From: CCIEin2006 (ciscocciein2006@gmail.com)
Date: Tue Jan 10 2006 - 21:15:32 GMT-3
Congrats dude!
If you had to guess, how many hours do you think you spent practicing on the
racks?
Also what did you find more difficult, the tasks themselves or the wording
of the tasks?
On 1/10/06, Anthony Sequeira <terry.francona@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I began seriously studying for the CCIE-R/S in the summer of 2004. I
> had completed my CCNP a year earlier and was starting to pile up more
> and more hands-on router time, so I figured I had to be close. Boy was
> I wrong.
>
> I had two "old school", two-day format CCIEs tell me what to expect on
> the lab and give me a rough outline of how to attack it. My company
> then volunteered to pay for my first and last attempt at the lab.
> Armed with this I took my first attempt in January of 2005.
>
> FIRST ATTEMPT
> This was the most disastrous attempt of them all. Rather inexplicably,
> I become so nervous the night before that I sleep for 2 hours total. I
> do not function well on little sleep, and this proves to magnify my
> lack of preparedness dramatically. The proctor calls time while I am
> in the BGP section! I do not attempt about 35 points of the lab.
> Swell!
>
> FINDING INTERNETWORK EXPERT
> I quickly realize that I need a lot of help to actually have a chance
> to pass such a test. Thanks to Group Study I quickly find
> Internetwork Expert. I examine their free workbook lab sample and I am
> stunned at the excellent representation of the lab that it presents. I
> immediately purchase the Volume 1 workbook and begin renting rack time
> from them and my favorite rack rental vendor racktimerentals.com.
>
> SECOND ATTEMPT
> In June of 2005 I feel ready for another go at it. I had worked on my
> approach to the lab a bit using the various checklists that float
> around on Group Study and I had really increased my hours of
> hands-on thanks to the workbook and hours of rental racks.
>
> During this attempt I meet Tim from Group Study at RTP. We have kept
> in touch ever since, and I begin to realize the importance of becoming
> more involved with Group Study and extending study relationships as
> much as possible beyond the group.
>
> I complete the last task of the lab as the proctor calls time. I feel
> convinced that I have passed. I am stunned to receive my failing mark
> and learn that I scored poorly even on sections where I thought I did
> well.
>
> MORE HELP FROM INTERNETWORK EXPERT
> It is clear to me that the workbook is not enough for me as far as
> Internetwork Expert products go. I quickly purchase the COD series and
> begin to really learn the technologies more deeply and most
> importantly learn how to verify and troubleshoot my work more
> effectively.
>
> I also do a Mock Lab. I score a 63. Brian McGahan indicates I better
> tread lightly regarding scheduling another attempt. I tell him he is
> crazy and that his Mock Lab is just too hard.
>
> THIRD ATTEMPT
> In September of 2005 I try again, ignoring some key advice from
> Internetwork Expert. Sure enough I score about a 65 eerily similar
> to my performance on the Mock Lab.
>
> I realize one of my main problems on this attempt. I am SLOW
> painfully SLOW at making configurations. I really need to work on my
> speed.
>
> FORTH ATTEMPT
> November 2005. I am now completely addicted to trying to pass the lab
> regardless of what others are telling me. I have tried two more Mock
> Labs from IE I have not passed them and sure enough I fail to
> pass the actual lab once again. This time, I run out of time again! It
> seems like I am working backwards.
>
> DROP EVERYTHING
> After the forth failure I decide that enough is enough. It is time for
> me to drop everything else that I enjoy writing, poker, flying,
> playing music, etc and focus 100% on passing the lab. Thanks to Group
> Study I meet another CCIE candidate, Jerry Hulbert of Fluke Networks.
> He is right where I am in preparation it seems and is able to help me
> dramatically through lab strategy discussions and practice methods.
>
> I also become addicted to Group Study. Helping others whenever I can
> and reaping the rewards of assistance from such greats on this list as
> Scott Morris and Chris Lewis.
>
> CHECKiT LABS
> Because of my poorly thought through study approach, I realize that I
> have not made the most of Internetwork Expert's materials. In not
> taking their advice in how to use the workbooks and Mock Labs I have
> become fairly good at completing their labs, and fairly bad at
> approaching the actual exam. I decide to mix it up as I prep for my
> (hopefully) final attempt. I speak with India Teller at NetMasterClass
> and end up (per her advice) completing three of the CHECKiT labs from
> NetMasterClass. These labs are absurdly difficult. I mean ABSURDLY.
> They really test my approach and abilities. I finally score in the mid
> 70s on one and I feel pretty darn ready for the real animal. Funny to
> think that I never pass any Mock Lab from any vendor.
>
> FINAL (FIFTH) ATTEMPT
> On January 5, 2006 I pass the lab. During the entire lab session all I
> can think of is THIS IS IT YOU ARE CRUSHING THIS. Apparently, this
> was not far from the truth. For the first time ever I finish early
> go back and find some errors, fix them, and feel pretty darn solid
> after the exam.
>
> TIPS FOR PASSING
> 1. Listen to what people like the Brians and India tell you to do.
> They know. Trust me. This journey would have been cheaper, less
> painful, and more rewarding if I had trusted Brian and Brian out of
> the gate.
> 2. Whatever vendor you pick and like me you should consider using
> multiple vendors make sure you are getting the most from their
> products. They can help you to do that and so can Group Study.
> 3. During the lab exam, re-diagram even if there is only a slight
> chance the new diagram can help you. I tended to quickly diagram just
> about every task.
> 4. During the lab exam, use a TCL script for reachability testing
> after your IGPs are complete. Then use a TCL script again before you
> finish the lab. Make sure you leave time for troubleshooting problems
> you may discover after the second TCL test.
> 5. Master use of the DOC-CD.
> 6. As Internetwork Expert taught me verify everything that you can
> before you move on.
> 7. As NetMasterClass taught me know to spot the issues. Is the task
> really as simple as it sounds or are there hidden pitfalls?
> 8. Try the different proctors at your facility with your questions.
> Some seem more helpful than others.
> 9. Stay positive and relaxed through the entire process. I had to
> turn
> to the writings of Dr. Wayne W. Dyer for help in this area.
>
> I will maintain my Group Study subscription and I will be one of those
> that is here to help you whenever I can. I hope to chat with you soon.
>
> Anthony Sequeira
> CCIE #15626
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
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> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html
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