This was an interesting post. I agree with the notion that passing and then maintaining a certification pays off in dividends. The hours spent studying do not need to be repeated whereas a part time job needs to recur to maintain the additional income.

Wendell, do you have any current or upcoming posts regarding the new CCNP tests?

Finally, thank you for all that you do. Your CCNA books and simulator were my primary study material while preparing for the exam. They helped launch my career further than I thought possible in a short period of time.