth, and the true nature of success. In June of 2019, I had the opportunity to attend Cisco Live in San Diego, an event that promised not just networking with professionals and gaining valuable insights, but also a chance to advance my CCNP journey. Cisco Live offered full pass attendees the opportunity for free exam attempts, which fueled my excitement to register for the Route exam while also tentatively deciding to give the TShoot exam another shot.
At the time, I knew that the Route exam would be a critical step forward, but I also felt a need to conquer the lingering challenge of the TShoot exam. I had previously failed this exam, but I was determined to turn that failure into a lesson that would help me succeed in the future. Little did I know that the exam I was about to face would be far more intense and demanding than I could have imagined. It was during this experience that I realized the real work of earning a certification lies not only in preparing for the exams but also in having the right mindset to face the difficulties head-on, learning to bounce back from setbacks, and applying each failure as a tool for growth.
The TShoot Exam: A Maze of Troubleshooting
The TShoot exam was unlike anything I had experienced before. While the other exams had their challenges, they at least followed a predictable pattern—if you studied hard and understood the theory behind the material, you could generally approach the exam with confidence. The TShoot exam, on the other hand, was in a league of its own. It wasn’t about memorizing facts or regurgitating information; it was about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios, and the scenarios themselves were complex, dynamic, and unpredictable. This was a true test of not just your theoretical knowledge but your ability to troubleshoot in a high-pressure environment.
The exam itself was a “choose your adventure” style challenge. Each question presented a unique scenario, such as, “Client 1 can’t ping the webserver,” and it was up to you to dive deep into the network topology, analyzing each layer of the infrastructure, and identifying potential issues. As you tackled one question, it quickly led to another, often causing you to spiral into increasingly complicated troubleshooting decisions. The path you took often wasn’t linear, and with each new decision, the pressure mounted. The sheer complexity of the scenarios left little room for error, and the fact that there were so many variables at play made it nearly impossible to feel completely confident. Despite feeling prepared in theory, I was met with failure at the end of the exam. And while the failure was disheartening, it did not mark the end of my journey—it marked a turning point in my understanding of network troubleshooting.
The experience of failing this exam was a humbling one. It wasn’t just about falling short on an individual test, but it was a wake-up call that reminded me that success in this field isn’t about instant wins but about developing the resilience to learn from each setback. Failure, in this case, became my catalyst for improvement, propelling me forward into the next phase of my preparation with greater awareness of what needed to change in my approach.
Realizing the Depth of the Journey
The failure of the TShoot exam was a tough pill to swallow, but in many ways, it revealed a crucial truth: the journey toward certification is about much more than just passing tests. It’s about understanding the deep nature of the subject matter, the real-world application of the knowledge, and the persistence required to overcome obstacles. After that experience, I began to see the exam preparation process in a new light. The tests weren’t just measures of theoretical knowledge; they were checkpoints that assessed how well you could apply your skills in real-life network environments.
In my reflection, I realized that theory alone wasn’t going to get me where I needed to be. The key to success lay in practical experience, and it was time for me to dive deeper into hands-on practice. To truly understand network troubleshooting, I needed to create real-world scenarios and solve them repeatedly. So, I set about building complex network topologies in my lab environment. I began labbing more, creating challenges that would simulate what I might face on the exam. The hands-on work wasn’t just about practicing for the exam; it was about building muscle memory and learning to approach problems from multiple angles, much like I would be required to do in the real world.
But there’s an inherent humbling nature in failing a certification exam, especially when the failure is tied to a specific skill set like troubleshooting. In those moments of frustration, I had to remind myself that failure wasn’t a reflection of my capabilities or my worth. Rather, it was simply a stepping stone—a necessary part of the process. The journey toward expertise in any field requires this kind of humility, and each failure was merely a chapter in my larger story of personal and professional growth. I wasn’t just building a technical skillset; I was learning the resilience and mindset needed to thrive in a challenging and dynamic industry.
As I sat with the reality of my failure, I began to ask myself some critical questions. What did this failure really mean? Was I any less qualified because I didn’t pass the TShoot exam on my first attempt? Over time, I realized that failure in this context wasn’t about the final result; it was about what I learned through the process. The failure itself was a momentary setback, but the lessons I learned in the wake of that experience were far more valuable.
Looking back, I understand now that the journey toward professional growth—whether in networking or any other field—is defined by the bumps along the road, the mistakes, and the challenges. It’s not the success in the end that shapes you, but rather how you handle the obstacles you encounter along the way. As I reflected on my repeated attempts at the TShoot exam, I realized that each failure was part of a larger process of refinement. Every time I failed, I learned something new about myself, my approach to troubleshooting, and my ability to adapt. The real growth happened not in the moments of victory but in the times when I stumbled, picked myself up, and continued pushing forward.
