From: Walker, James - Is (JWALKER2@PARTNERS.ORG)
Date: Mon Oct 25 2004 - 09:16:05 GMT-3
Congraz!
-----Original Message-----
From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of
westjw@students.fccj.edu
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 9:17 PM
To: ccielab@groupstudy.com
Subject: CCIE # 13949
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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