Caveat lector: Some information I share herein are findings from my own research and are not found in any documented sources where it can be confirmed or supported. Often times my findings had conflicting results and however you choose to act based on the information I provide should be taken with extreme care. In other words, I don’t know what the hell I’m talking about and if you find out that I was wrong and you still chose to take what I said as reputable fact, then you clearly overestimated my intelligence.

So I spoke with 3 different Pearson/Vue people and the verdict is in:  2-1 in favor of “yes”, you can take advantage of the Come Back 2009 promotion (very similar to the secondchance promotion from a while back) even if you are not re-certifying:

Here’s the official announcement from Pearson/Vue website:

“Come Back 2009” Promotion

Here’s how to redeem your Cisco “Come Back 2009” Exam:

Register for an exam at full price. If you fail the exam, you may schedule a free retake of the same exam by entering the promotion code: COMEBACK2009 at the time of registration.

Offer only valid for Career Certifications and Specialization Exams (not valid on online exams or the CCDE Practical Exam – 352-011). NOTE: All exams needed for a certification must be taken to gain back your certification.

Now earlier I had conflicting answers from Pearson about whether or not a testee examinee can take advantage of the promotion even though it is their first time taking the test (for it says in the announcement: All exams needed for a certification must be taken to gain back your certification). The first person I spoke with this morning said, no, you can’t. It is only for those who have their certs lapse or in danger of lapsing. But he wasn’t really sure of the details so he told me to call Cisco and gave me the number. I then called Cisco only to hear that she (the “supposedly” Cisco person I spoke with) has never heard of such a promotion and the only promotion they have is for Cisco employees. She then told me that it is a Pearson Vue promotion and that I should ask them.

So, not wanting to be left in the dark, I called Pearson again (about an hour later) and spoke with another. This person says that, “Cisco ‘prefers’ that only those who have let their certs lapse should use the promotion”. But, anyone should be able to use it regardless of their standing. So now I have two conflicting versions.

I thought I’d wait again a few more hours and call -  for a tie-breaker. This time, the nice gal confirmed that I “should” be able to use it too.

“Should” be? Why not “definitely” be?

Whatever!

I guess the only way to find out is if you fail a test and try it. Just don’t shoot the messenger if it doesn’t work. I’m just telling you what I heard from the people the “supposedly” work at Pearson Vue.

As for me, I dont really care if I fail or pass – well obviously I care that I pass. But the truth is, I’m more  concerened about the fees. If I can re-take any exam, then failing the test is not much of a big deal for me. Failing will just show me where I need to improve. I read somewhere that success is when all failures have been exhausted. So secretly, I’m hoping to fail. Just kidding.

But I’m glad this one is back. Now I’m ready to fail a test just to try out the promotion. Just kidding again.

Somehow, there still a lingering feeling of uncertainty. Do you?