How Bad?

[OpenSource]

Hello All,

I am working on a certification (in order to get another job since I’m unhappy at my current one). And I have engaged in questionable conduct and I was wondering if you think my actions constitute mortal sin.

I was at work, and when my boss wasn’t around I went online and downloaded a file to get the actual questions and answers on my certification test since I failed it the first time (by 1.16%, grrr). Normally you have to pay for the file from multiple sites, but I found it elsewhere where I could get it free. During the test, I am not allowed to have any materials. So, would studying off of this file constitute cheating? How bad were my actions?

 

[Angel_Face]

*Dear OpenSource,
I think you need to go to Confession. This does not sound like something you can let slide by. I think you will feel better about the whole thing. Your Priest could offer you some good advice as well.
Best wishes,
Angel Face
*

 

[OpenSource]

*Dear OpenSource,
I think you need to go to Confession. This does not sound like something you can let slide by. I think you will feel better about the whole thing. Your Priest could offer you some good advice as well.
Best wishes,
Angel Face
*

Correct. And thank you for your best wishes.

However, this really doesn’t answer my question or help me much =/

 

[Catholic1954]

Do the certification test people authorize these questions and answers to be published online? If they do and you found a site to get the information for free, I would call that good shopping. If they don’t, then it would be cheating and you should bring it up the next time you go to confession.

 

[OpenSource]

Do the certification test people authorize these questions and answers to be published online? If they do and you found a site to get the information for free, I would call that good shopping. If they don’t, then it would be cheating and you should bring it up the next time you go to confession.

You know, I’m not sure.

 

[vera_dicere]

Hello All,

I am working on a certification (in order to get another job since I’m unhappy at my current one). And I have engaged in questionable conduct and I was wondering if you think my actions constitute mortal sin.

I was at work, and when my boss wasn’t around I went online and downloaded a file to get the actual questions and answers on my certification test since I failed it the first time (by 1.16%, grrr). Normally you have to pay for the file from multiple sites, but I found it elsewhere where I could get it free. During the test, I am not allowed to have any materials. So, would studying off of this file constitute cheating? How bad were my actions?

At first glance you erred in going online when your boss wasn’t around. Given you are seeking another job, its both unprofessional and morally questionable to do that job seeking and test taking for the other job, while at your current job. There is defintely deception in that you did it when the boss wasn’t there.

Now, the file you downloaded with questions and answers, you got it for free, was that website you got it for free legally able to provide it, or was it a priated or illegally obtained file?

I wouldn’t say using the file for study is cheating, but how you obtained it is morally questionable. Even if you had paid for the file, you engaged in deception to obtain it by downloading at work when the boss wasn’t there.

Now, from my understanding mortal sin is breaking the big 10, (grave matter, full consent, full knowledge et cetera) and thus damages our relationship with God. But unless I’m missing something, I’d say this sin was simply a bunch of venial sins.

 

[OpenSource]

Now, the file you downloaded with questions and answers, you got it for free, was that website you got it for free legally able to provide it, or was it a priated or illegally obtained file?

It was pirated/illegally obtained from what I can tell.

 

[Wired]

if this is a test for certification in a career area, I am assuming that you are supposed to know that material in order to do the job well. Is that correct? If you only pass it because you cheated (and, yes, I think studying the answers to questions ahead of time is cheating) how well do you expect to do in that job? You need to review textbooks, coursework, etc. to prepare for the test, not look at pirated tests that you were not meant to see. Depending on the type of work, like if human lives are at stake, it is easily grave matter… I think you’d better follow the advice of the poster who advised confession. Your confessor can sort it out for you in a way we cannot. In any case, cheating in even small things should be avoided. A good rule of thumb is that modesty is the only reason to cover something up. Otherwise, you are probably doing something you know is wrong.

 

[skinny_pumpkin]

It was pirated/illegally obtained from what I can tell.

Interesting. I am currently doing a project related to ethics about “warez”, and its place in society. There are a lot of situational ethics here that are not clear cut. It is a complex issue with legitimate pros and cons on both sides.

See your priest.

 

[srlucado]

Let’s put it this way…would you want to be operated on by a surgeon who passed his Boards by downloading the test beforehand?

If I were you, I’d go to confession and then start hitting the books pretty hard.

 

[wynd]

Hello All,

I am working on a certification (in order to get another job since I’m unhappy at my current one). And I have engaged in questionable conduct and I was wondering if you think my actions constitute mortal sin.

I was at work, and when my boss wasn’t around I went online and downloaded a file to get the actual questions and answers on my certification test since I failed it the first time (by 1.16%, grrr). Normally you have to pay for the file from multiple sites, but I found it elsewhere where I could get it free. During the test, I am not allowed to have any materials. So, would studying off of this file constitute cheating? How bad were my actions?

Speaking as a CCNP, if I called up Cisco and told them I used a braindump, do you think they would let me keep my cert?

I don’t know if it’s confession worthy, but as one professional to another (I am assuming IT because of your username), using braindumps are NOT in your best interest.