The decision to attempt the DevNet Expert exam was one I approached with both excitement and a hint of trepidation. It wasn’t just another certification; it was a culmination of years of learning, applying skills, and evolving as a network engineer. The level of expertise required for this exam is extremely high, and the preparation itself demands a serious commitment of time, energy, and focus. So when I finally booked my exam, I knew it was going to be a big moment in my career.
I had chosen Brussels as my exam location. While there are only a limited number of physical lab locations for this certification, Brussels seemed to offer the best logistical option. The thought of traveling to an unfamiliar city was both thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time. I wanted everything to go smoothly, and I had prepared meticulously for what I thought was going to be the ultimate test of my DevNet skills.
The day before the exam, I flew out of Zurich and arrived in Brussels around 7:30 PM. I had taken every step to make sure that this trip would go off without a hitch, and everything fell into place as planned. After getting through the airport with relative ease, I found a shuttle service that made the transfer to my hotel comfortable. It was late when I arrived at the hotel, but I immediately felt relieved. It was always a bit nerve-wracking to travel for something as significant as this exam, and now that I was settled, I could focus on what lay ahead.
Despite the long day, I didn’t want to waste time. I dropped off my luggage, quickly checked into the hotel, and then did something I found a bit unusual. I decided to take a walk to the Cisco office, just to familiarize myself with the area. This would give me a sense of where I needed to go the next morning. I knew the exam would start early, and I didn’t want any surprises when it came time to head out. It was dark when I got to the building, and as I walked around the exterior of the office, it almost felt like I was sneaking around a forbidden place. Oddly enough, I wasn’t alone. Another individual appeared, also walking around the office, and we exchanged a knowing glance. He,, to,o was preparing for his certification attempt, and just like me, he wanted to ensure everything was in order before the exam. That unexpected encounter made me smile—there was a camaraderie between us, even if we were both strangers to each other.
After that little adventure, I returned to the hotel, grabbed a quick dinner, and had a shower to unwind. The night before an exam isn’t always ideal for last-minute studying, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to review my notes just one more time. So, I spent the evening going through some last-minute information that I thought could be important. In hindsight, I don’t think that last-minute review really made a significant impact, but it gave me some peace of mind. To help calm my nerves further, I called my girlfriend. Talking with her was a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this and that no matter the outcome, I had people who supported me. It helped to put things into perspective before I went to sleep.
I woke up early the next morning, around 7:15 AM, feeling both nervous and excited. I skipped breakfast, which is something I’ve always done before exams, and I wasn’t about to break that routine on this important day. Instead, I opted for some coffee, packed up my things, and made my way to the Cisco office. The exam was only a short five-minute walk away, so I didn’t have much time to let my nerves get the best of me. It was a strange feeling, walking to the exam building knowing what was at stake. But despite the anxiety, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how far I had come. When I first started in networking, taking an exam like this seemed like an unreachable goal. But here I was, walking toward a future I had worked so hard for.
The moment I arrived at the Cisco building, the reality of what was about to happen started to hit me. I took a deep breath and walked in, where the other candidates had already gathered. There was a small group of about eight of us, and just as I had imagined, the air was thick with anticipation. Everyone was silently preparing themselves for what lay ahead. The proctor arrived shortly after, and we were ushered into the exam room, where the real challenge would begin.
At that moment, I realized that the preparation wasn’t over yet. It wasn’t just about knowing the material—it was about being able to adapt and perform under pressure.
The Exam Environment and Beginning the Lab
Walking into the exam room, I was greeted by the typical quiet, tension-filled atmosphere that accompanies high-stakes testing. As the proctor led us inside, I felt a sudden wave of seriousness and nervousness, but I was determined to stay focused. This was the moment I had been working toward for months, and now that I was finally there, it was time to put all of my preparation to the test.
Once everyone was settled into the room, I began to notice some things that threw me off a bit. For one, I had imagined that the equipment would be high-end, state-of-the-art gear—something I could immediately start working with, almost like a lab at Cisco’s headquarters. But as I surveyed the equipment, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t as cutting-edge as I had expected. While the lab setup was functional and sufficient for the exam, it was a little older than I had anticipated. I had prepared myself for technical challenges, but I hadn’t quite prepared myself for the reality of working with equipment that wasn’t quite what I envisioned. It wasn’t a deal-breaker by any means, but it added a layer of complexity as I adjusted to the equipment on the fly.
