February 6, 2012

Am I Insane? CCIE R&S in 90 Days!

You may think so after what you are about to read. As many of you know, I have recently passed the CCIE Security Lab Exam. My next venture was planned to be the CCIE Voice. After assessing the landscape I’ve changed my mind. Here is what I am doing. It’s actually a little challenge. Do you think I can do it?

CCIE R&S in 90 days only using IPexperts End-to-End Program and the Cisco Doc Cd

Yes, you read it correctly. I plan on doing the CCIE R&S in 90 days using nothing but IPexpert products and Cisco Documentation. My study materials will include:

  • Volume 1 Lab Workbook & Proctor Guide
  • Volume 2 Lab Workbook & Proctor Guide
  • Lab Mentoring Kit with Video Tutorials
  • Video on Demand Lecture Series
  • Audio Lecture on Demand
  • Proctor Labs™ Online Rack Access
  • 10 days of intense training in an IPexpert classroom facility

I’ll also be using the Online Study List for R&S (Maintained by IPexpert), and of course, the Doc Cd.

I think its going to be interesting and I know others have gone down this path before. You may be familiar with Tassos who has done it in 3 months. The difference between us is that this will make two labs passed in one year. That is, if I can do it!

CCIE Voice Reading: Deploying Cisco Unified Presence

A few days ago I posted a list to the Cisco Press books on the CCIE Voice recommended reading list. There has been more conversation on the OSL regarding an updated list for the v3 Blueprint. Jason Granat, a list member, recommended the book “Deploying Cisco Unified Presence” by HouTong Luo. presence I’ve ordered my copy and its on the way! Thanks Jason! Great Recommendation.

CCIE Security Adds Core Knowledge Questions

For a short while now those working on routing and switching have been talking about the new Core Knowledge questions that can now make or break your lab. On May 15th Cisco announced the same change to the CCIE Security Lab exam.

So what does this mean for current CCIE Security Candidates? Well, for one, it means that you will be asked a series of four open-ended questions that require a short, typewritten response. Cisco says these will typically be several words. They are not looking for you to write a book, rather prove that you know the fundamentals. Like the Routing and Switching, as a CCIE Security Candidate you will get 30 minutes to complete this section prior to starting the hands-on portion and once you leave this section there is no looking back. This makes it even more important for you to know the fundamentals.

So how can you remain sharp when it comes to the fundamentals? I would recommend augmenting your hands on time with a review of the CCIE Security Written Exam Study guide from CCBootcamp, a read through Network Security Technologies and Solutions, and listening to the CCIE Security Audio Bootcamp from IPexpert.