From: westjw@students.fccj.edu
Date: Fri Oct 22 2004 - 22:17:04 GMT-3
Group,
Passed the routing and switching lab on 18 October in RTP, to become CCIE # 13949. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the list for the excellent post that I have read over the past year or so. Groupstudy is a valuable resource for both technical info and insight into the mindset and other non tangibles necessary to pass the lab. Its been a long journey and the best way I can sum up my thoughts on having passed is RELIEF.
A few observations from my CCIE preparation experience:
As many people have posted before me, passing the lab requires dedication, commitment, and persistence. This process requires a huge commitment from the candidate as well as support from those who surround you. I am in debt to so many people for their patience/support.
I thought the exam is difficult, but fair. The lab proctors are definitely an asset when it comes to deciphering some of the more cryptic requirements specified in the lab. Personal observation, your chance of getting a useful answer is much better if you formulate your question well and know all your options before walking to the proctors desk.
I used the common publications, Halabi, Doyle I and II, Odem, caslow/pavlichenko, and of course the CISCO Documentation CD.
I also found classroom training to be invaluable in clearing up those subjects that I just couldnt get from the text. Classroom instruction also helped me with developing time management skills. I had looked at many of the offerings online and had read many post on groupstudy about formal training. It is evident that there are several very good classes available. I chose Netmasterclass R&S 1 and 2 and was extremely satisfied. The training was challenging with a focus on providing candidates an in-depth understanding of the core topics as well as the more obscure technologies. Bruce, Val, Bob, and Indy are the best! Ive never had a group of Individuals more committed to my success. As a Navy retiree, I was also happy that the classes were approved under the GI-Bill accelerated training program for veterans pursuing CCIE under MGIB. This is a huge plus (frees up money for equipment). Additionally, I worked the labs in Netmasters doit workbook. These labs were excellent!
. At the point where I was completing them in around 8 hours I knew the material.
EQUIPMENT; I bought and rented. The lab is a hands-on practical exam and I found no substitute for equipment time. I assembled a collection of 2500 and 4700 series routers for the home lab and rented to cover the voice (leaving the r&s track next year), ATM, and 3550 switches. In hind site, considering the $$$ I spent on rental racks and the difficulty finding rack time that fit into my schedule, I strongly believe I would have been better off buying at least one 3550.
In closing, CCIE is probably one of my most personally satisfying technical achievements. I passed on my third attempt. Granted, having failed twice before it was kinda hard to walk back into the lab the third time but when you receive the e-mail indicating you passed all that is forgotten. For those who are in the process of preparing, stick with it folks, in the end its worth every bit of the effort.
Sorry about the long post
Best wishes to all,
Jeff West
CCIE #13949
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