What was even more surprising, however, was the sheer number of surveillance cameras in the room. It felt like every angle was covered—there was a camera practically every meter or so. At first, I felt a bit uncomfortable with the amount of surveillance, but I quickly reminded myself that this was the standard protocol to ensure exam integrity. Still, it was a little distracting, knowing that every move I made was being closely monitored. It wasn’t an issue that impacted my performance, but it was an interesting detail that added to the atmosphere of pressure and scrutiny.
As part of the exam protocol, we had to present our ID and sign a document confirming that we were aware of the rules and regulations for the exam. Once that was completed, we were allowed to set up our workstations and get ready. The proctor reminded us that drinks and snacks were allowed during the exam, which I thought was a good thing since I had packed an assortment of snacks to keep my energy up throughout the day. I had brought a combination of crackers, trail mix, chewing gum, and dextrose energy tablets. It seemed like overkill, but I was determined to be fully prepared for anything. I might not have been physically prepared for an entire marathon, but I was certainly prepared for a few hours in a testing environment.
One of the lighter moments came when the proctor jokingly commented on the sheer quantity of snacks I had packed. I couldn’t help but laugh—it was nice to hear a little humor during such a tense time. The other candidates in the room had a similar strategy, bringing their supplies for the day, which added a sense of solidarity to the situation. Everyone was in this together, trying to take on one of the most difficult networking exams out there.
When the exam finally began, I was ready to dive in, but the structure of the exam soon reminded me of just how tough this challenge was going to be. Module 1 started with scenario-based questions, a format that I wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with, but this was on a completely different level. Each question presented a real-world scenario with multiple possible answers, and while that’s normal for this type of exam, the challenge was that multiple answers often seemed correct on the surface. The difference between passing and failing was the ability to sift through the details and figure out which choice truly addressed the problem in the most effective way.
Fortunately, we were given additional resources to help with the decision-making process. In this case, the resources included emails and chat transcripts related to the scenario. At first, I thought that simply reading through the question and available answers would be enough, but I quickly realized that the devil was in the details. I had to pay very close attention to the nuances in the support material. Many of the answers could be dismissed only by analyzing the fine points hidden in the emails or chat logs. The trick was that every little detail counted. If you missed a keyword or piece of information, you might end up choosing the wrong answer.
The proctor had mentioned that there were about 30 questions in Module 1, with an average of six minutes allocated per question. While I can’t share specifics about the content of the exam due to confidentiality, I can say that it’s critical to stay focused and manage your time carefully. You need to balance the need for thoroughness with the clock ticking in the background. This was where my challenge began to take shape. I felt that my answers were thoughtful and based on the material I had reviewed, but I wasn’t entirely confident. After all, I had a gut feeling that I might be overlooking something.
My seat, however, added to my distraction. Sitting in the front row, with the proctor nearby, wasn’t ideal for staying focused. There was constant movement, including the proctor receiving phone calls and messages that occasionally interrupted the flow of the exam. At one point, a repairman walked into the room to inspect some water damage on the ceiling, causing further disruptions. Even the lunch order process felt oddly disorganized. I didn’t expect the proctor to ask each person individually what they wanted to eat in such a large group. It seemed trivial, but it added a bit of chaos to the room. While this didn’t directly affect my performance, I could feel my concentration slipping away, which made it difficult to stay entirely in the zone.
As I continued through Module 1, I found myself adjusting to the rhythm of the exam, but I was already feeling a sense of stress building up. The lack of time and pressure from the exam environment began to weigh on me, making it harder to focus. Despite all of the distractions, I had made it through the first module and was ready to begin Module 2, but I didn’t realize how much I had already drained my mental energy. Little did I know, my struggles were only beginning.
