When Confidence Meets Reality – My First Certification Failure
Getting certified is one of the best feelings as an IT professional. It represents your knowledge, your hustle, and your commitment to growing in your field. I’d earned my CompTIA Network+ years ago and decided to go for the Security+ certification, thinking it was the logical next step. What I didn’t expect was to walk out of my first Cloud Exam-style experience — a Security+ test — with a failing score.
Choosing the Security+ Certification
Security+ made sense for me. It’s recognized, it’s respected, and it’s a solid entry point into cybersecurity. My prior experience in IT — over 15 years of hardware and troubleshooting — meant that CompTIA A+ didn’t offer me much. But Security+? That was a new mountain to climb.
At this point, I was already familiar with how Cloud Certification exams generally work: time pressure, lots of reading, and a huge amount of topics. Security+ had all of that, and more. The format reminded me a lot of a typical Cloud Practice test — scenario-based, multi-choice, and even performance-based questions. I thought I was ready for it.
My Study Strategy
I was all in. I used CBT Nuggets (huge shoutout to Keith Barker) and printed out all the exam objectives. Every single video, I took notes. Not just bullet points — full-on shorthand, diagrams, tables, flowcharts. I studied like it was college finals all over again.
To test myself, I used several Cloud Practice test platforms available online. The first one hit me hard: 58%. My heart sank. But instead of giving up, I saw that as a challenge. I kept at it until I was scoring in the 90s on most of the practice exams.
I treated those tests almost like live Cloud Exams. I timed myself, tracked progress, and analyzed the questions I got wrong. I wasn’t using Cloud Dumps — the kind you find in shady corners of the internet — because I wanted to learn, not memorize. Still, the struggle was real.
The Day of the Exam
Walking into the exam center, I felt nervous but ready. I had gone through dozens of Cloud Practice tests, knew the exam objectives by heart, and had taken enough notes to fill a textbook.
But once I started the actual Security+ exam, the performance-based questions at the beginning completely threw me off. They weren’t especially hard — they just ate up too much time. By the time I got to the multiple-choice section, I was flustered.
That’s when I started reading questions too fast, second-guessing myself, and choosing answers without fully understanding the wording. Rookie mistake. I knew better. Anyone who’s taken a Cloud Certification exam knows that wording is everything.
Falling Short — But Not by Much
When the test ended, I had that sinking feeling. You know the one. The screen blinked and then came the result: 715. I missed the passing mark of 750 by just a few questions. It was heartbreaking.
But it also gave me something invaluable — perspective. The printout from the exam center gave a breakdown of the areas I performed poorly in, and sure enough, cryptography and some troubleshooting commands were glaring weak spots.
What I from Failing Learned
The first thing I did was call my boss and tell him the truth. He took it well, but I was still frustrated. That night, I sat down with my notes and planned my comeback. I booked the exam again — immediately.
I realized that just like with Cloud Exams, studying smart is more important than studying hard. I needed to understand the tricky concepts, especially those that show up often like public-private key encryption or command-line troubleshooting tools.
And more importantly, I needed to manage my time better during the test. Just like many Cloud Certification scenarios, how you approach the exam can be just as important as the knowledge you bring in.
Rethinking My Strategy – Smarter Studying After Failure
After failing my first Security+ attempt, I had two choices: let it define me or use it to redefine how I study. I chose the second.
The difference between passing and failing a Cloud Certification exam isn’t just about knowing the content, it’s about how you learn the content. And that’s what I started focusing on after my initial failure.
The Post-Exam Reality Check
Failing by just a few points was weirdly encouraging. It meant I wasn’t completely off — but I also wasn’t fully on track either. The printout from the testing center was a lifesaver. It showed me exactly which domains I struggled in, and to no one’s surprise, cryptography was one of them.
But it wasn’t just about knowledge gaps. My exam strategy was flawed. I let the performance-based questions shake my confidence early on. That rattled me for the rest of the test — something anyone familiar with a high-stakes Cloud Exam knows can be fatal.