The critical insight I gained from this experience is that growth happens in discomfort. It’s easy to assume that success is a straight line, but the reality is that true progress is often anything but linear. The moments of failure, doubt, and frustration are not signs of defeat but signs of evolution. The real test of your abilities is not whether you succeed on your first attempt, but whether you can rise after each fall, learn from your mistakes, and continue to push forward with even more determination.
As I continued my journey toward becoming a CCNP Enterprise professional, I learned to embrace failure not as an obstacle but as an essential part of the learning process. The setbacks I faced became the foundation upon which I built my future success. The lessons learned from each failure allowed me to approach the next set of challenges with a new mindset—one that valued growth over perfection and progress over immediate success. This shift in perspective became a defining characteristic of my approach to both my career and my personal life. Success, I realized, wasn’t about avoiding failure; it was about learning to thrive through it.
The Final Stretch—Overcoming the Barriers
As I neared the final stages of my journey toward earning the CCNP Enterprise certification, I had a clear understanding of what lay ahead. The Design exam was the last major hurdle standing between me and the coveted title of CCNP Enterprise. The path to this point had been filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but I was determined to finish strong. It became clear that this journey wasn’t just about taking exams or memorizing facts—it was about transforming the way I approached both learning and professional growth. The final stretch of my journey was the culmination of all the lessons I had learned, and the challenges I faced in those last months were not just obstacles to overcome but opportunities for personal transformation.
The Design exam, which tested my ability to create and implement complex network designs, required me to consolidate everything I had learned over the course of my studies. It wasn’t just a technical exam; it was a test of my ability to think critically and strategically about networking. I had already proven my technical prowess in the Route, Switch, and TShoot exams, but the Design exam was different. It required a deeper level of understanding, as it was not just about solving problems but also about anticipating potential issues and creating solutions that could withstand the test of time. It was the final step that would demonstrate my readiness to become a fully certified CCNP Enterprise professional. However, getting to this point wasn’t as easy as simply passing another exam. The process itself would challenge me in ways I hadn’t expected, both in terms of logistics and my own personal growth.
The Struggles of Availability
One of the most frustrating and demoralizing aspects of my preparation for the Design exam was the lack of availability at my local Pearson Vue testing center. Living in Northern Vermont, I was faced with limited options for where I could take the exam. There was only one testing center within a reasonable distance, and as expected, it was often fully booked. Scheduling an exam became a strategic exercise in planning weeks—or sometimes even months—in advance. This created a considerable obstacle, especially when I was working hard to maintain momentum and keep my focus sharp. Every time I sat down to study, I was acutely aware of the ticking clock, and the challenge of securing a testing spot only added to the pressure.
The lack of immediate access to testing centers forced me to take a step back and reevaluate my approach to studying. Initially, I had the urge to rush through each exam and check them off my list as quickly as possible. However, this logistical barrier taught me the importance of patience and time management. I realized that I didn’t have to rush through the exams; instead, I needed to focus on mastery. The slow and deliberate approach allowed me to absorb the material on a deeper level and truly understand the concepts, rather than just memorizing them for a test. This shift in mindset transformed my study sessions into opportunities for growth rather than merely a race to complete tasks. The lack of availability at testing centers ultimately became a blessing in disguise, teaching me to prioritize quality over speed and reminding me that the journey was about the process, not just the destination.
This period also taught me the value of resilience. It would have been easy to become frustrated with the delays and roadblocks, but instead, I chose to see these challenges as part of the journey. I began to appreciate the time I had to refine my understanding, rather than rushing toward the finish line. The struggles of scheduling exams became a reminder that sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the obstacles we face along the way.
Testing from Home: A Game Changer
Then, as if the universe decided to provide a much-needed break, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. The world was in upheaval, and like so many other aspects of life, my certification journey was suddenly thrown into uncertainty. However, amid the chaos, a surprising silver lining emerged: online testing became an option for certifications like CCNP. This change was nothing short of a game-changer. No longer did I have to worry about driving for hours to a testing center, dealing with traffic, or anxiously hoping that I would be able to find a spot in a fully booked schedule. The option to test from home completely altered the experience, and in many ways, it made all the difference.
Testing from home brought a level of comfort and confidence that I had never experienced before. Gone were the days of trying to calm my nerves during the drive to the testing center, followed by the overwhelming anxiety of waiting in a crowded room. Instead, I could create my own testing environment—a space that was free from distractions, quiet, and tailored to my needs. I set up a corner of my home with everything I needed to focus completely on the exam. No longer did I feel like I was running a race against time; I could sit comfortably at my desk and concentrate solely on the task at hand.
