Well said, Chuck. Cisco doesn't want certified people who can just plug
routers together. They expect you to understand protocol behavior, not just
configuration. They expect analysis skills, not just memorization, since
that is what you will need in the "real world."
Some of the CID questions were purposely written to make you take a second
look. You won't be able to select the right answer by simply applying basic
knowledge. You will need to start by thinking about the basics, and then go
beyond that to think about application of the basic behavior, exceptions to
the basic behavior, elaborations of the basic behavior, etc. This is
actually an improved test-question writing method, called the two-step
question by some people.
If you take your time, you can generally get into the mind of the
test-writer and figure out what they're getting at.
On the other hand, I have seen some test questions (especially sample test
questions) that are incomprehensible no matter how much head-scratching you
do, (especially the COLT tests which are quite badly written, at least the
ones I tried). But I think the actual tests are better than the sample tests.
Priscilla
At 07:35 AM 11/16/00, Chuck Larrieu wrote:
>In the spirit of open debate, and just to be contrary, may I hold out an
>alternative viewpoint.
>
>We have all had our fun with test questions. Just recently we had an
>analysis of an OSPF related question, a very interesting thread, and one
>well worth checking out in the archives if you missed it.
>
>What can be interpreted as ambiguous and poor and obscure to a rank amateur
>may be crystal clear to an experienced professional. Being a rank amateur, I
>can't come up with a good example. But over the course of time there have
>been a number of these discussions here. I read through these kinds of
>threads religiously, and in the end I learn two things - thought process,
>and protocol behaviour.
>
>Over time I have come to realize that Cisco isn't interested in turning out
>certified individuals who can plug a few routers together and get it to
>work. Cisco is interested in turning out certified individuals who
>thoroughly understand protocol behaviour, and thus can add value in any
>situation where they must do complex analysis. Protocol behaviour includes
>routing protocols, redistribution among protocols, behaviour at each so
>called OSI layer, protocol transmission responsibility, and so on.
>
>Yes, X.25 is pretty much gone from the U.S Landscape, but worldwide it is
>still alive and well. Yes there are new technologies such as cable modem and
>DSL, but the fact is that without a foundation in protocol behaviour over
>other WAN technologies, how can one understand the issues involved with
>newer technologies, which in general build upon these earlier ones.
>
>Just being contrary.
>
>Chuck
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Carl
>Mirsky
>Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2000 6:33 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: RE: Passed the written... again
>
>I just took (and passed)the CID (640-025) for my CCDP. That exam sucked
>eggs as well. I just saw this morning that there is a beta for the NEW CID
>exam. Good thing. The current one expects you to know not only outdated
>material, but also the questions were horrible in my opinion. I have taken
>many exams and this one was by far the worst. Be prepared for ambiguous
>questions, and even more ambiguous answers. I am sure that some of the
>questions had no correct answer. I think the guy who designed this exam,
>also designed the Fl. election ballot. Anyway, I used the SYBEX book, which
>covered the material very well. In fact, the authors pointed out very
>clearly that the information is outdated, and, that there is the correct
>answer, and the Cisco answer. I also used Top Down by Pricillia. I would
>like to again thank the professionals that encompass this list, and
>especially Paul for maintaining the best damn Cisco site in the Free (and
>not so free) World. Now it's time for some R&R, and then it's off the MCNS
>before the new requirements come out on Jan. 1. My goal for the next 12
>months is as follows: MCNS, DLSW, CATM, CVoice, CCIE Written, and then
>hopefully the lab by 12/01.
>
>Respectfully,
>Carl Mirsky
>CCNP, CCDP, MCSE, SCSA
>" Integrity Can Be Communicated "
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of
>Cthulu, CCIE Candidate
>Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2000 7:39 AM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: Passed the written... again
>
>
>Hi, all
>
>I took and passed the CCIE written exam again yesterday. I found out last
>week that I had to retake it in order to schedule my lab; the previous exam
>I took "expired" due to the time elapse.
>
>I did not study, so I can not recommend any reference materials, etc. I
>will say that since I have been studying for the lab, rather than the
>written, that helped a little.
>
>
>About the exam itself, and without violating the NDA, it sucked. Cisco,
>if you are reading this, elimination through obscurity is not something to
>brag about. Sure, I could test and fail an auto mechanic by asking him
>obscure questions about buggy whips, but that does not test the true worth
>of the auto mechanic.
>
>Some of the questions are awful, loaded with subjective phrases and
>ambiguous syntax and grammer. There were a few good questions that
>addressed the technology of what we do. It seemed to me that you were often
>put in a situation where you have to pick the answer that sucked the least.
>
>
>To give you an idea, pretending that this was a math exam, some of the
>questions looked like this:
>
>
>1. How many sides are contained in a left-handed square?
>A. 4 sides if there are 2 triangles present
>B. None, a circle has 4 sides.
>C. A right handed square has 4 sides.
>D. All of the above.
>
>
>2. Chuck bought 5 bananas at the supermarket. Priscilla bought 2 apples.
>Howard robbed Pamela the cashier. How much did Chuck pay for the apples?
>A. The bananas were 1 dollar a pound.
>B. False, the apples were really peaches.
>C. Howards got 5-10, with time off for good behavior.
>D. The log lady likes apples too.
>
>
>
>I am exaggerating slightly, but not by much. Just as important as knowing
>the stuff, is the ability to decipher the questions and answers, and to get
>inside the minds of the test writers (you be Clarice, the test writer is
>Hannibal).
>
>Anyways, that is all I got to say about that. Good luck to all!
>
>Charles
>
>
>
>
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________________________
Priscilla Oppenheimer
http://www.priscilla.com
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