CCIE Candidate

In such a big blog community, its so hard these days to contribute something of value, something that we candidates appreciate besides redundant tutorials and lab outputs. But its this wealth of information that has driven the pass rate of the lab up, IMO, not really cheaters. I’ve benefited so much from modern approach to self motivated training that wasn’t available to the older numbered CCIE’s.  I’ve been really happy to enjoy the fruits of other candidate’s sweat, and I hope everyone will continue to publish their journey.  It’s funny how we have no idea if our way of studying is helpful at all, until pass or fail (or fail many times). I guess thats how we all benefit, to see real time, whats working and whats not.

I’ve followed up on tons of blog posts and suggestions, but I’ve become kind of partial to certain resources. Check them out:

Internetworkexpert Online Community ( www.ieoc.com)

This is easily number one in my eyes.  I have loved this forum since it was introduced. I can’t quite figure what it is about www.groupstudy.com that I don’t like, but I guess thats the illogical side of me. But I’ve been visiting other forums, such as IPexpert’s http://onlinestudylist.com/ , but it just wasn’t the same. Much less activity, and less interaction from the instructors. I have no idea how they do it, but IE responds frequently and still develops material and conduct bootcamps. I don’t know if it’s just because I’m a member, but if I email any instructor at IE, they email me back pretty quickly with an answer to my question. I’m almost positive I get on IE’s nerves at IEOC, but its damn worth it. Most of the time you’ll get responses from other candidates, or those who have their number already, and no one feeds you wrong info (of if they do, someone will call them out immediately)

Cisco Documenation (the DocCD)

Need I say more? Actually, before I only referenced it here and there when I thought I needed to. But wow, I was so blind. Those expensive Cisco press books are a waste. The DocCD is in plain english, easy to understand their introductions to technologies, and important notes are bordered with horizontal rules so you won’t just browse over it. Now that I’ve been reading the DocCD page by page, there have been numerous things that I didn’t know before, and its become my single most reliable source of information when I feel like reading.

IP Expert’s Videos on Demand

When I got my hard drive from IP Expert, I was anxious to start watching the videos. And boy was I grateful! Straight to the point, simplied language that helps you understand instead of just make you feel smart, but wasn’t insulting either. IE’s class on demands are great for more material, but the IP expert videos are spectacular first pass materials.  Of course, what I haven’t mentioned yet is that the videos that i have from IP Expert are all done by Scott Morris, who is an instructor at IE now.

Personal Notes

Nothing beats your own notes, as long as your own paraphrasing doesn’t screw you. Thats why I footnote everything. Whats really helped is having one word document with bullet points of configurations or areas that have given me trouble. Sort of a cheat sheet.

RFC’s

Ok, I can’t read through all of an RFC most of the time, but they’re best for setting the record straight when you have conflicting notes (besides the DocCD).  I’ve had to reference RFC 2328 (OSPF) more times then I can count. You wouldn’t believe how many people will post wrong stuff about OSPF. Don’t forget to browse the April Fool’s RFC’s

Blogs

Your reading this one aren’t you? The after lab posts are the greatest, doesn’t matter if it’s pass or fail.

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