From: Colin McNamara (Colin@2cups.com)
Date: Fri May 09 2008 - 14:15:02 ART
Thanks Ronnie, I couldn't of put it better myself.
--Colin McNamara (858)208-8105 CCIE #18233,RHCE,GCIH http://www.colinmcnamara.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmcnamara
"The difficult we do immediately, the impossible just takes a little longer"
Ronnie Angello wrote: > The cert that Colin is referring to is a step above CCDE. It's the > "master architect" cert that hasn't even been worked out yet. The > idea is that you have to be CCDE and you must be selected to go before > a board. You will have to design, present, and defend your solution > and convice the board that you are worthy of being a master jedi. > > On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 11:33 AM, Cockcroft, Lance <lc3881@att.com> wrote: > >> I believe they have decided that this is going to be a CCDE. >> >> Cisco Certified Design Engineer >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of >> Colin McNamara >> Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 1:40 PM >> To: A.G. Ananth Sarma (GMail) >> Cc: Joseph Brunner; Himawan Nugroho; groupstudy; comserv@groupstudy.com >> Subject: Re: How to Become a CCIE v2 >> >> CCMA = Cisco Certified Master Archetect, or Master Internetwork >> Architect.. the name hasn't been officially decided upon yet. >> >> -- >> Colin McNamara >> (858)208-8105 >> CCIE #18233,RHCE,GCIH >> http://www.colinmcnamara.com >> http://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmcnamara >> >> "The difficult we do immediately, the impossible just takes a little >> longer" >> >> >> A.G. Ananth Sarma (GMail) wrote: >> >>> BTW, what is CCMA? >>> >>> Ananth >>> >>> On Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 1:56 PM, Joseph Brunner >>> >> <joe@affirmedsystems.com> >> >>> wrote: >>> >>> >>> >>>>> Passing the elite level and world's toughest certification from >>>>> >> Cisco >> >>>>> Systems >>>>> >>>>> >>>> Would this be the one they are walking away from to create the CCDE, >>>> >> CCMA, >> >>>> and CCOT (operating thetan?) >>>> >>>> And the same one that lately employers hold in line with the CCNA >>>> >>>> "Must be CCIE, or a strong CCNA" (see dice, 2 weeks ago) >>>> >>>> Just checking, because before I add my stars to my shoulder bars, I >>>> >> was >> >>>> just >>>> Asking for feedback... >>>> >>>> Joe, >>>> CCMS (master skeptic) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: nobody@groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody@groupstudy.com] On Behalf >>>> >> Of >> >>>> Himawan Nugroho >>>> Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 12:27 AM >>>> To: groupstudy; comserv@groupstudy.com >>>> Subject: How to Become a CCIE v2 >>>> >>>> Hi everyone, >>>> I hope I don't just waste everyone's bandwidth. >>>> I made the new version of "How to Become a CCIE" (v2) and hopefully >>>> it's useful for CCIE candidates. You may want to check the following >>>> as well: >>>> >>>> How to Become a CCIE v2 @ amazon - with the list of some books I read >>>> during CCIE SP preparation: >>>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/RLUWDJWTD4FN2/ >>>> >>>> How to Become a CCIE @ amazon - with list of some books I used during >>>> CCIE Security preparation (the original how-to version, may be >>>> outdated, written on Feb 2006): >>>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/BYNHY05D4X84/ >>>> >>>> Summary of the journey in passing 3 CCIE labs: >>>> >>>> >> http://brokenpipes.blogspot.com/2007/09/triple-ccie-history-in-making.ht >> ml >> >>>> The very first post I made after passing the last lab: >>>> http://brokenpipes.blogspot.com/2007/08/triple-ccie.html >>>> >>>> >>>> Regards, >>>> Himawan Nugroho >>>> >>>> >>>> How to Become a CCIE v2 >>>> >>>> Passing the elite level and world's toughest certification from Cisco >>>> Systems, tips from someone who has done it three times >>>> By Himawan Nugroho, CCIE#8171 (R&S, Security, SP) >>>> Inevitable -- http://brokenpipes.blogspot.com >>>> >>>> I was digging through my own blog archive and found that my first >>>> >> post >> >>>> about How to Become a CCIE is quite old and need to get updated. In >>>> fact, I'm thinking to modify it in such a way so the same principle >>>> should be applied to any CCIE tracks, and even to any top level >>>> certification from other vendor. Without any intention to re-invent >>>> >> my >> >>>> own writing, I just put the updates and I tried to make it short this >>>> time. So if you'd like to read more about my experience taking the >>>> >> lab >> >>>> 3 times, I suggest you to read the original version and all related >>>> posts, starting with the summary of my journey. >>>> >>>> Btw, in case you haven't noticed I'm trying to learn how to sell by >>>> using marketing hypes, hence the words "elite level", "world's >>>> toughest" and "from someone who has done it three times" yeah, right >>>> :) >>>> >>>> 