RE: Got a problem with a CCIE Lab?

The wordcount of this e-mail is more than the wordcount of the RIP notes I
had taken before I passed. Just think, in the time it takes to inflict these
walls of text on this list you could have instead summarised a learning
objective.

-----Original Message-----
From: nobody_at_groupstudy.com [mailto:nobody_at_groupstudy.com] On Behalf Of
Darby Weaver
Sent: Saturday, 8 August 2009 2:59 AM
To: Cisco certification
Subject: Got a problem with a CCIE Lab?

Hmm? We read it here all the time. We read it in forums across the
Internet. People take the lab, spend $1400.00, and need to know "WHY?". It
does not matter what the question is or what the problem was something made
you leave the lab and now you need to know more. You need to know that the
CCIE Lab Program cares about "YOU", the cutomer... Well my friends... they
do and they want you to know they do care about you, your lab experience,
and your concerns. I mentioned a lab problem I had and was told if I had
opened a case for it at the time, I would have received a FREE re-take for a
problem like I encountered in the lab (my workstation rebooted due to a worm
on my first lab attempt) - I did not complan about it till my 3rd lab
attempt so I guess I was late and I only used the lab feedback tool.

I wish I had know the procedure. Apparently a lot fo people have issues in
the lab and it does not matter which track either. The CCIE Support Team is
there to help. It does not start with the proctors during the lab itself
and it does not end with the proctors in the lab itself.

You have options and the right to be treated fairly, you are the customer
and the lady who heads the program told me this several times in person
yesterday over lunch while I was in Seattle. Now I'm telling you. It's
hearsay from me in this case, but it is something that might do one of the
following:

1. Nothing - maybe that is just the way it is, maybe it is a simple
misunderstanding, etc.

2. Maybe get you extra points for something?

3. Maybe alleviate extenuating circumstances?

4. Maybe get re-grade?

5. Maybe get a free re-take?

6. Maybe solve your issue, whatever it is, give you closure, and help you
understand that the entire CCIE Program Team stands for Integrity and
Fairness with regard to the CCIE Lab, not one time, but every time.
  Got a problem with the CCIE
Lab?<http://darbylogs.blogspot.com/2009/08/got-problem-with-ccie-lab.html>
I spoke at length with the CCIE Prorgam "owner" and I guess she's the boss
of Sara, who is the boss of... Maurillo, Jeff, and the CCIE Content
Development Team, Support, etc.

I came away with one clear message:

If you take a CCIE Lab Exam and have any issues...

Write them asap or open a support ticket. Why?

1. They can help.

2. They will help.

3. They want to help.

4. They will do whatever they can to help.

5. They want you, the customer, to feel satisfied that they helped you.

I was told they currently receive over 5000+ requests for support per month
regarding the CCIE Lab and Sara's support team handles it all. Day in and
Day out.

Questions about the lab do not end with the proctor in the lab, re-grade
questions, fairness questions, wording questions, etc.

Nope! They go to the CCIE Heaven of Support and they get the "authoritative
answer".

Now I'm not saying it will always go your way. Most likely it won't.
However, you may get some sense of clarification and understanding of what
the problem was, why it is that way, and maybe a little peak on what you can
do to improve yourself and overcome this misunderstanding in the future.

It's like that.

Hope this helps someone. Please go to cisco.com/go/ccie and look for the
latest links for support if you need it.

These guys are true professionals in every sense and dedicated to the
integrity and fairness of the program. Give them a chance to help you make
the most out of their dedicated support staff if you feel you need them.

Blogs and organic groups at http://www.ccie.net
Received on Sat Aug 08 2009 - 07:21:22 ART