The fact that my strategy was to tackle all the questions before revisiting them to check for errors also started to work against me. As I moved into the second module, I realized that my approach of solving everything first and checking later wasn’t ideal. There was no time for proper verification of my solutions. In the back of my mind, I knew that I should have been more careful in managing my time and ensuring that I didn’t leave any gaps in my answers. It became clear to me that this approach might cost me points, but I tried to stay focused on the task at hand, even as I felt my anxiety start to rise.
The pressure began to feel almost unbearable, and I hadn’t even realized how much it was impacting my performance. But I knew I needed to push through. This wasn’t just a test of knowledge—it was a test of my ability to handle stress, make decisions under pressure, and remain composed even when things felt like they were falling apart. This exam would truly test all aspects of my technical and mental fortitude.
Stress, Strategy, and Challenges
By the time lunch rolled around, I had completed Module 1 and begun working on Module 2, but things were starting to unravel. The first task in Module 2 took longer than expected, and I realized that I was quickly running out of time. The pressure of the ticking clock combined with the stress I was already feeling,g started to catch up with me. I had hoped that a break would help me clear my mind, so I went to the restroom, hoping the brief pause would allow me to refocus.
However, when I returned, the proctor had already resumed the exam. I had only been gone for about a minute or two, but the interruption, no matter how brief, had put me on edge. The sense of urgency intensified as I realized that I had less time than I thought to finish everything, which added to the anxiety. I had hoped for a moment of peace to recharge, but instead, I felt even more stressed. The situation wasn’t ideal, but I had no choice but to press on.
Stress, for me, is a major performance factor, especially during high-stakes situations like this exam. I know my mental state can greatly impact how I think and how I process information, so I tried to push through the growing discomfort. However, stress can also have physical effects on the body, and I began to feel the onset of a migraine around 2:00 PM. The pain was mild at first, and I hoped it would go away, but deep down, I knew this wasn’t a good sign. As the minutes passed, the headache intensified, and I struggled to maintain my concentration. The room was a blur of sounds—conversations from other candidates, the proctor moving about, and the ticking clock—and it was all too much to handle with the growing migraine. It was frustrating because I knew Iknewe to answer the questions correctly, but the headache made it almost impossible to focus as sharply as I needed.
I had brought plenty of snacks to keep my energy levels up, but in my rush to prepare for the exam, I had forgotten to pack any painkillers. It felt like a simple oversight, but it would have a significant impact on my ability to concentrate and perform well. Without medication to ease the migraine, I felt like my brain was beginning to shut down. I couldn’t maintain my usual level of focus, and the thought of continuing under these conditions was disheartening.
To make matters worse, I realized that my exam strategy wasn’t as effective as I had hoped. I planned to tackle all the tasks first and then go back to check everything later. On paper, it seemed like a reasonable strategy—after all, if I solved all the problems and had time left, I could review my answers. But in practice, this approach turned out to be a poor choice. I was spending too much time on each task, trying to get everything perfect, and then realizing I didn’t have enough time left for the review process. When I got to the verification stage, I simply didn’t have the luxury of time to double-check each solution thoroughly.
The problem was that the exam didn’t work like other exams I had taken in the past. Each task wasn’t just about solving the problem; it was about doing so with complete accuracy. If I missed even a small detail, I didn’t earn points for that question. The complexity of the tasks required precision, and if I didn’t verify my answers thoroughly, I risked losing everything. This realization hit me hard. Had I been a bit more strategic, I might have been able to tackle fewer problems but ensure that they were correct, instead of rushing through everything in a desperate attempt to finish it all.
I also started to recognize that my stress was clouding my judgment. I began to second-guess myself, doubting my answers and wondering if I had missed a crucial step in my solutions. It’s easy to let stress take over in an environment like this, and as my migraine worsened, I found it increasingly difficult to keep my thoughts organized. Every task seemed to take longer, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was falling further behind. I tried to push through, but the headache kept pulling my focus away from the task at hand. By the time I reached the final stages of the exam, I was mentally exhausted.
I kept thinking back to my preparation for this exam. I had studied relentlessly for months, trying to cover every possible scenario and technical detail. But the reality of the exam, with all of its pressure, distractions, and unexpected challenges, was overwhelming. I had gone into the exam room fully expecting to perform well, yet here I was, struggling to stay on track. It was a humbling experience, and it made me realize just how important it is not only to have technical expertise but also to manage stress and time effectively during the exam.