Of course, testing from home came with its own set of challenges. The exam process was thorough and required me to prove my identity, as well as ensure that my workspace was free of any distractions or unauthorized materials. However, these extra steps did not feel burdensome—they added to the sense of security and professionalism. The entire process felt streamlined and efficient, and I was able to maintain my focus throughout the duration of the exam. In contrast to the anxiety of traditional testing environments, the at-home exam allowed me to feel in control, confident, and ready to face the final challenge of my CCNP Enterprise certification journey.
This shift to online testing also reinforced an important lesson about the evolving nature of work and learning. The pandemic highlighted how technology can break down barriers and provide opportunities that might not have been possible before. For me, testing from home became more than just a convenience—it became a turning point in my journey. It was a moment that allowed me to fully engage with the material in a calm and comfortable environment, and in doing so, it ultimately enhanced my performance.
Success and a New Beginning
On July 30th, 2020, after months of preparation, struggles, and self-reflection, I passed the Design exam and officially earned my CCNP Enterprise certification. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming, but as I looked back on the journey that had led me to this moment, I realized that the true value of my experience was not just in earning the certification, but in the personal transformation I had undergone throughout the process.
The months of hard work and setbacks had taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, patience, and the importance of a well-rounded approach to learning. It wasn’t just about memorizing facts or passing exams—it was about becoming a better professional, one who could tackle complex problems with confidence and creativity. The real victory wasn’t just in achieving the certification; it was in the growth that came from overcoming the obstacles along the way.
What made this achievement even more meaningful was the support I received from my study group, peers, and the wider networking community. The encouragement and camaraderie of those who were also on the journey toward certification helped keep me motivated and focused. It was through these shared experiences that I realized the power of community-driven growth. The relationships I had built with others pursuing similar goals added a sense of depth and richness to the process that I had not anticipated.
In the moment of passing the Design exam, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the journey itself. The obstacles, the moments of doubt, the frustrations with scheduling exams—each of these challenges had shaped me in ways I hadn’t fully understood until that moment. Earning the CCNP Enterprise certification wasn’t just the end of a chapter; it was the beginning of a new phase in my professional career. With a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, I stepped into the world of networking as a certified professional, but more importantly, I stepped into a world of continuous learning and growth, armed with the lessons I had learned throughout this transformative journey.
Reflections on the Journey
As I look back on the path that led me to earn my CCNP Enterprise certification, one theme is clear: it was all about persistence. The journey was far from a straightforward progression from one exam to the next. It was marked by moments of frustration, periods of self-doubt, and numerous setbacks. Yet, despite all the hurdles I faced, persistence was the force that drove me forward. It wasn’t about how quickly I could reach the finish line or how perfectly I could execute each task along the way; it was about staying committed to the process, no matter how difficult or discouraging it seemed at times.
Every setback I encountered, whether it was a failed exam, a scheduling issue, or a personal challenge, contributed to my growth and understanding. In those moments when I thought about quitting or when I questioned whether I was truly cut out for this, it was persistence that kept me moving. Success wasn’t about avoiding failure—it was about using each failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. The ability to get back up after stumbling, to adjust my approach, and to keep pushing forward was the key to my eventual success.
In many ways, the road to the CCNP Enterprise certification mirrored the realities of any long-term career journey. There were no shortcuts, no easy answers, and no guarantees. But the process of overcoming obstacles, of constantly learning and adapting, prepared me not only to earn the certification but to grow as a professional in the field of networking. As I reflect on the challenges I faced, I realize that the journey itself—rather than the destination—was the true source of my growth and achievement.
The Importance of Community
One of the most significant lessons I learned during my journey was the importance of community. In a field that often requires deep individual focus and long hours of solitary study, having a support system can make all the difference. During some of the most discouraging moments, I found myself turning to social media to connect with others who were on the same journey. What began as a simple quest to find study materials or advice soon blossomed into a thriving study group. This group became more than just a resource for information—it became a lifeline that kept me motivated, even when things seemed bleak.
The members of my study group shared their own stories of setbacks and successes, and their experiences resonated with me in ways I hadn’t expected. Knowing that I wasn’t alone in my struggles made the journey feel less isolating. Whether it was offering words of encouragement, sharing study strategies, or simply venting about the frustrations of preparing for a grueling exam, the sense of community provided me with a sense of connection that was vital for my mental and emotional well-being.
In particular, the shared victories felt sweeter when celebrated with others who truly understood the hard work that went into achieving them. When one member of our group passed an exam, the collective joy we felt was more profound than any individual achievement could have been. It wasn’t just a win for that person—it was a win for all of us. The community’s success became a shared success, and that feeling of camaraderie motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when I encountered my own challenges.
