From: Godswill Oletu (oletu@inbox.lv)
Date: Thu Jun 01 2006 - 10:59:40 ART
Way to go Pal!
Congrates! How does it feel now that you have your number?
Keep it up, rest for a while and come out to chase other worthy goals, like
the Voice, SP, etc track.
Thanks.
Godswill Oletu
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pal" <palsehmi@googlemail.com>
To: <ccielab@groupstudy.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 6:55 AM
Subject: Passed CCIE in Brussels yesterday.
> Just got the results from my lab in Brussels yesterday and I am happy to
> say
> that I passed.
> I'm not sure that I am qualified to do so but I would like to share some
> of
> my thoughts in the hope that it will help someone.
>
> 1) The CCIE lab is very much achievable. Rather than concentrating on
> questions it is better to learn and understand technologies. It is
> possible
> to do this through practice labs but quality of study is paramount - not
> quantity!
>
> 2) The resources available are excellent. I used Internetwork Expert and
> was
> very pleased with the way in which the workbooks highlighted areas to
> focus
> on. No workbooks are perfect but its important not to miss the point -
> they
> are there to help you learn. Equally some of my study partners have
> commented on other vendors and how good they are. Bottom line is - its up
> to
> you, no one will spoon feed the technology into your head - you have to
> put
> the hours of quality study in.
>
> 3) Groupstudy was informative and inspiring but some postings could be
> easily avoided by simply reading a book or checking on CCO. We all have to
> start somewhere but its a big responsibility to guide someone and I feel
> one
> should be very careful. Amongst others I would like to thank Brian, Scott
> M,
> Petr, Dave S, Victor and Godswill - your postings have been very useful.
>
> 4) I was greatly inspired by the stories of failure and success on GS. I
> admire the tenacity of some individuals. Some of the people who failed
> have
> been my greatest inspiration. It takes real guts to keep going, which is
> admirable. Saying that - if you fail it also takes real bravery to analyse
> within and re-create a gameplan. Its easier to blame someone or something
> else instead of your lack of study or lab technique.
>
> 5) I tried the lab 5 years ago after studying one textbook and a handful
> of
> poorly written self created labs. I came close on my first attempt and
> thinking that I wasn't far I tried a few weeks later. I failed miserably
> and
> hung up my gloves for a while. The recent upturn in the industry and the
> inspiration that I received from my friends gave me belief and allowed me
> to
> create a new gameplan and have another go.
>
> 6) I found it best to ignore all the "shortcut/cheat sheet" type
> materials.
> Its better to know your stuff and this needs detailed analysis. Use good
> materials and text books, create your own set of notes and keep these
> updated. Study in a group.
>
> 7) As far as lab technique is concerned I rehearsed the same approach
> several times before the real thing.
> a) Create 2 diagrams (BGP and IGP) and a vlan table.
> b) Read all the questions, jot the answers down and also make notes on the
> diagrams - take time to do this - maybe 30-45 minutes at the start.
> ASK YOURSELF "HAVE I FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS QUESTION?"
> c) Start work, verify everything all the way through. If you get stuck for
> more than 10 minutes move on and return later.
> d) Save often, I used a technique that I would not minimize my terminal
> window unless I had saved.
> e) Try to get into or complete BGP by lunch and then run TCL scripts.
> f) Re-verify everything at the end.
> Most of this might appear as common sense. General approach is to ask the
> proctor whenever you are unsure. Never assume anything and use the CD if
> you
> need to at will.
> Its a test and if you remove the pressure its much easier - so stay calm,
> but focused.
>
> 8) When studying learn and drill the basics, tricks and corner cases are
> good to know but these should follow the fundamentals. Know the basics
> inside out.
> Use the CD to cover all options and know where to find stuff on the CD. I
> made a list something like this:
> Configuration Fundamentals - Autoinstall, Menus & Banners, Config & IOS
> management
> Dial - Backup, Media Independent PPP compression, dhcp, pap&chap
> Addressing Services - DHCP, DNS, NAT
> Application Services - ICMP, DRP WCCP, Accounting, ACLs (time, options,
> flags), TCP features, SLB, FHRP & Object Tracking
> Network Management - Logging & SNMP, CDP, Small Services, NTP/Time, RMON,
> Security - AAA, Radius, PAM, Reflexive, Lock & Key, Intercept, Secure
> Infrastructure (Privilege)
> WAN Configuration - Frame, PPPoFR, FREEK
>
> 9) More preparation - from beginning to end I took 3 months to study and
> pass. I had a plan for what to do in case of failure as well as success.
> I used a wallchart with the areas of study and the milestones. Its
> important
> to study the areas you are least comfortable with and make these strong.
> The final 3 weeks I had the flu so I hadn't done any full labs for a
> while,
> this bothered me a little but was soon forgotten when I got into the
> questions.
> It's harder with a young family - I involved them in the process and that
> helped a lot.
>
> Lastly I want to thank the powers that be, my family, my essential study
> circle pals (Neil Dearman, Chamandeep Singh Gill and Mike Harries - THANKS
> GUYS!!) and all my other friends who've supported me. I also want to
> extend
> a special thanks to Brian Dennis of IE and Paul Borghese for GS.
>
> I realise I have more to learn now than when I started studying. If I can
> pass you certainly can too.
> I wish everyone on this group the very best in their study, career and
> personal lives.
>
> Pritpal Singh Sehmi (Pal)
> CCIE #16300
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
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