How do you study/prepare for the CCIE?
Reading allot of blogs out there, there seem to be quite a few different approaches to studying for the CCIE. Some people read entire books, go through full COD type classes and then go on to either protocol labs or multi protocol labs. Others well read and wing the exam, some are actually successful some are not. Some just do Mock Lab type scenarios.
I for one do this, first I’ll read a chapter in a book about whatever subject I happen to be on. For this I’m going to use OSPF. I read that chapter on lets say, Routing TCP/IP by Jeff Doyle.. (Awesome book!). Rather than read the whole book, I go to lets say my Internetwork Expert COD and go through the OSPF videos. Then afterward, I open up an OSPF specific protocol lab, in this case Internetwork Experts’ VOL1 labs. Then go through my notes during the lab practice or after, refresh on anything and move on. Only after I’ve fully done all protocols in this scenario, do I move on to full protocol labs or mock labs.
What is your study habit? How do you prepare? Any pointers, comments or advice more than welcomed.
10 Responses to “How do you study/prepare for the CCIE?”
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I study based on the blueprint for both the written and the lab. Note: Before studying the blueprint i must have read a couple of the important recommended texts(2 or 3).During my preparation i create my own sample scenarios to give a clearer understanding of the technology , if needed i consult an RFC.
After getting a good grasp of technology , i then try to put myself in the exam situation by using practise labs from any reputable vendor in a homelab or remote rack.
Finally i read the doc cd extensively for each blueprint topic and create my audio notes.
This strategy helped me pass RandS on first attempt and i will be using this strategy for Security(maybe slightly tweaked for better performance , considering SecurityV3’s notorious status)
September 4th, 2009 at 3:44 am
Good post, for now i am in my final preparation for the written (end-sept. exam) and i am looking forward to hearing from the others.
But Yandy’s preparation is quite logical (refresh the techno learnt during the written preparation then practice) and i was going to do the same but without the CoD (i don’t know if i am going to purchase it or not).
Thanks Yandy
September 4th, 2009 at 8:53 am
In the first phase of my studies, I did pretty much what you did. Pick one technology at a time. Read about it, watch some videos on it, and then lab it up using a technology focused workbook. Move to the next technology and repeat. I found that method helped me get a good foundation of the technologies.
Once I had a good foundation, I then moved on to multi-protocol lab workbooks, mock labs, etc. As I had weaker areas pointed out to me, I would go back and re-read some chapters or re-watch videos on my trouble technologies.
September 6th, 2009 at 3:42 am
The COD could cost you a lot of time. I would only use it for those areas you are really weak on. I recommend the Cisco 360 program VODs for I find that they have the highest ratio on time and relevancy/effectiveness.
About the technology workbook I.. it would be easy if a workbook could be without errors or without parts which may be vague in some way to you.. so look for the best vendor support.. and not just peer support..
Another point is the style of explanation.. one style is more focused on the theory and tries to be as complete as possible so that in most cases you could do without the DOCCD.. while another style is a mix of theory and task approach strategy.. in which case you will need the DOCCD if you want more theory/explanation.. see if you need active vendor support and see which explanation style fits more to your needs.
Cheers,
Lucio Jankok
September 28th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Lucio do you have the troubleshooting COD from the 360 program ?If yes how good is it ?
Unfortunately the CCIE exam because of the mixing of theory ,Configuration , troubleshooting and expanded blue print has become a huge beast very difficult to tackle. The biggest problem is retention of knowledge,you go over those 20 -30 OSPF scenarios and you think you got them,but after having done the 30-40 bgps ,20-30 qos etc I found out that I forgot quite a bit of ospf.You start from scratch again
and the process repeats itself although I tend to retain more but it is really time consuming.Also the variety of tools available is very confusing and there is a tendency to jump from one source to another again very time consuming.Determination and dedication are the only “methods” and never give up
eventually I’ll pass.
October 5th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Giorgio,
We will be coming up with 10 Super Troubleshooting Mock labs 2.0 and it will be available within the next two, MAX three weeks, i highly recommend it.
October 6th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Because the DOCCD will be your only reference during the lab, that should be an integral part of your studies. As you are learning each technology, be sure you know where to find it in the DOCCD. This will help save time when you stumble during the lab and need to look something up.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I highly recommend the 360 program. The VoDs are filled with all kinds of wonderful information. I also enjoy the 4 hour labs, as they cover quite a bit in each one.
October 10th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Having just received Narbik’s new Advanced Workbook I can only say that if his troubleshooting book is half as good as this it will still be amazing. Well worth every penny and probably a beer or two on top of that.
October 25th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Just went through the blogs…
Im planning to start studying for CCIE security track.. but im really confused as to where to start from and the material to use for study…. I really need some advise…..
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