PP126: Trying (and Failing) the CCIE Security Exam
Keith Tokash’s Packet Pushers discussion centers on the difficulty of publicly discussing failure, using his experience of taking but not passing the CCIE Security written exam to explore how setbacks contrast with the constant success narratives common on LinkedIn.
MAIN POINTS
- Keith Tokash wrote two Packet Pushers blogs about failing the CCIE Security written exam.
- The conversation focuses on the challenge of openly discussing failure.
- It contrasts personal setbacks with LinkedIn’s culture of constant upward progress.
- The piece frames failure as a meaningful topic rather than something to hide.
TAKEAWAYS
- Failure can be valuable to discuss, not just success.
- Public professional platforms often discourage honest accounts of setbacks.
- Exam failures can still generate useful reflection and learning.
- Sharing setbacks may make professional stories more authentic.