Passing the test

 I woke up early this morning. I drove thirty minutes to a testing center and had a momentary panic when I didn't see their name on the parking lot sign. Rechecked the address in my e-mail, ensured it was the right place, and put on Frankie Goes to Hollywood's RELAX, and walked into the building. I got a drink from the water fountain and got my number and the testing site rules. I was the eighth person to arrive and decided to go to the bathroom while everyone was checking in. Had another drink at the fountain- my mouth was really dry- and noticed how sweaty my hands were. After finally signing in and having my picture taken and taking a few mints to suck on from the basket on the desk, I went to the back where the rules were explained and then each of us was checked- my glasses were examined, and I had to show there was nothing under my dress but me.

I wore a dress like the professional I am supposed to be. Yeah- I was WAY overdressed. I was seated at the computer and ready to start at about 4 minutes after 8am and I had 90 minutes for the first section, after I took the tutorial- which talked about striking things out and highlighting and how to change the font and background colors (the only thing I used from the tutorial, if I am honest) I went with a black background and white letters and I was off.

Typically, I don't have to watch my time, as I take tests quickly. I found out early in my test taking career to go thru and answer and make sure to answer everything, and not to change any answers. So the first 90 questions were finished and I got up for my break and a quick run to the bathroom and sat back down at just after 9am.

I clicked my last answer, submitted the exam, and then did a 12 question survey and once that was done, I was shown my passing result- a check-mark in a green circle with the word PASS.

I resisted crying out, but I wanted to. I raised my hand gathered my things and was walked out by the proctor. It was 9:30am.

I PASSED. I answered 180 questions in under 90 minutes and now I am certified... or will be when I get my official results in the mail in about six weeks.

And they tell you not to talk about the test or the questions etc. and - honest to God - I couldn't if I tried. It's all a big blur. I am just so happy it's over.