Hi everyone! To balance the somewhere ongoing discussion about the possibilities of ever passing the CCIE R&S v4 lab I decided to write a short encouragement email.
I just visited the lab in Brussels yesterday for my first attempt. I PASSed the configuration section but failed the troubleshooting. I really deserved failing the TS, I did so lousy job there, to my own surprise (I mean I would have expected better success but I really saw that score coming when the two-hour limit was approaching). In the configuration section all kinds of tasks were thrown at me but I could handle those. At some points I used the DocCD to assist me. I prepared about four months for the lab, using IPexpert BLS materials, also took part in the Amsterdam bootcamp in May (thanks Marko!). This was not full-time preparing, I did my normal daytime job as usual (apart from that one week). I have about 10 years of work experience in the networking business. None of those years have consisted of 100% hard-core Cisco gear activities, I've had various tasks and roles. I did my CCNA and CCNP in 2002-2003, and finished CCIP in 2008. I also have some years experience as an instructor in Cisco Networking Academy but you know it is not anywhere near the CCIE level courses. The message I wanted to send here is that the lab exam is nowhere near unpassable or unfair if you are prepared. It is just the matter of taking the challenge and acting to handle the technologies and finally commands behind the technologies before going to the lab. If you are not up to that level you won't become a CCIE. We are talking about a demanding IT certification that has low passing percentage by design! That level of exam is supposed to be renewed regularly so new features should be expected in the exam as times go and the technologies are developed. If you want to take the new version of the exam, just act like it. I don't think there is any single job or position anywhere in the world that can ensure your success in CCIE lab exam without dedicated extra effort and materials. That's just the name of the game. To get the CCIE you have to always go one more step up. Folks, keep up the good work! My personal plan is that I won't count much over 29 days for my next attack ;-) Markku _______________________________________________ For more information regarding industry leading CCIE Lab training, please visit www.ipexpert.com