1. You still need to ask yourself "what's the point?" >>>> It's still a very tough challenge. It's still a long and tiring >>>> process. You will spend lots of efforts and money to get it. You >>>> >> still >> >>>> need to sacrifice your spare time and social life. So you should have >>>> at least one good reason why you want to do CCIE. And don't try to >>>> fake the reason. No one can give you the answer and I bet no one >>>> >> other >> >>>> than you really cares what it is. But it's important for you because >>>> this might be the only thing that can keep you going, that can wake >>>> you up from your laziness, that can make you come out from your >>>> frustration in the middle of your journey. >>>> >>>> Once you know and believe in your reason, then decide which track you >>>> want to pursuit. Follow your heart, do only the track you like. >>>> Continue with collecting the information about that specific track: >>>> read the CCIE blueprint for both written and lab exam. Read >>>> >> Networkers >> >>>> slides to get a brief picture about the exam format and sample of the >>>> question (Yes they have a session for this, I remember I read and >>>> listened to the presentation conducted by CCIE SP proctors). >>>> >>>> 2. Use the mid-level certification >>>> Now the step for all CCIE tracks are very clear and they all have >>>> mid-level certification (except CCIE storage). So if you want to take >>>> CCIE in Routing & Swithing you should learn CCNP. For CCIE Service >>>> Provider you should start with CCIP. For Voice it's CCVP. And for >>>> Security it's CCSP (the new Security lab doesn't require extensive >>>> knowledge of routing & switching anymore, you may check its blueprint >>>> v2). Remember, using this mid-level certification doesn't mean you >>>> have to pass it. >>>> >>>> If you are one of the guys who wrote me email to say that >>>> certification is useless, want to take CCIE just to prove how good >>>> >> you >> >>>> are, doesn't want to waste time with CCNA, CCNP/IP/SP/VP then it's >>>> fine. Don't take the exam but you can still utilize the resources to >>>> plan your study. The base knowledge for CCIE is already covered in >>>> >> the >> >>>> mid-level certification. So do the obvious and follow the flow: read >>>> the books for the mid-level of track you want to pursuit even you >>>> don't have to take the exam. Passing the mid-level exam is important >>>> just as a review to ensure you have really understood the material >>>> covered by the certification. And you may want to get your knowledge >>>> to some extend to be certified by Cisco that can be considered a >>>> reward in your journey even you haven't completed it. >>>> >>>> 3. A new way to build your home lab >>>> Practice extensively in the lab is still the key to pass CCIE. But >>>> >> for >> >>>> certain tracks, R&S and SP, you can practice CCIE lab without having >>>> any real equipments. I have built a step-by-step guidance to do this >>>> with dynamips. Dynamips is a very popular emulator for Cisco IOS and >>>> now some people have released several front-end interface such as >>>> dynagen or GNS3 to make it easier to setup and build the topology. >>>> It's an emulator to provide real router environment that can trick >>>> >> the >> >>>> real Cisco IOS so it will boot in normal PC. So it's still need the >>>> real Cisco IOS software, and please don't ask me to send you this. >>>> >>>> Many people still wrote me email asking this question: is it possible >>>> to pass CCIE only with dynamips? Yes, it is. I have seen some of my >>>> friends did this. In fact, I did all my practice for CCIE SP only >>>> >> with >> >>>> (censored), something similar as dynamips. Censored = internal info >>>> >> to >> >>>> Cisco employees heheh. I'm planning to take the top level >>>> certification from other vendor (guess who :)) using a similar >>>> emulator only. I want to do it just to utilize my spare time, to >>>> >> prove >> >>>> my point here, and obviously for fun. >>>> >>>> You may still require to build home lab, or rent it online, for other >>>> CCIE tracks. >>>> >>>> 4. Passing written test still doesn't prove anything >>>> This is still the same point as my original post. You can read the >>>> written exam blueprint and compare it with the lab. Take the written >>>> test and feel its coverage. Then setup your lab after that, start >>>> doing the workbook, and feel the difference. For some tracks, >>>> >> studying >> >>>> for written test doesn't add any value for the lab preparation. >>>> >>>> For me, I don't count the step to pass written test as part of my >>>> checklist to pass the lab. After you pass written exam, you are >>>> eligible to register for the lab. And that's what it's all about. >>>> Passing written test doesn't mean you are half-CCIE. It doesn't mean >>>> you are 20% or even 10% ready to take the lab. I count it as Step 0. >>>> From the written test you