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Oct. 8, 2026

Why Failing an IT Certification Is Actually Progress.

Why Failing an IT Certification Is Actually Progress.

Send us Fan Mail I've failed more IT certifications than I've passed, including the CCNA on my first try, the CCNP, and DevNet. And I'm still in this industry, teaching the CCNA today. If you've been studying for a certification but keep putting off scheduling the exam because you're scared you'll fail, this episode is for you. Failing isn't the end of your IT journey. It's part of the process. In this episode: ✅ Why so many people are scared to take their certification exam ✅ What taking t...

Key Takeaways

  • Failing an IT certification exam is not the end of your career journey, but rather a normal and valuable part of the process.
  • Taking the exam, even if you fail, gives you vital experience and exposure to the testing environment that studying alone cannot provide.
  • Employers care about your final certification and your actual skills, not how many attempts it took you to pass.
  • Passing an IT certification after experiencing a failure builds real, lasting confidence in your technical abilities.
  • Booking your exam today forces accountability and stops you from endlessly putting off your goals out of fear.

Send us Fan Mail

I've failed more IT certifications than I've passed, including the CCNA on my first try, the CCNP, and DevNet. And I'm still in this industry, teaching the CCNA today.

If you've been studying for a certification but keep putting off scheduling the exam because you're scared you'll fail, this episode is for you. Failing isn't the end of your IT journey. It's part of the process.

In this episode:
✅ Why so many people are scared to take their certification exam
✅ What taking the exam gives you, even if you fail
✅ Why nobody is counting your attempts, including employers
✅ How passing after a fail builds real confidence
✅ Practical tips to help you pass, starting with booking your exam today

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I fail an IT certification exam?

Failing an IT certification gives you a clear look at your weak spots and valuable experience with the exam format. It is a common stepping stone that many successful IT professionals experience on their way to passing.

Do employers care if you fail your IT certification?

No, employers do not count your exam attempts or see how many times you failed. They only care that you ultimately earned the certification and have the skills to do the job.

How can I stop procrastinating on scheduling my IT certification exam?

The best way to stop putting it off is to book the exam date today to create immediate accountability. Utilizing mobile practice tools like Pocket Prep during short breaks can also help you study consistently without waiting for large blocks of free time.