86

I PASSED THE SERIES 7 TEST!

It was a long process but I got it done. It all started with a pre-dawn drive to Fresno. The Sun coming up over the Sierras is a sight to see but preferably not before you take one of the most intimidating tests in your life.

I took the test at an "official testing center" which is this full time test monitoring place that people go to take several different tests. Talk about a lame job...

Anyway, this place is totally big brother. I show my Government Photo ID, I sign my name, confirm my appointment, they take my photo, then they scan my right and left index fingers. After that I read a packet of rules, put all my belongings in a locker (can't have a watch, jacket, water bottle, wallet or anything - just your ID and they supply everything else) then I can go in. While I'm in taking the test there are cameras watching me and a large booth with windows so the proctors can watch you. Talk about creepy.

At the lunch break I was checking out (ID and finger scan again) and I saw inside the booth - there was a camera for each desk and each desk was bugged! I could hear people talking to themselves and coughing and hyperventilating! So I had to ask:

me: Can you hear everything in there?

girl: yep.

me: so could you hear my stomach growling?

girl: Tsk, ya - go get something to eat, you're making me hungry!

me: Oh, ok - sorry (yikes).

So anyway, after testing for 6 hours I finished and got an 86%. This may not sound amazing but this test is hard - I studied for about 450 hours for it. And now I can say that I 86'd that test. =)

But to put some perspective on it you need a 70% to pass. The National Average is a 73% and only 66% of people actually pass the test!

Glad to have that one out of the way - now on to the Series 66 - phew!