So I stepped back, took a breath, and rebuilt my study strategy from the ground up.
Getting Back to the Basics
First thing I did: go back to the CompTIA exam objectives. Every single bullet point was going to be accounted for. If I couldn’t explain a concept out loud without checking my notes, I didn’t know it well enough.
I also started revisiting CBT Nuggets again — this time, not just to watch, but to understand. I paused videos frequently, rewound confusing segments, and updated my notes. It wasn’t just repetition — it was active learning.
I realized something that applies to any Cloud Certification: the exam is a mix of broad and deep knowledge. You don’t just memorize terms — you understand how and why they apply in different scenarios.
Better Practice, Not Just More Practice
My biggest breakthrough came when I stopped just “doing” Cloud Practice tests and started analyzing them.
Every time I took a practice exam, I would:
- Review every single wrong answer and understand why I got it wrong
- Look up the related exam objective and rewatch videos tied to it
- Make flashcards for confusing concepts
- Track performance by domain area
I didn’t want to rely on Cloud Dumps — not just because they’re ethically questionable, but because they rob you of the deeper understanding you need to actually work in the field. Passing a Cloud Exam using dumps might get you a cert, but it won’t get you a job — or success once you’re in one.
Instead, I used resources like Reddit, YouTube breakdowns, and community study groups. Seeing how others tackled tricky topics gave me insights I hadn’t considered. You’d be amazed at how someone explaining a concept in everyday language can make things click.
Time Management and Exam Mindset
One of the biggest changes I made was deciding how I would approach the exam itself.
The first time, I made the mistake of trying to answer performance-based questions immediately. The second time? I flagged them and moved on. This gave me momentum and confidence — two things I lacked the first time.
This is huge in any Cloud Exam: don’t get stuck. If a question’s confusing or lengthy, mark it and move on. Come back with a fresh set of eyes later. That one tip alone saved me at least 10 minutes in my second attempt.
Practice Makes Progress, Not Just Perfection
My new study schedule was tighter, more intentional. I reviewed flashcards daily, used apps to drill acronyms and port numbers, and did Cloud Practice tests under time pressure.
I also started simulating real exam conditions: no distractions, full focus, limited time. That helped build the mental endurance I needed to sit through a long, detail-heavy test.
And perhaps most importantly, I started studying to understand — not just to pass. That’s the mindset shift that truly separates someone who passes a Cloud Certification from someone who actually owns it.
Second Time’s the Charm – My Redemption Exam and the Lessons That Stuck
There’s something deeply humbling about failing an exam you put your heart and time into. But if there’s one thing my Security+ journey taught me, it’s that failure is only final if you stop trying.
The second time around, everything felt different — not because the exam was easier, but because I was different. My mindset, my prep, and even how I approached each question changed. This wasn’t just a reattempt; it was a total evolution.
Let me walk you through what I did differently on my second Security+ attempt and how you can apply these same lessons if you’re preparing for any Cloud Certification — whether it’s AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or something else. The road from failure to success taught me more than any video or course ever could.
Rebuilding with Precision — Study with Purpose
After my first failed attempt, I didn’t wallow for long. I gave myself about 24 hours to be frustrated, then jumped right back into action. I booked the exam again for the following week. Why so soon? Because the information was still fresh, and I didn’t want to risk forgetting the momentum I had built.
My new study plan was targeted. I had data. My post-exam printout showed exactly which domains I underperformed in, and I used that as a checklist.
Here’s what that looked like:
- Cryptography & PKI: My weakest area. I went back to the videos on public-private key encryption, hashing, and certificate authorities. Then I looked at real-world use cases: how SSL/TLS works in a browser, how VPNs use encryption, and how digital signatures are verified.
- Command-line Tools: I underestimated this part. So I opened up a terminal and practiced commands like netstat, tracert, ping, nslookup, ipconfig, and whois until they were second nature.
