Greetings, fellow learners! Today, I'm sharing a candid account of my recent endeavor—the ITIL Version 4 Foundation exam. I believe in being upfront and honest, whether it's a triumph or a setback. So, here's what transpired, what went wrong, and how I'm planning to turn things around.
Facing Failure Head-On
Allow me to reintroduce myself—I'm the one who strives to give you the unfiltered truth. Yesterday, I tackled the ITIL Version 4 Foundation exam, and the outcome? I didn't succeed. Now, before we dive deeper, let me clarify that transparency is key here. Regardless of whose fault it is—mine or someone else's—I'm committed to sharing the entire journey. This isn't just for you; it's also for my future self to gain insights and lessons.
Exam Goals and the Reality
Now, let's set the stage. I'll be joining WGU in January, and part of that journey involves cracking the ITIL exam. The intention was to ace it early, but sometimes, plans don't unfold as intended. As you may recall from my last blog, my sentiments toward ITIL weren't the most optimistic. This sentiment was rooted in the exam's structure and nature.
Last week, I invested in study resources—a book by Clara Gutter and Jason Dion's blog series, bundled with an exam voucher and a retake voucher. However, here's the twist—I hardly read a page from the book and watched only about two hours of Jason Dion's blogs before my enthusiasm plummeted. And guess what? I didn't bother to study further. The result? An outcome I had anticipated but hoped to avoid—failure.
Analyzing the Why
The question lingers—why did I fail? The answer is simple and straightforward—I didn't study enough. But, as with most things, the story runs deeper. The primary factor was my lack of interest in the material. I've mentioned it before—I'm no fan of ITIL, especially the exam format. It's not my cup of tea.
It's worth noting that I've been down this road before. Back in 2017, I took the ITIL Version 3 exam and missed passing by just one question. This time, the outcome was similar—23 out of 40 questions right, just three questions shy of the passing mark of 26. Mathematically, it's a 58, a grade I thoroughly deserve for my lack of preparation.
The Unplanned Hurdles
As life often does, it threw some curveballs my way. I woke up in an odd position, triggering back pain that lingered for days. This unexpected physical discomfort clouded my focus, leading me to seek solace in activities that wouldn't exacerbate the pain. Video games seemed more enticing than the tedious world of ITIL.
The Harsh Reality
But let's be clear—I'm not using my pain as an excuse. The truth is, I didn't study because I didn't want to. ITIL's material didn't captivate me, and that's where the challenge lies. While I had legitimate reasons to procrastinate, it's essential to recognize that studying isn't just about the absence of external hindrances; it's about finding the willpower to push through.
In my journey of studying, there are classes I'll find challenging, just like ITIL. However, there's no substitute for commitment and discipline. My aim is to overcome this setback, study harder, and return to face the exam more prepared.
Looking Ahead
While I might not have a triumphant story to share this time, I'm far from defeated. I'm taking this as a valuable lesson to refocus, prioritize, and approach my studies with determination. Failure isn't a dead-end; it's a stepping stone towards growth.
Stay tuned for more updates on my journey. Remember, success is built on both victories and defeats, and I'm here to share every step with you.
Stay curious and keep learning.
Reflecting on Failure: Lessons from My ITIL Exam Attempt
Hello, my fellow learners. Today, I'm delving into a recent experience that's a part of every learning journey—the face-off with failure. It's crucial for me to be candid, so let's dive right into what happened, the reasons behind it, and the steps I'm taking to learn and grow from this setback.
Falling Short on the ITIL Exam
To provide context, I recently embarked on the ITIL Version 4 Foundation exam with the hope of passing. The outcome, unfortunately, didn't align with my expectations—I fell short. Now, I'm here to share the details with you—no sugarcoating, no skipping the uncomfortable parts.
Identifying the Culprits: Lack of Preparation
First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room—I didn't study enough. This exam requires dedication and focused preparation, and I didn't commit the time required. I made several attempts to study, but I struggled to concentrate for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. My mind would wander, my attention would wane, and I found myself battling with disinterest. This, undoubtedly, is something I need to work on.
