Re: My story

Congrats mate, narbik is really the man, the legend! :) he helped me as well

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Em 18/03/2011, C s 19:39, Seb O <sebshhh_at_gmail.com> escreveu:

> Hello group study!
>
> I hardly ever post here, but I wanted to share my CCIE story with you.
> I have received my number in October 2010. Sorry for sharing my story so
> late, but it kind of takes some time to get over it when your dreams come
> true.
>
> It was a long road, and it started in September 2008 when I passed CCIE R&S
> written exam. It was 2 months of heavy reading after I got my CCNP. I was
> one point above the passing score but I knew I were on the right way. After
> passing the written I got down to studying with INE v4. I finished the
> workbook, but after that (BIG BIG MISTAKE) gave myself a break.
>
> I managed to get founds to attend Narbik's bootcamp in May 2009, it was an
> impulse for me to get on the track again. I did Soup-to-nuts and a fair part
> of INE v5 before the bootcamp.
>
> There was a version change of CCIE lab in October and I have managed to
> schedule the date before that.
> The bootcamp was great! Nabik is a great instructor and I learned a lot.
> Narbik has so much energy and enthusiasm it is infectious. Not only did I
> gain a lot of knowledge during the bootcamp but also felt very motivated.
>
> Still, I was aware there is a lot of work ahead. After the bootcamp I used
> Narbik's rack rentals (highly recommended, it's a great deal) and did his
> workbooks.
> I couldn't get my employer to sponsor the lab attempt, plus I was not
> certain I can make it and didn't want to risk my own money, so I decided to
> drop.
>
> I repeated Narbik's bootcamp (he let me to use racks for free) in November I
> think, the MPLS was already there so it was definately worth it. If you
> have an opportunity I would suggest take his bootcamp and repeat it anytime
> (retake is free). CCIE preparation is a long and costly process and, believe
> me, the time and money you spend on Narbik's bootcamp is the best investment
> you can make.
>
> I have scheduled a mobile lab in Warsaw in July 2010. I needed to take CCIE
> written again, it was so much easier this time. The first 6 months were very
> intense, I would spend 5 hours after work to study every day, the same on
> weekends. I also took June off from work and the last month before the lab I
> had all my time devoted to studying. I was doing INE vol2 labs all day long
> trying to mimick the lab day; I would wake up, take a shower and get down to
> lab, take lunch at 12. Finish the lab. Grade the lab.
>
> I took the lab on Friday. I thought I could make it, still I was not sure.
> The results arrived on Monday (nerve-wrecking experience). I failed. I could
> cope with the failure. What I couldn't understand is that I failed
> troubleshooting section and passed the config. I was angry and upset. I was
> so close, and I didn't know why I failed. I did all tickets, all of them
> verified.
> I had to live with that until my second attempt in September (Thursday this
> time). I asked the proctor how to solve one ticket and he pointed me to the
> troubleshooting lab instructions. I failed to read them on my first attempt
> and they clearly state: not to add any unnecessary configuration, use the
> existing configuration for solving tickets. I realized that it cost me a
> number back in July.
>
> Second lab was not well planned and I was in a really bad shape on the lab
> date. I tried asking proctor many things but he was not helpful. Still, I
> was thinking I have a good chance of passing. I failed. This time in
> configuration section. If I was to name a reason why I failed in my 2nd
> attempt that would be: making assumptions, instead of asking the proctor
> (over and over and over again if needed).
>
> I was not sure what to do next. I felt my knowledge was CCIE level but I was
> still failing somehow. My family encouraged me to take the lab again in
> 2010.
>
> I scheduled the lab in 2 months time. I studied hard and planned everything
> not to repeat the previous mistakes. Took the lab on Thursday.
> Connected to the internet on the Brussels airport 3 hours after the lab,
> logged on to my CCO account and... there it was.... CCIE#27351.
>
>
> If I can give you one piece of advice for the preparation that would be to
> dedicate one year to the exam, be sure the circumstances allow you for that.
> My biggest mistake was periods of heavy study followed by lazy months (due
> to different circumstances, it's called "life").
> One day before the lab make sure you have enough rest. On the lab day be
> focused yet calm. The stress can kill your a.tempt even if you're well
> prepared.
>
> Good luck to all candidates!
> If you REALLY want it you will make it one day.
>
>
> -Sebastian
>
>
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>
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Received on Fri Mar 18 2011 - 19:57:48 ART