All,
Well as promised here are my thoughts, advice and suggestions for the
many of you folks that will attempt the CCIE (written), and/or Lab exam in
the
coming months or very near future.
I started this journey some 3 years ago at which time I would dare to say
having some notable experience in computer systems and networking based on my
Novell and windowsNT background. In becoming a CCNA is only seemed
reasonable
that the progression to CCIE was the ultimate step in climbing the ladder of
Internetworking from a certification standpoint. Not to trivialize this
process but as it's been pointed out by numerous people that we highly
respect
and admire on this list, that the CCIE exam test a limited number of aspects
of overall internetworking expertise which relates mostly to an "operational"
aspect of the business. In saying this I will begin with what I believe is
the most important aspect of pursuing a goal like the CCIE, and that is
"Mentoring"
I can't say enough about having someone who have endured this process and was
successful. This insight will provide anyone aspiring to the ranks of CCIE
with a greater understanding of the dedication, discipline and respect for a
process that demands nothing less. Not having access to a mentor as I've
suggested is a reality for so many of us, the next best thing is "CCIEAdvice"
a text document complied by a number of folks and maintained by a long-time
list member and someone I dare to call a friend "Mr. Chuck Larrieu". Another
incredible resource is of course the groupstudy list but more importantly the
archives. There was a time some two years ago when this list introduced me
to
a world of networking like I've never seen before with access to some
incredibly smart people in the field. This is still so today, but the
quality
of discussion has fell off and I attribute it to the fact that some of those
really smart folks no longer partake in the many discussions on the list.
Ok,
that's out of my system here's what you really came for.
My journey for the CCIE lead me through the CCNA, CCNP, CCDP, which I think,
is without a doubt the best way to go in pursuing the CCIE track. Why? Well
I
believe it allows one the opportunity to spend some time getting to know the
foundational aspects of the various technologies (i.e. Remote Access,
Switching, CIT.etc)
After successfully passing the written exam I spent the next 6 months
preparing for my first lab attempt (may 2001). I used many of the books
noted on the list on numerous occasions. Just to mention a few names like
Doyle, Halabi, Stewart, Parkhurst, and of course Caslow/Pavlichenko. Note:
CCO has some really good documentation and as well the rfc's provide an
invaluable resource. Combining all of these resources should leave no one
short on the required information.
My study regiment leading up to my 1st and 2nd lab attempt averaged about 60
hours a week. It is very important that you identify your study goals and
make
efficient use of your study time. For me that equated to writing things down
on my 2 white boards, which was hung in plane sight, so everyday I would take
notice and re-affirm my commitment to studying those areas I had listed.
Another must is finding a study partner. Without a doubt this is possibly the
next best thing to a mentor. It is important that you find (and be honest
with yourself and whoever that is) someone that's on your level or higher so
that the time will be spent on focused study sessions and not become
"hang-out" time.
Access! This is huge. You must spend countless hours on the rack. If you
don't have a home lab or one at work you won't pass this exam. Rent time or
share with someone who has equipment. This is so much more important with the
lab change to 1-day in that you want to be totally familiar with the IOS and
router so nothing surprises you. Just working on routers at work won't get
this done. You must be able to test out numerous aspects of routing and
switching (anything you don't understand) so I'm doubtful that this can be
done on a production network.
Knowing your stuff! That's all there is to it. The old mentor course ECP1
teaches this based on the Caslow/Pavlichenko book. The concept of knowing
numerous ways of accomplishing an individual task can only be achieved
through
complete and in-depth knowledge of a technology. This is a must on the new
lab
format.
Having taken the exam once under the 2-day format and most recently the 1-day
format here are my thoughts and comparisons on each.
2-day: This exam I think afforded the candidate more time to recover with
the possibility of being able to search the CD in order to find
obscure/unknown topics.
- The fact that a candidate receives feedback after completing each area is
a
rewarding factor. This without a doubt provides them with a confidence boost
and gives then some direction as to what must be achieved.
1-day: There is no time for checking the CD. I was done at 2pm two full
hours ahead of time and that provided me with enough time to completely look
over my work to ensure that I had accomplished each of the requirements.
- I've heard some folks suggest that this is a speed test. Let me reassure
you, that is not the case. I'm not the best typist by far and in using my
alias commands I went at a moderate pace (which limited the number of
mistakes
made), meaning I didn't have to spend time looking for reasons why something
didn't work
- The really tough part. Having to recap all the areas of the exam I think
was the key issue in this exam. Also, not having done the addressing does
have its pros and cons.
In the few weeks leading up to my lab, I began doing my lab practices in
sections. For example I completed the IP addressing as a speed drill and
stopped and then went on to completing the lab. In my practices I made a
habit of having a drawing to build my network. This is provided but you must
do what works for you. For me that meant drawing it out on one of the pieces
of paper given to each candidate. This allowed me to stay in my rhythm/plan.
It also gave me the required familiarization I needed with the addressing
scheme.
- Confidence: Yes this is a great thing to have going into the lab, but it
won't get you through. In this lab you've got to know what/how to configure
what is being asked. This again goes back to knowing the technology. There
just isn't any time in this lab to try to see what works.
- Finally, going into this exam you must have a plan. If you don't have one
you won't pass. It is crucial that you stick to that plan no matter what
happens. Time management is another crucial element of being successful.
This exam is very doable on the first attempt but there's not much room for
error. As I mentioned above if you go into this exam with a plan and stick to
it, success can be achieved. There has been some talk about taking a dry run
on this exam, which I must admit is reasonable. The reason for this being
like so many others this gives you an insight into what will be required of
you more than anyone could tell you (if they were to break the NDA). In
retrospect, I know on my first attempt I was not ready for this exam
(mentally
or from a knowledge standpoint). Having failed allowed me to shape my study
habits, which were already pretty good so I could grasp the concepts that
escaped me on my first attempt. In doing so I could say my level of
understanding has improved vastly.
There are so many people I would like to thanks after having accomplished
this goal. I'll start by thanking Paul Borghese who created this list for
the
love of it and in doing so provided the fertile ground in which so many CCIE
seeds were sown. As far as the list goes I would like to thank everyone but
just to mention a few names, Chuck L (you're next bud), Howard B, Priscilla,
Jenny, Peter V, Pamela F and so many others. The hunger for even greater
levels of understanding is what you give us all.
CertZone was great when I prepared for my written, there material was the
standard. There are some very smart folks that write their white papers like
David Wolsefer, Leigh Anne, and Dale Holmes not too mention some of those
names already mentioned.
My study partners Steve Weber, Dung Lee and Elmer Deloso. Thanks so very
much
guys for everything.
All the folks at work played such a huge part standing in my corner of the
ring urging me on.thanks.
Last but most important "the Family". There willingness to support my dreams
and aspirations was incredible. Truly this is the key. Because when all is
said and done this is what makes the achievement worth the sacrifice.
Good luck, to everyone.
Nigel Taylor, CCIE#8387
Message Posted at:
http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=26577&t=26577
--------------------------------------------------
FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html
Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