Ultimately, the importance of community extends beyond just sharing knowledge—it’s about creating a support system that fosters growth, motivation, and resilience. I realized that the relationships I built along the way, whether through social media, online study groups, or even face-to-face interactions, played a crucial role in my success. The value of these connections cannot be overstated, as they helped me stay focused, positive, and determined throughout the ups and downs of the certification process.
Creating The Art of Network Engineering Podcast
As I moved further along in my journey, I began to notice something powerful: the conversations I had with my study group members and others in the community were incredibly valuable. The discussions about network engineering, career advice, and the challenges of studying for a certification sparked new insights and ideas in me. These conversations weren’t just helping me prepare for my exams; they were shaping my understanding of the industry and how I could contribute to it in a meaningful way.
I began to see an opportunity to take these discussions to a broader audience. I wanted to create a platform where I could continue to learn, share knowledge, and connect with others in the network engineering field. This desire led to the creation of “The Art of Network Engineering” podcast. This new venture was not just about passing on knowledge—it was about building a community, a space where professionals could come together to learn, share experiences, and discuss the future of networking.
The podcast became a passion project that allowed me to explore topics that were not covered in the traditional certification materials. I could delve into the human side of network engineering, discussing not just the technical aspects but also the personal growth, challenges, and professional development that come with the territory. Every episode became an opportunity to learn from experts in the field, interview professionals with unique insights, and share the knowledge I had gained through my own journey.
Starting the podcast also reinforced the importance of continuous learning. I realized that my certification journey didn’t end with the CCNP Enterprise. The podcast became a way for me to stay engaged with the community and to keep learning, even after I had officially earned my certification. It was a reminder that knowledge isn’t something you acquire once and then forget—it’s a lifelong process that requires constant growth and adaptation.
The creation of “The Art of Network Engineering” was, in many ways, a natural extension of my personal growth throughout the certification process. It was about sharing the lessons I had learned, creating a space for open dialogue, and inspiring others to continue on their own journeys. The podcast allowed me to pay forward the support I had received from others during my own journey, and in doing so, it brought a sense of fulfillment and purpose that went beyond passing an exam.
As I stand at the end of this phase of my career, having earned the CCNP Enterprise certification, I find myself reflecting not just on the certification itself, but on the growth I experienced throughout the process. The CCNP Enterprise was, in many ways, a milestone—a recognition of my technical skills and knowledge. But it was never the ultimate goal. What truly mattered was the personal growth, the resilience, and the professional development I gained along the way.
The certification is just a piece of paper; it represents a moment in time, a marker of what I’ve achieved. But what truly shapes a career is the journey itself—the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the ability to rise above setbacks. The CCNP certification was important, but it was the process of preparing for it, the persistence through setbacks, and the growth that resulted from those challenges that truly defined my career path.
Throughout this journey, I gained not only technical expertise but also a deeper understanding of the value of perseverance and continuous learning. I learned to embrace failure, to use it as a tool for growth rather than a setback. I learned the importance of community, how it can support and elevate you, and how it’s essential to share knowledge and experiences with others. And most importantly, I learned that career growth isn’t just about reaching the next certification or promotion—it’s about becoming a better version of yourself, both professionally and personally.
As I look ahead to my next challenge, the Cisco DevNet Associate certification, I know that the journey will be just as rewarding as the destination. I’ve come to understand that career growth is a never-ending journey, one that requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and resilience. The CCNP Enterprise certification was an important milestone, but the road ahead is where the real adventure begins. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and sharing my experiences with others, knowing that the lessons I’ve learned along the way will continue to shape my career and my life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the path to achieving my CCNP Enterprise certification has been far more than just a technical achievement; it has been a transformative journey that has shaped me both professionally and personally. The challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt were not just obstacles to overcome but were integral to my growth. Through persistence, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning, I learned that success isn’t measured by the exams we pass but by the resilience and growth we exhibit along the way.
The importance of community, the support of peers, and the value of sharing knowledge became evident as I navigated this journey. The creation of The Art of Network Engineering podcast was a natural extension of my desire to continue learning, sharing, and connecting with others in the field. It was a reminder that knowledge isn’t a destination—it’s a process, one that continues long after the certification is achieved.
Ultimately, the CCNP Enterprise certification was just one milestone in a much larger journey. The lessons I’ve learned and the growth I’ve experienced will continue to guide me as I pursue the next chapter of my career. As I look ahead to new challenges, like the Cisco DevNet Associate certification, I know that the road to success is not defined by the destination, but by the lessons learned, the people we meet, and the growth we experience along the way. The journey is never over, and that’s what makes it all so exciting.