Back in class

This week I went to a MicroStrategy Narrowcast certification class. When I first started LowerMyBills, my boss told me that I could go to classes to learn the product. It had been several years since I used the tool so I thought class would be a good refresher. Then came the dreaded words...you can get certified if you want.

When I took classes before it was 4 days, Monday - Thursday. No problem. You listen, you don't listen. I mean if you don't learn you just cheat yourself. Since it is work, I tend to only listen to what is relevant at my current employer. Now, to get certified I have to listen the entire time for the entire week.

You already know my math skills. Well, I suck at listening and I have such a short attention span that I might be considered A.D.D. In addition, I am not a great student and to make matters worse I am a horrible test taker. Thus, when I heard certified....gulp.

Basically, in 4 days I got 3 manuals about 700 pages in total. I actually did very well in the hands on exercises and felt super duper confident. Sadly, the test is about concepts, terminology and query flow. Umm, not so confident.

Luckily, pass or fail, I do not pay for the class. You only need 75% to pass, but if you fail you have to get 85% the next time to pass. In addition, I work with ex-MicroStrategy people so to come back to work and say I failed....well that is truly the walk of shame.

To throw a little wrench into the works, I have never tried to study as a dad. Thus, due to prior planning I told Aya that I would watch JT Thursday night while Aya goes to birthday dinner with Shirley and Jenny. Of course, JT is fussy and doesn't let me study. I tried reading my manuals to JT but he would have none of it. I guess he was bored with the test material.

Aya was nice enough to quiz me for a 1/2 hour around midnight. Needless to say, I was not stellar...but hey I only need 75. I am now a Certified Narrowcast Developer. Believe it or not, I passed with 92. I think I am going to avoid any more certifications.