- Identity and Access Management: I reviewed the differences between RBAC, ABAC, and MAC/DAC models, SAML vs. OAuth, and multi-factor authentication.
If you’re studying for a Cloud Exam, take note here — this kind of domain-by-domain breakdown is crucial. Cloud Practice test results can tell you your weak spots if you track them correctly. I created a spreadsheet and scored each domain based on my comfort level, updating it after every More practice test. It became my map to mastery.
Smarter Tools, Not Tools
Another change I made was simplifying my resources. In my first attempt, I was juggling too many things — CBT Nuggets, random YouTube channels, blog posts, PDF notes, Reddit threads, even scanning forums that talked about Cloud Dumps (which I never used, but I kept reading to see what others were talking about). It got overwhelming.
So for round two, I trimmed the fat. I used only three core tools:
- CBT Nuggets videos — for concept clarity
- My personal notes — revised, summarized, and rewritten for memory retention
- Cloud Practice test platforms — realistic, timed simulations to test readiness
I ignored anything that didn’t come directly from a reputable source. That meant no Cloud Dumps, no leaked questions, and no cheat sheets from suspicious forums. Not only are those unethical, but they set you up to pass without understanding — which defeats the purpose of certification entirely.
And let’s be real — if your goal is to work in cybersecurity or cloud, and you’re using Cloud Dumps to fake your way through, you’re going to struggle in a real-world job. Certification should be a launchpad, not a shortcut.
The Power of Practice Testing (Done Right)
This deserves its own section because practice testing is what made all the difference for me.
But not just any practice testing. I didn’t just want to see how many I could get right. I wanted to understand every single question — even the ones I got right by guessing.
Here’s how I made Cloud Practice test sessions actually effective:
- Reviewed every explanation after each practice test
- Categorized my mistakes by topic and added them to my notes
- Recreated questions in my own words and tried to teach the answer out loud
- Simulated exam conditions — no pausing, no looking up answers mid-test
That last one is big. If you’re taking practice tests casually, in your pajamas while watching Netflix, don’t be surprised if the real Cloud Exam feels like a slap in the face. I treated every practice test like a live exam. Timer on. Phone off. Fully focused.
And when I got a question wrong, I didn’t move on until I knew exactly why I missed it. Sometimes it was because I misread the question. Other times, it was because I didn’t fully understand a concept. Either way, that kind of attention to detail paid off massively.
Mindset Shift: From Test Taker to Problem Solver
This might be the biggest lesson of all. On my first attempt, I was treating the exam like a quiz — trying to remember facts, terms, definitions. On the second attempt, I started thinking like a problem solver.
Security+ — and really, most Cloud Certification exams — are designed to test how you apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. You’re given a situation, and you need to choose the best response. That means understanding why a certain control is better than another, not just knowing what the acronym stands for.
This applies across the board, especially in a Cloud Exam. When asked something like, “What’s the most secure way to store customer keys in AWS?”, it’s not just about knowing that KMS exists, it’s about knowing when and why to use it over a different service.
That shift in approach turned the entire exam experience around for me. Instead of panicking when I saw a tough scenario, I paused and thought through it like a real-world challenge. It wasn’t just about passing anymore, it was about proving I could think like a security professional.
The Redemption Exam
The day of my second attempt, I felt ready — not just memorized-facts ready, but “I can handle this” ready.
This time, I stuck to my plan:
- Skipped the performance-based questions and flagged them
- Took my time reading each multiple-choice question
- Answered the questions I knew right away
- Made educated guesses only after eliminating obviously wrong answers
- Returned to the flagged questions with a calm, clear head
There were a few moments of doubt. A couple of questions made me squint and reread them three times. But I didn’t panic. I remembered what I’d practiced: stay calm, read carefully, apply logic.
When I hit “Submit,” my heart was racing. But then the screen popped up 782
I had passed. I was officially Security+ certified.
It wasn’t just relief, it was pride. Not just because I earned the cert, but because I earned it. No shortcuts. No Cloud Dumps. Just old-fashioned hard work and smart study.
