How to study for the CCIE exan

"How" is normally follow after "What". After we figure out what we want to achieve and defined the "GOAL", next step would be looking at the options on "HOW".

Because the CCIE exam cover a myriad technology, so it is time consuming to study for it without a proper strategy. I haven't taken the exam before but after reading tons of war stories, I have choose the following :

1. INE as the training vendor
2. Build a hybrid CCIE rack with GNS3
3. Install and configure GNS3 for "LABBING-ON-THE-GO"

The plan is to stick to a workbook and strategically go through all the technology. Although I'll be building a hybrib lab, because lighting and electrical bill I won't be making it remotely accessible. There is where the "LABBING-ON-THE-GO" comes in, practice most of the routing topic while at office.

Now with the exercise guide (INE workbook), threadmill (Hybrid Lab) ... what left is only determination and persistence to stick the to plan.

Reference:
How to study for your CCIE by INE - [LINK]
How to Pass the Routing & Switching CCIE Lab Exam by INE - [LINK]
How to pass the CCIE R&S with INE’s 4.0 Training Program by INE - [LINK]

Setting a goal and making sure you are on track

"The difference between a GOAL and a DREAM, is a DEADLINE"

Setting a goal is easy as we do it yearly during New Year Eve ... aka New Year Resolutions ! But how many of the NYR do we push behind our mind after March :) Defining SMART goal will help you getting to it with a more strategic plan.

S - Specific (or Significant)
M - Measurable (or Meaningful)
A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented)
R - Relevant (or Rewarding)
T - Time-bound (or Trackable)

eg: Attaining CCIE certification before age 35 by studying/understanding all the technology listed under the exam blueprint and practicing each technology using the lab workbook.

Give yourself a realistic time frame you can achieve the goal. CCIE in 3 month (Are you joking with me ?)

"besides those 3 months of dedication, there were many years of working experience. I just wanted to make clear that it's very difficult (if not impossible) to get the CCIE with only 3 months of preparation." - Tassos (CCIE™ #19858)

Putting your goal in writing is very powerful, write it down and stick it where you'll see it often to remind yourself about it. 

How to make sure you ain't deviating from your goal ?
You need to track your progress ! Write them down on the calendar to remind yourself and see your progress. Google Calendar is a free and great service that allow you to keep track your progress. [LINK]

Unofficial CCIE Candidate FAQ

What is CCIE ?
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is accepted worldwide as the most prestigious networking certification in the industry. Network Engineers holding an active Cisco CCIE certification are recognized for their expert network engineering skills and mastery of Cisco products and solutions.

What is the prerequisites for CCIE certification ?
There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required.

The CCIE certification consist of two part :

Part one : Pass a two-hour, written qualification exam which covers networking concepts and some equipment commands before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam. [#350-001]

1a : Take the exam at Pearson VUE testing facility [LINK]

1b : Cost for the #350-001 exam [LINK]

Part two : Pass a eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to configure actual equipment and troubleshoot the network in a timed test situation. Candidates require to attempt of the CCIE lab exam within 18 months of passing the CCIE written exam. Candidates has three years to pass the lab exam (multiple attempts) from the date passing the written exam.

The eight-hour lab exam is further broken into two part :

2a : two-hour troubleshooting section, a series of trouble tickets for preconfigured networks and need to diagnose and resolve the network fault or faults. Candidates who finish the troubleshooting section early may proceed on to the configuration section, but they will not be allowed to go back to troubleshooting since their equipment will need to be reinitialized for the configuration portion.

2b : six-hour Configuration section, anything on the CCIE blueprint is fair game and maybe be tested on.

What would be provided at the lab exam ?
1. Please refer to the "Lab Equipment and IOS List" for the device list [LINK]
2. During the lab exam, the only reference you have is the Cisco documentation CD and search function has been disabled. [LINK]
2. Terminal is PuTTY and you have access to all Windows Calculator functions.
3. Everything is digital. No printed material is provided.
4. Plenty of paper and pens to use during the lab.

CCIE R&S v4.0 Lab Exam Demo
This demo will familiarize candidates with the online interface that has replaced paper exams, which presents the virtual topology, test questions, documentation and tools. [LINK]

Post #1

Post #1 - This site will serve as my personal study journal where I keep track my studying progress and particular difficulties with certain topics.