should start practicing in the lab and >>>> >> build >> >>>> the percentage of your progress. Use the lab blueprint as your >>>> guidance. Once you cover 100% in the list then you may be ready for >>>> your first attempt. Well, this is not always the case. I covered only >>>> 80% and passed in my first attempt. But don't count on my experience! >>>> >>>> So my point here is: never count passing written test as part of your >>>> CCIE lab preparation. Just look at it as administrative step required >>>> to register for the lab. >>>> >>>> 5. Read, read and read, then practice >>>> I won't list all the books that I read to prepare for all my CCIE >>>> labs. They are just so many of them! And sometime you just need to >>>> read few chapters from one book. The must-read book list is different >>>> for every track and may not updated. But you can start by checking on >>>> the book list from CCIE website. If you think it's still too much, >>>> then I suggest you to again use the Lab Exam Blueprint as your >>>> guidance. Read about one scope of technology at a time. Read from >>>> >> CCO, >> >>>> since this is Cisco certification so it always makes sense to check >>>> the configuration guide and technical tips from their website. >>>> Material from Networkers (slides with sound) is still a good >>>> >> resource, >> >>>> and I think you can get this from Networkers Online. >>>> >>>> Google is always our best friend. And you may be interested to >>>> subscribe for online books library such as Safari Books online. Check >>>> the list of their books first before you pay! The benefit of reading >>>> from a website like Safari is they provide a google-seach to find >>>> specific topic you want to read from several books. >>>> >>>> 6. Fast and Furious may not the trend anymore >>>> Indeed you still need the speed in typing. I guess it will be >>>> difficult to pass CCIE if you still use only two fingers to type and >>>> always look at your keyboard when you do so. There is just not enough >>>> time! But it was a different experience when I did my R&S and >>>> >> Security >> >>>> with my SP lab. In the first two, there are many independent >>>> technology that I can skip to come back later on if I don't know the >>>> answer. So my strategy at that time was to answer all questions that >>>> >> I >> >>>> know the obvious answers first. Then I went back to answer some of >>>> >> the >> >>>> questions that I'm not too sure about it. And the rest of the time >>>> >> was >> >>>> to answer all questions that I have no clue, and I used to depend on >>>> Documentation CD or restricted CCO documentation websites to find the >>>> answers. So normally I tried to complete 70-80% of the lab before >>>> lunch, since I know I need to spend many hours to read from >>>> documentation CD. >>>> >>>> But in SP, it was a different story. Many topics are connected to >>>> another topics, many topics are built based on another topics as >>>> underlying protocol, and all decision we make to answer one topic may >>>> affect our answer for the topic we build on top of it. So the >>>> >> strategy >> >>>> that works for me at that time was "do it once, and do it right". I >>>> needed to make sure I had answered the question correctly before I >>>> moved to the next question (unless it's independent feature that I >>>> >> can >> >>>> skip). Even I can type IOS command quite fast but at that time I had >>>> only 1 hour left to re-check my work. And documentation CD is not our >>>> best friend anymore in SP lab. There is no time to read it and >>>> actually to be able to build a working topology all topics covered in >>>> the lab must be understood thoroughly, unless it's related to >>>> >> features >> >>>> or enhancements. >>>> >>>> 7. Join the community >>>> There is no doubt about this. Learn from others' experience and share >>>> your own experience. Check the archive for all previous discussions. >>>> Answer the questions in the forum in order to get the answers for >>>> >> your >> >>>> questions to the forum. Build a healthy discussion forum! Respect >>>> >> each >> >>>> other and always think those people who are willing to answer are not >>>> getting paid for that so don't be rude and push to get answers >>>> >> (unless >> >>>> you join a commercial forum or the forum that is created by vendor to >>>> answer your questions related to the product/workbook you purchase >>>> from them). >>>> >>>> Same as what I wrote in my original post, it would be good if you can >>>> build a small discussion forum in your area that can meet offline. >>>> It's always better to have someone to share your frustration or >>>> listening for someone's experience to boost the spirit while having >>>> coffee together. CCIE is a one-man-journey type of experience but as >>>> >> I >> >>>> said in the original post, I was happy just to know there were others >>>> out there who might be doing the same thing and