Passed #11021

[Jay Greenberg]

This is the account that I posted on groupstudy a couple days after I passed my lab exam. I thought it might be helpful.

1st attempt in RTP, Jan 29 2003. CCIE #11021

(9997th certified - since the 1st certification was awarded #1024), I'm
happy I made it before #11024. The whole process, CCNA - CCIE took me
about 3 years.

Here is my philosophy on the whole matter, for what it's worth to those
still playing the game:

1) Nothing can replace honest hard work. I didn't buy any practice
labs, or any bootcamp sessions. I made my own practice labs, adapted
from the Solie book. i.e., I removed IPX and token ring and inserted
more current content. And then practice practice practice - there are
no shortcuts or cheat sheets.

2) Don't just practice with mini-labs, do multi-protocol labs and
fine-tune your test-taking strategy. Don't forget to develop a strategy
- ***mine was developed using peoples suggestions from GroupStudy***.

3) The Doc CD is your friend. I read and took notes on every *relevant*
document. You'll know you're ready when you're intimate with the docs,
and you know how to find anything without even thinking about it.
Memorize the locations of tables that you could use in the lab. The
docs store much that your brain doesn't have to; this way, you can make
room for learning dynamic content e.g. protocol mechanics.

4) Be honest with yourself - if you are scared of something, master it,
and every related command/feature.

5) When doing practice labs, get in the habit of drawing diagrams with
interfaces, ip addresses, ASNs, and use highlighters to mark protocol
locations. Having the "Big Picture" is important at test time.

6) If you are prepared, you'll pass. I was only truly prepared about 1
year after I initially thought I might have a shot - I just didn't think
I could take the rejection of failure - so I left no room for it.

7) If you're reading GroupStudy and someone starts talking about a fair-game protocol that you've never heard of, you're not ready.

The most important one, I almost forgot. Force yourself to RELAX. I
know it's not easy, but I had to convince myself that it was no big
deal, just so I could stop shaking and get some sleep the night before.
On that note, get sleep and eat well - I went to bed at 8:00 pm and woke
up at 5:00 am every night that I was in RTP, just to get in the habit.

9) Use GroupStudy - it's invaluable. There is no substitute for the level of support with protocol intricacies and idiosyncrasies that can be received there.