What You Can Learn from My Journey
If you’ve recently failed a Cloud Certification or are preparing for one now, here’s what I’d pass on to you:
- Don’t let a fail define you. It’s not the end. It’s part of the process.
- Use practice exams as learning tools, not just scoreboards.
- Avoid Cloud Dumps — they weaken your long-term knowledge.
- Focus on understanding, not memorizing. You’ll need that knowledge when you’re actually doing the job.
- Simulate test conditions. You wouldn’t run a marathon without doing full training runs — treat practice exams the same way.
- Get specific about your weaknesses. Don’t just “study more” — study smarter.
- Give yourself time to learn, not cram. Cramming might get you lucky. Mastery will get you results.
Every Cloud Exam — whether it’s Security+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals — follows this principle: your approach matters just as much as your knowledge.
Passing the Security+ exam after initially failing wasn’t the end of the road, it was a new beginning. That small number on the screen, 782, marked more than just a certification. It represented growth, grit, and the realization that I was capable of much more than I’d given myself credit for.
So what comes next after passing Security+? If you’ve recently passed your first IT or Cloud Certification, you might be wondering the same thing.
In this final part, I want to share how I turned my Security+ win into long-term momentum. We’ll also dive into how to navigate the next steps in the certification world, how to build real-world cloud knowledge, and how to make sure you’re studying smarter — not harder — for your next Cloud Exam.
Let’s close this journey strong.
First, Take a Moment to Acknowledge the Win
Before we talk about what’s next, let’s not skip over the fact that earning a certification, especially after failing, is a big deal. In a world that’s constantly pushing you to move on to the “next big thing,” it’s important to pause and reflect.
I gave myself a day or two to celebrate. That meant updating my resume, adding the badge to LinkedIn, and letting my circle of peers and mentors know that I had passed. The encouragement and positive feedback I got from that post gave me even more motivation to keep going.
If you’re like me and work in IT or cloud infrastructure, your certs aren’t just career milestones, they’re signs of commitment and passion for what you do.
Now, with Security+ in my pocket, it was time to start asking the big question…
What’s Next? Choosing Your Next Cloud Certification
Once the buzz of passing Security+ wore off, I felt this itch to keep the momentum going. I was already in study mode, I had strong habits in place, and I wanted to stay sharp.
So I started exploring my options in the cloud space.
If you’re also trying to figure out where to go next, here’s how I evaluated my path:
· Interest: I had always been curious about cloud security. That made AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud very appealing.
· Relevance to my job: My company had started migrating to AWS services. So learning AWS was going to help me immediately.
· Stackability: I wanted my next cert to build on Security+, not just sit beside it.
This led me directly into the world of Cloud Certifications.
The Shift to Cloud – Why Cloud Skills Matter More Than Ever
Cloud is no longer “the future” — it’s the present. Every organization, from small startups to giant enterprises, is either fully in the cloud or actively migrating. That means cloud professionals are in huge demand.
But not just any cloud professionals — companies want people who are certified, confident, and capable.
That’s where Cloud Certifications come in. Whether it’s:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
these certs are not just buzzwords. They’re the new baseline for cloud roles.
So after Security+, I decided to pursue the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate cert. It made the most sense given my environment at work and my career goals.
Adapting My Study Strategy for Cloud Certification
I learned a lot from my Security+ prep, especially what not to do. So when I started preparing for my first Cloud Exam, I adjusted my approach.
Here’s what changed:
1. I Built a Study Framework Early
Before opening a single video, I downloaded the AWS exam guide and printed it out. This is something I recommend for every Cloud Certification. Know what you’re being tested on before diving into random study materials.
2. I Committed to Hands-On Learning
With cloud, theory isn’t enough. You need to do. So I set up a free-tier AWS account and began building:
- VPCs
- IAM roles
- EC2 instances
- S3 buckets
- CloudWatch dashboards
This was a game changer. Concepts that felt abstract when reading or watching videos made perfect sense once I saw them in action.