Despite these struggles, I did my best to continue answering the questions and pushing through the pain. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I kept telling myself that I had to finish the exam. I knew that even if I wasn’t performing at my best, I had to give it my all. The exam was difficult, and the stress was overwhelming, but I couldn’t let those challenges define my performance. I pressed on, trying to focus on each task one step at a time, hoping that I would be able to at least finish the exam, even if it wasn’t perfect.
As the exam drew to a close, I knew that my performance wasn’t ideal. My migraine had gotten worse, and I had struggled with my time management and stress. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. After all the preparation, after all the hours spent studying, I knew that I hadn’t performed as well as I could have. Still, I tried to hold onto some hope. There was always the chance that I had still managed to answer enough questions correctly to pass, but deep down, I knew that I had to prepare myself for the possibility of a second attempt.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The exam finally ended, and I was both relieved and exhausted. It felt as though I had been holding my breath for hours, trying to make the best decisions I could under intense pressure. As I stood up from my workstation, I immediately felt a sense of physical and mental fatigue, like all the energy had drained from my body. My migraine, which had worsened throughout the latter half of the exam, now left me feeling disoriented and worn out. It was a short, five-minute walk from the exam room back to the hotel, but by the time I got to my room, I had to stop several times just to catch my breath. The pain in my head made it hard to focus, and I was feeling more nauseous with each step. I tried to push through, but my body had reached its limit.
Back in my hotel room, I attempted to gather my thoughts and make sense of the experience. I wanted to write down everything I could about the exam while it was still fresh in my mind, but the migraine made it nearly impossible to concentrate. I quickly realized that trying to take notes at that moment wasn’t going to be productive. Instead, I took a few deep breaths and decided to rest for a while. I knew there wasn’t much more I could do now except wait for the results. The emotional and physical toll of the day left me feeling drained, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of uncertainty. Had I done enough? Had I passed? Every few minutes, I would check my email, hoping to see a notification, but it never came.
I headed back to the airport later that afternoon, still feeling the effects of the migraine. I tried to relax on the shuttle to the airport, but my head throbbed with every bump in the road. As the plane took off, I closed my eyes, hoping the flight would help me recover a bit. I slept for most of the journey, hoping that when I woke up, I would feel more like myself. It wasn’t until I landed in Zurich and began to feel better that the migraine finally started to subside. It was a strange combination of relief and lingering doubt. I couldn’t help but wonder how I had performed, but I knew I had to wait for the official results before I could find out.
The hours that followed were filled with a sense of anticipation and anxiety. When I got home around 10:00 PM, I checked my email every few minutes, desperately hoping for the results to arrive. It was nearing bedtime when I finally saw the subject line: “DevNet Expert Exam Results.” I clicked on the email with trembling hands, unsure of what to expect. When the results appeared, I already knew in my gut that I hadn’t passed. The confirmation hit me harder than I had anticipated. While I had been prepared for the possibility of failure, seeing the results in black and white was still a tough pill to swallow.
Despite the disappointment, I knew that this experience wasn’t wasted. It had been an incredibly valuable learning opportunity. I had pushed myself to the limit, and while the results weren’t what I had hoped for, I gained a deeper understanding of what it would take to succeed on the next attempt. The experience taught me a lot about my strengths, my weaknesses, and my ability to manage stress in high-pressure situations. If anything, it was a clear reminder that achieving such a high level of certification would require more than just technical knowledge—it would require mental fortitude, better exam strategies, and the ability to stay calm when things didn’t go according to plan.
The lessons learned were not just about the content of the exam but about how I handled myself throughout the entire process. I realized that my exam strategy—attempting to solve everything first and verifying later—wasn’t ideal. In future attempts, I would need to be more strategic, checking for errors along the way rather than rushing through everything. I also learned that managing stress was just as important as knowing the material. Next time, I would make sure to bring painkillers and focus more on staying calm, rather than letting anxiety get the best of me.