Missteps and Poor Choices
Another factor that contributed to my failure was poor planning and decision-making. Scheduling the exam just a few hours in advance, at a time when fatigue and frustration were already clouding my mindset, was a recipe for disaster. I took the exam late in the evening, when exhaustion and irritability had already taken their toll. Technical difficulties added to the chaos, leaving me mentally drained before I even began.
The Bigger Picture: Learning from the Setback
Now, I want to make it clear—this isn't about blaming circumstances. I acknowledge my role in this outcome. It's easy to pin it on external factors, but ultimately, my lack of preparation and poor choices played a significant role.
As I reflect on my experience, I recognize that the ITIL exam presents a unique challenge. Unlike other study material I've encountered, ITIL requires a level of engagement and seriousness that's not easy to muster. It's not the type of exam where passing would evoke a sense of pride; instead, it's about fulfilling a requirement. And that, in itself, has been a stumbling block for me.
Moving Forward: A Renewed Commitment
Acknowledging my mistakes is the first step toward progress. With a free retake voucher at my disposal, I've decided to approach this challenge once again. This time, I'm planning to schedule the exam for the morning when I'm most alert. It's about learning from my missteps and optimizing my approach.
The past week may have been a bit of a slump, but this week brings renewed energy and focus. I'm determined to rise above this setback, study diligently, and demonstrate the discipline that's needed to succeed.
A Message to Fellow Learners
For those who follow my journey and find inspiration in my blogs, I want to emphasize that my failure isn't indicative of your potential outcomes. My experience was marred by my own choices and lack of commitment. If my journey has motivated you to pursue your own goals, remember that my setbacks aren't a reflection of your potential.
In conclusion, this isn't the end of my story. It's a chapter—a chapter that underscores the importance of determination, discipline, and focus. My journey continues, and I'm ready to take on the challenges ahead with renewed vigor.
Stay curious and keep pushing forward.
Navigating Uncertainties: The Road Ahead
Greetings, my dedicated audience. As my journey through the ITIL exam continues, I want to keep you updated on my progress, my insights, and the questions that have arisen along the way. Today, I delve into the specifics of how this exam fits into my academic goals, the potential challenges I face, and the pursuit of positive outcomes.
The Transfer Conundrum: ITIL and WGU
An interesting aspect of my ITIL journey is how it relates to my plans at WGU. You see, passing the ITIL exam would have facilitated a smooth transfer of this certification into WGU—until now. The timing of my retake poses a potential hiccup in this process. While the initial plan was to have this certification effortlessly integrated into my WGU curriculum, my retake introduces an element of uncertainty.
Certifications and Curriculum: Unraveling the Dilemma
Here's where things get a bit complex. Some courses at WGU require specific certifications, and this is where my concern lies. A certification I earn outside of WGU, like ITIL, might not align perfectly with WGU's internal processes. Take, for instance, the scenario of a course requiring a certification—what if I've already passed the ITIL exam by the time I enroll at WGU? Does this mean I need to retake the exam to meet WGU's requirements?
Transferring Knowledge: A Matter of Timing
The ITIL certification, unlike some others, is a "once and done" achievement—once you pass, it's valid for life. This is where my uncertainty arises. If my ITIL certification doesn't transfer into WGU in time due to the retake, what then? Do I get locked out of certain courses? Does my certification become redundant in the context of WGU's curriculum?
Aiming for Success: A Second Shot at ITIL
Despite the questions looming over my ITIL certification, I'm resolute in my determination to succeed. I plan to retake the ITIL exam this weekend, armed with a renewed commitment to preparation and focus. If successful, I'll be eager to share my journey—this time with insights into the strategies I employed, the resources that aided me, and the techniques that ultimately led to my triumph.
Moving Forward: The Learning Continues
With every challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow. The setback I encountered serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous planning, dedication to preparation, and the value of aligning certifications with academic pursuits. As I navigate the intricacies of this process, I'm committed to finding answers and sharing my insights to benefit others on similar journeys.
A Promise of Transparency: Sharing the Journey
I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and engagement. My commitment to you is one of transparency—I will continue to share the ups and downs, the successes and challenges, of my journey. My hope is that through my experiences, you'll find inspiration, guidance, and valuable insights to aid you on your own learning path.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. As I embark on my retake of the ITIL exam, I invite you to stay tuned for my next update. Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward.
