[mikester]

The biggest help that I have found by knowing the stuff is that when I plan for some sort of maintenance I am able to predict the bad things that will happen and prepare for them.

This is a very good skill to have particularly when dealing with networks that are in very bad shape - like one of my previous employers. Networks that are in good shape are boring - I like that but it sort of dulls the senses a bit.

Back in 2003 I recertified my NP with the composite - vowed I would never do it again. I had to study because I hadn't been using the knowledge in the position I was in. I figured I did enough studying to pass the IE written.

Up for recertification again next year so I studied a bit (yeah!) for the IE written and now I'm good on the NP until 2010 my card says.

Hopefully I will pass the lab one day.