Despite the setback, I was determined to return to Brussels for a second attempt. The experience had only fueled my determination to succeed. I knew I had the skills and knowledge required to pass, and now it was a matter of refining my strategy and approach. The road to becoming a DevNet Expert was challenging, but it wasn’t impossible. I had gained valuable insights that would help me perform better next time, and I was more than ready to take on the challenge again.
The first attempt, while disappointing, was not the end of my journey—it was simply a stepping stone. It made me more committed to mastering the skills needed for the certification. I was not going to let one failure define my future in the DevNet field. The lessons learned from this experience—how to manage stress, how to approach the exam strategically, and how to stay focused in high-pressure situations—would be invaluable when I returned for my second attempt.
Looking back on that first attempt, I can now see it for what it truly was: a learning experience. It taught me that preparation goes beyond the technical aspects; it’s about mastering the mental and emotional challenges as well. The first exam attempt was a wake-up call, but it was also a reminder of my resilience and determination to reach the finish line.
The second attempt was already on my mind, and I knew I would approach it with greater focus and better preparation. I couldn’t wait to apply the lessons I had learned, and this time, I was determined to succeed. The road to becoming a DevNet Expert is not easy, but the journey itself is worth every step. And when I finally pass, I’ll be able to look back on these moments as the foundation of my success. The experience will make that final victory all the sweeter, and I’ll be ready to tackle it head-on.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my journey to the DevNet Expert certification, I realize that this experience has been both humbling and empowering. The first attempt was filled with challenges, from managing stress and distractions to dealing with the physical toll of a migraine. Despite the setbacks, it was an invaluable learning opportunity that has shaped my approach to both the exam and my career as a network engineer. While I didn’t pass on my first attempt, the lessons I learned were far more important than a mere exam result.
The pressure and intensity of the exam revealed a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that preparation isn’t just about knowing the material but also about how you handle stress, time management, and the unexpected. The exam tested more than my technical knowledge—it tested my ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. And while I didn’t perform as well as I’d hoped, I know that the next time I step into that exam room, I’ll be better prepared, not only technically but mentally as well.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of exam strategy. While my initial approach seemed like a good one—solving all the tasks first and verifying them later—I quickly realized it wasn’t the best strategy for this type of high-stakes exam. Moving forward, I will focus on solving fewer tasks more carefully, ensuring that each one is completed correctly rather than rushing through everything. The emphasis in the exam isn’t just about completing the tasks—it’s about accuracy and attention to detail. That lesson, in particular, was critical for my growth as both a professional and a learner.
Another key takeaway was the importance of mental and physical well-being during such a demanding exam. The migraine I experienced taught me that I need to be better prepared for stress and potential distractions, whether that’s through better self-care or improving my environment. I had packed snacks, but I didn’t bring painkillers—something so simple that could have made all the difference. In future attempts, I’ll make sure I’m not just physically prepared for the exam, but emotionally and mentally ready to face the challenges that come with it.
While the first attempt didn’t go as planned, it wasn’t a failure—it was a stepping stone. I have a clearer understanding of what I need to focus on for my next attempt. I’ve learned to adjust my approach, to manage stress more effectively, and to hone my exam strategy. These are all critical skills that will not only help me with the DevNet Expert exam but will serve me in my career as a network engineer.
For anyone preparing for a similar journey, I’d say this: don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, and failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. The road to mastery, whether it’s in networking or any other field, is never a straight line. It’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected hurdles. But each obstacle is a lesson that brings you closer to your goal.
So, while I didn’t pass the DevNet Expert exam this time, I’m not giving up. I will return stronger, more focused, and better equipped for success. The second attempt is already on my mind, and with the lessons I’ve learned from the first, I am confident that I will achieve my goal. The journey to DevNet Expert certification is tough, but it’s also rewarding, and I’m committed to seeing it through until the finish line.
For those of you on a similar journey—whether it’s DevNet or another certification—keep pushing. Embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and stay determined. Success is not defined by a single exam result but by your ability to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward. And when you do achieve your goal, you’ll look back and realize that every challenge, every obstacle, was worth it. The journey is as important as the destination.