From: MOLINA, MARTIN J (PBI) (mm1343@sbc.com)
Date: Sat Dec 14 2002 - 02:11:18 GMT-3
Howdy,
I passed on my 5th try in San Jose on Thursday. I was one of those people
who thought that I was getting a raw deal on the scoring and I totally
understand people who feel that way. I was very frustrated and I felt that I
was configuring everything properly. The bottom line: I simply did not
prepare sufficiently for the first 4 attempts. I would like to publicly
thank Fabrice Bobes @ 6Colabs, Chuck Metzger at NETGym, the fine people at
SBC Internet, my wife/baby boy and all of the tolerant, friendly people on
this list.
Also, a special thanks to Kevin O. for getting me interested in achieving
this certification from the very beginning and for being there along the
way.
My advice to people still on the path is this:
1. Don't panic thinking you have to know how to configure everything. Focus
on the heavy hitters (you can probably figure out which topics are probably
core topics). Once you feel confident about these topics, you can spend time
on the other stuff.
2. Don't feel like you have to be lightning fast at everything. I showed up
in San Jose at 7:46am and they had already escorted all of the candidates
in. The receptionist called in sick and I wasn't able to start until 8:40am.
I finished at 2:30 pm. If you are prepared, you will have plenty of time. I
am a horrible typist and I did encounter some goofy problems but I still had
plenty of time.
3. Don't spend your days worrying about the 3550. If you have a decent Cat 5
understanding, spend some quality time on the Doc CD 3550 configuration
guide and spend a good 8 hours on one to get acclimated to it. If you are
just starting with switching or aren't very strong at layer 2
configuration/manipulation, scour the Doc CD and rent as much time on a 3550
as you feel you need. Either way, just ease your mind by becoming familiar
with it. Don't let the 3550 monopolize your study time.
4. I know this has been said over and over again and people have a habit of
just blowing it off. This is very important for everything you do. DON'T
GIVE UP ! Just go and pass the lab. I feel I am better off for having
failed 4 times. I certainly am more technically proficient as a result of
failing. When you get in there just shoot for a perfect score. Don't allow
the little stuff to fail you. Make sure you ask questions about anything you
are not completely sure about.
GOOD LUCK !
I apologize for the length.
Martin Molina, CCIE# 10855
SENIOR NETWORK ENGINEER
SBC INTERNET SERVICES
DESK 925-973-7774
CELL 925-216-5299
.
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