facing the same >>>> challenges. You are not the only one, even you are alone who must >>>> >> open >> >>>> the door, Neo. >>>> >>>> 8. Asking the right question is an art >>>> Try to ask some silly questions or obvious questions that any CCIE >>>> >> lab >> >>>> proctors are not allowed to answer are not recommended. They are >>>> >> there >> >>>> in the lab to clarify the question, and sometime they can provide you >>>> hints to the answer. So use this chance wisely because you don't want >>>> the proctors mark your face in his brain as someone who asks him the >>>> answer for CCIE lab. >>>> >>>> More into that, I think it's really good to build a culture on how to >>>> ask a question effectively. I received many emails asked me how to >>>> become a CCIE even now still working on CCNA? That's easy, pass your >>>> CCNA first! Or I have seen some people throw one line question to the >>>> forum: how can I configure MPLS VPN? Why don't you spend a little bit >>>> of your time to read the website, use google, RTFM, try it in your >>>> >> lab >> >>>> and when you are really stuck you can send your specific question >>>> >> with >> >>>> all required information such as the config and topology. >>>> >>>> Learn how to ask effectively. >>>> We all definitely need this even for the life outside CCIE lab. >>>> >>>> 9. Understand the lab question >>>> I was not born in english-speaking country. And even I have spent 6 >>>> years working overseas, with English as daily business language, it >>>> was still difficult for me to understand some of the lab question. >>>> >> For >> >>>> my CCIE SP lab all the questions were straight forward. I went to the >>>> proctor only because I found some vague words and since I know how to >>>> ask I could even get the hints after I clarified the words with the >>>> proctor. So they are there in the lab to help you to clarify the >>>> questions. But that's all. >>>> >>>> And I found out when some lab questions are so confusing, it's better >>>> to sit back and look at the topology as a whole and a unit. So try to >>>> understand what we are trying to build in the lab from helicopter >>>> view, not from the device or configuration perspective. For example, >>>> when I did my SP lab I looked at the drawing, read the questions, >>>> tried to understand what kind of network I have to build with all >>>> traffic flow and policy then it became easier for me when I worked on >>>> each question to put the configuration. >>>> >>>> 10. Skeptical attitude might the one you need the most >>>> Trust no one, trust no solution. Don't trust the configuration guide >>>> in Cisco website. Don't believe what people say or write in the >>>> >> forum. >> >>>> Don't trust the configuration and solution written in Ciscopress >>>> books. Don't even trust the solution from the vendor for those CCIE >>>> workbooks that you must pay for it! >>>> >>>> I'm not saying that all those resources are bad and should not be >>>> trusted. What I'm trying to say here is you should not trust any >>>> solution unless you prove it in your lab. It may work in the book but >>>> not in your case because you use different IOS. You may read it and >>>> think you have already understood the technology but then when it >>>> doesn't work in the lab only you realize there is a missing part that >>>> you need to discover. And some people either make a typo in their >>>> solution or answer it with one way because of some consideration that >>>> you may not able to see. >>>> >>>> So never stop asking: Why? How come it's possible? Why the solution >>>> use that way? What if I answer it with this way? How to prove the >>>> concept really works? What if I add this on top of that? How to >>>> >> answer >> >>>> this question if I modify or add with that requirement? And so on. >>>> >>>> 11. CCIE is nothing but a mind game >>>> You still need to read lots of books. You still need to practice >>>> extensively. You still need to make the strategy and plan your study >>>> accordingly. But on top of that, you really need the right mindset >>>> >> and >> >>>> attitude to pass. Other than being skeptical and consistently test >>>> >> the >> >>>> solution in the lab, you must be positive most of the time. You >>>> >> should >> >>>> believe you can achieve your target if you really spend efforts in >>>> doing so. Avoid unnecessary discussion and long debate about why you >>>> need to become a CCIE (you should do that in Step 1 above). Leave >>>> >> your >> >>>> discussion group if they keep telling you it's very difficult to pass >>>> CCIE and you won't be able to make it because you don't have what it >>>> takes to pass. Or they say you don't have same opportunity as the >>>> others who can pass. Everyone has the same chance to pass. During my >>>> journey I have proved that it's not a matter of time, nor it's a >>>> matter of support from the company or how many resources you