3. I Used Cloud Practice Tests Differently
I still took Cloud Practice tests regularly, but now I was using them as a feedback loop, not just a score check.
- Missed a question about AWS Route 53? Time to revisit DNS concepts.
- Confused by VPC peering? Time to draw diagrams and test it myself.
- Unsure why a certain storage class was chosen? Deep dive into S3 pricing tiers.
In short, every question became a learning opportunity.
4. I Ignored Cloud Dumps Entirely
You’ll find plenty of sites and forums trying to lure you in with “guaranteed pass” Cloud Dumps. Don’t fall for it.
Using Cloud Dumps does two things:
1. It cheapens your certification (and puts it at risk if caught).
2. It robs you of the actual skills you need in the job market.
The people you’re competing with? They’re not just certified — they’re capable. And that’s what companies are really hiring for.
Building Real-World Cloud Knowledge
Passing a Cloud Exam feels good. But applying cloud knowledge in the real world? That’s where the magic happens.
After earning my AWS certification, I volunteered to help with some cloud migration tasks at work. I wasn’t leading the team — not yet — but I was shadowing, documenting, and learning fast.
The real world isn’t a multiple-choice question. It’s a blend of vague requirements, budget constraints, and technical limitations. Getting exposure to that world made me see just how important understanding is over memorization.
Here’s how I kept learning:
- Subscribed to AWS blogs and service updates
- Followed cloud architects and engineers on LinkedIn
- Joined Discord servers and Slack communities for cloud professionals
- Watched replays from AWS re:Invent and Azure events
All of this helped me stay current — and grounded.
What I’d Do Differently If I Could Start Over
Looking back, I now realize that the biggest mistake I made wasn’t failing the Security+ the first time. The real mistake was how I studied for it initially.
If I could go back in time, here’s what I’d change — and maybe these tips will help you as well:
1. Start practicing earlier — Don’t wait to do Cloud Practice tests until you feel “ready.” Use them as early warning signals.
2. Understand the “why,” not just the “what” — Memorizing won’t help in situational questions.
3. Don’t fear failure — That fear held me back more than once. But failure taught me more than success ever did.
4. Balance your resources — Stick to 2–3 solid resources, not a dozen different ones. Clarity is better than quantity.
5. Avoid the Cloud Dumps trap — It’s not worth the risk, and it won’t help you succeed in a real job.
The Bigger Picture – Certifications as Career Tools, Not End Goals
Security+, AWS, Azure — these are all tools. They don’t define you. They support you.
Certifications open doors, but it’s your attitude, skills, and adaptability that keep you in the room.
Think of each Cloud Certification as a stepping stone:
· Security+ taught me foundational security knowledge.
· AWS taught me how to build, secure, and scale in the cloud.
· My next goal? Maybe something like Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) — to combine both.
Your own path might be different, and that’s okay. Whether you’re going toward DevOps, architecture, governance, or compliance, there’s a cert out there to guide you.
The key is to align your certifications with your goals, not trends.
Final Words – Fail Forward, Level Up, Keep Going
When I failed the Security+ exam the first time, it felt like a punch to the gut. But that failure became the catalyst for a bigger journey — one that’s still unfolding.
Since then, I’ve passed multiple certifications, contributed to cloud projects, and even mentored a few peers preparing for their own Cloud Exams. The best part? I still feel like I’m just getting started.
If you’ve failed an exam recently, take this to heart:
- It doesn’t define you.
- It’s not the end.
- And yes — you can bounce back.
Use Cloud Practice tests with purpose. Study with intention. Understand the technology, don’t just memorize it. Say no to Cloud Dumps and yes to real-world skill-building. And most of all, keep moving forward.
Your next Cloud Certification is within reach — and so is the career you’ve been working for.
Good luck. And when you pass? Tell your story. Someone out there needs to hear it, just like you needed to hear mine.
