From: Tony Schaffran (groupstudy@cconlinelabs.com)
Date: Wed Jul 30 2003 - 14:35:04 GMT-3
Now, you may feel strange for a couple of days. Don't worry about it. That
is just your life coming back to you.
:)
Tony Schaffran
Network Analyst
CCIE #11071
CCNP, CCNA, CCDA
NNCDS, NNCSS, CNE, MCSE
http://www.cconlinelabs.com/
Your #1 choice for online cisco rack rentals.
-----Original Message-----
From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of Joe
Martin
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 8:28 AM
To: CCIE GroupStudy
Subject: Passed in SJ Yesterday!!!! CCIE #12035
I finally did it!!!
Why it took me 5 attempts:
1) When I took the written I had no idea what I was really getting into. I
had no business being there on attempt 1 back in March 2002.
2) I tried to "get away" with passing this lab. I have never had any
problem with written certification tests. I have been blessed with the
ability to retain information, which I then would regurgitate onto the test.
You CANNOT do this with the CCIE lab. It is not just information, it must
become knowledge. YOU CANNOT "GET AWAY" WITH PASSING THIS TEST, YOU MUST
BECOME AN EXPERT.
3) I still was not prepared, but luckily I found a flaw in the BGP section
of my lab, which cost me some valuable time. Steve Barnes from the CCIE lab
content team confirmed that it was a flaw; so attempt 4 was free. I say
"luckily" because I know that I would not have passed regardless of the
flaw.
4) After attempt 3 I realized that I needed to step it up a notch. I had to
become an "expert", at least on the core topics. I had a solid foundation
on the technologies and concepts, but not an intimate knowledge of the
intricacies in configuration and fine tuning. I purchased the IPExpert R&S
lab book. What a wonderful resource. Yes, there are little mistakes in the
book; no, it is not perfect. But it did simulate the lab for me, and present
me with new scenarios. THis help in finding the areas I was weak in and
giving me an idea where I was at as far as speed. On lab day I knew I was
ready. I had all layer 2, IGP, and BGP done by lunch. Spent 2 hours after
lunch configuring the rest. Finished everything with about 2 hours to go.
WOW!! I'm done. I got complacent and spent the rest of the afternoon
randomly checking things. I was devastated when I got my score report.
5) I was ready and should have passed on attempt 4, but made a lot of silly
stupid mistakes that I should have checked. So I scheduled attempt 5 as
soon as possible. Took a few practice labs on a rental rack to stay fresh
and covered some of my weak areas again. I went into the lab confident yet
scared, because I was so confident on my previous attempt. I had everything
configured by 1:30. Spent the last 3 hours checking and rechecking
eveything. Clarified any posible ambiguities with the proctor. I doubt he
even needed to grade my test because I asked so many questions. The proctor
is your friend if you ask the right questions. Use him and abuse him.
I PASSED!!!
Standard books, IPExpert Lab book, various rental racks. I prefer
cconlinelabs.com and Ipexperts rental racks. Paid for everything myself
including books, home lab, airfare, etc.
Thanks to everyone on this list for all your help!! Despite all the fluff
and crap on this list, it is still the best CCIE resource available. Thank
you Paul, for you sacrifice of time, money, and equipment. I'm sure if you
were to ask, you would get plenty of voluntary donations.
To those still trying, especially those with a few attempts under your belt,
keep at it!! You can and will do it!!!
Joe Martin
CCIE #12035
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