have. >>>> It's all about the mindset. >>>> >>>> And other than being positive, you should develop ability to be >>>> adaptable as well, to make you ready for any surprises in the lab. >>>> >> You >> >>>> should know how to analyze a problem and use the right approach to >>>> solve it. This is required to ensure you can understand the >>>> requirements in the lab and choose the right method to answer. You >>>> need to be able to make decision and handle situation under pressure >>>> within limited amount of time. And you don't risk your life in taking >>>> this CCIE anyway! So relax, try your best to be prepared, extremely >>>> prepared, but in the end if you make mistakes and fail, you lose >>>> nothing but the cost to take the lab. On the other side you will >>>> definitely learn something from your failure and gain more than what >>>> you lose. >>>> >>>> So again, Everyone has the same chance to pass. >>>> If someone tells you the otherwise, ask him to talk to me ;) >>>> >>>> 12. Enjoy every moment of it >>>> What's the point to do something if you don't enjoy it? Again, this >>>> >> is >> >>>> the reason why Step 1 is very crucial. It's very important to follow >>>> your heart. Because pursuing CCIE requires you to be focus and >>>> consistent, so it will be difficult if you don't know why you want to >>>> do this in the first place. You must sacrifice your spare time and >>>> social life so it's really important for those around who care to you >>>> to be part of the game. Discuss your plan with them and try to still >>>> make some contact with other human beings when you are not geeking >>>> >> out >> >>>> in the lab. >>>> >>>> I remember when I did my security I still spent some time with my >>>> family to go to the beach, even my mind was in >>>> Firewall-ACL-to-allow-BGP-traffic-with-NAT and >>>> IDS-fine-tuning-to-send-alert-only-after-certain-hits. I sacrificed >>>> >> my >> >>>> sleep to gain extra time to study. I sacrificed my lunch. I >>>> >> sacrificed >> >>>> my time that I normally used to chit chat with colleagues. But I >>>> >> still >> >>>> had fun doing my lab since at the same time I played the Matrix or >>>> >> the >> >>>> Simpsons next to my hyperterminal. And not to mention all those >>>> >> Linkin >> >>>> Park songs that I used to play over and over continuously. >>>> >>>> And when you are preparing for CCIE, be in the moment. Make a >>>> >> 6-months >> >>>> study plan but do one thing at the time. If you haven't passed the >>>> written then do this as Step 0. If you haven't setup the lab then >>>> start reading documentation about the emulator or search for the >>>> hardware on ebay. If you must deal with busy schedule at work, try to >>>> have fun by read CCIE material in between your busy time or steal >>>> >> some >> >>>> time by locking yourself inside the toilet and read in there (I'm >>>> still doing this until now!). Feel every aspect of the journey. Be >>>> grateful when you have even a very short time to make progress in >>>> >> your >> >>>> study. And always try to enjoy every moment of it. >>>> >>>> >>>> Okay, let's say you pass. You may ask: now what? >>>> Don't ask me. Ask yourself. >>>> >>>> CCIE is just the beginning of a bigger journey. There are several >>>> other CCIE tracks to chase or other exciting things to do in life >>>> >> such >> >>>> as working in large scale project where you have to use all your >>>> technical skills along with your ability to handle much complex >>>> situation. But frankly speaking, until now I still haven't found >>>> another journey that could offer such tense atmosphere, learning >>>> experience, wide coverage of technology within short time, and fun >>>> >> all >> >>>> together outside CCIE. All the time was just for me and my lab. >>>> >>>> As I wrote in my own post after I passed my 3rd lab: >>>> CCIE was the only time when the world makes sense. >>>> >>>> Have fun, everyone. >>>> >>>> >>>> >> _______________________________________________________________________ >> >>>> Subscription information may be found at: >>>> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html >>>> >>>> >>>> >> _______________________________________________________________________ >> >>>> Subscription information may be found at: >>>> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> _______________________________________________________________________ >> >>> Subscription information may be found at: >>> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html >>> >> _______________________________________________________________________ >> Subscription information may be found at: >> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html >> >> >> _______________________________________________________________________ >> Subscription information may be found at: >> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html
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