RE: mobile lab pass

Congrats, Ruhann. Good job.

Cheers,
 
Jared Scrivener CCIE3 #16983 (R&S, Security, SP), CISSP
Sr. Technical Instructor - IPexpert, Inc.
Telephone: +1.810.326.1444
Fax: +1.810.454.0130
Mailto: jscrivener_at_ipexpert.com

-----Original Message-----
From: nobody_at_groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody_at_groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of
Ruhann
Sent: Monday, 20 April 2009 3:43 AM
To: Cisco certification
Cc: Scott Morris; Anthony Sequeira; bmcgahan_at_internetworkexpert.com;
petr_at_internetworkexpert.com
Subject: mobile lab pass

Hi guys

It is with great pleasure and pride I am typing this email, despite the
painful agony of waiting a whole weekend for the result.

(NEVER do your lab on a Friday)

I passed the R&S 1st attempt on Friday with the mobile lab in Bryanston SA.

It was a very different experience, but still nerve racking at the
possibility of becoming a statistic.

I honestly expected the LAB to a lot harder, now that I have taken the LAB I
can really comment of the structure.

Firstly the open ended questions which are a big concern for many, (was for
me too), is not that bad, although I personally think the question amount
should be increase to give a candidate a better a fair shot, at actually
answer "the not so short" questions.

The questions are nothing like the open-ended simulation questions I have
seen from INE (Internetwork Expert) and IPX (IP Expert). They ask you to
explain concepts, and what you understand about a certain part of a
technology NOT 1 word answers. But all and all, if you know your theory, you
should find it easy.

Secondly the actual lab itself, was not difficult, most of the questions I
had required basic config, or that's how I felt. The one problem I had with
the exam is the cryptic questions. That is the real hard trying to guess or
assume what they attempting to insinuate. IMO that is not what the lab
should be about, rather make the lab harder, but be straight up appose to
asking questions with symbols in circles without actually asking anything. I
am an engineer, and feel the primary aim should be technical ability and not
interpretation, but hey, that just my 2 cents (used to be 5 cents, but with
current economic situations, go figure :)

As for material, I used both INE Vol I, and Vol II. I can truly recommend
Vol1 5.1 series. The amount of detail and depth is just amazing; you can
really see the true understanding and brilliance of Petr Lapukov and Co.

I also used IPX, Vol 2 and Vol 3, and the Cisco ASET Labs. I did find a lot
value using Labs from different vendors to not get accustomed to one way of
thinking.

Lastly I think the greatest resource of all IMO was Mr. Scott's audio
Bootcamp. Scott your knowledge is just LEGEND. I used the audios the last 3
weeks before the LAB, while making lunch and not studying. Really great
stuff.

I would like to use this opportunity to say thanks to the following people:

1. Obviously GS as a whole, HUGE Thanks. Without GS many more people would
be scratching heads about what we don't understand.

2. Brian Mcgahan, I took his studying strategy from INE-COD, whereby to
focus on theory, theory, theory. And not learn by labbing. Great advice!!

3. Petr Lapukov, IMO humble opinion is one person I would love to meet. Any
body, who has read any of his materials, would know he goes beyond
explaining a technology, he breaks it down more in depth that what any Cisco
material does.

4. Anthony Sequira is the person to speak to for lab strategy and how to go
about it. Really no-one else has that down.

5. Scott Morris for his brilliant audio's, and being my hero, (cheesy I
know) You are both humorous, motivating and it is just incredible how much
you know and understand!

6. My awesome wife, who I love so dearly, you are one of a kind!!!!

Some quotes from Scott's audio that I just love:

"jeeee"

"stop that!!!"
"Just do it and be gone with it"

"Cisco in their infinite wisdom . . . eee I don't try to understand it.

"Yeah that is just gonna piss someone off, so just don't do it"

My number is 24163, and after 7 Months and 950 hours of studying, I am
fortunate to have an extremely supportive wife, who now is witness to the
copious amount of time required to become a CCIE, Thank you :)

I am even more excited now to start the part where my focus, interest and
working experience lays, the SP track.

Ps best of luck to all those currently studying, the lab is not that hard,
just know the theory, then applying that is very easy!

Regards

-- 
<ruhann>
Blogs and organic groups at http://www.ccie.net