Still can't believe it
Now off to decide on specialization.
Materials used:
* Techexams.net (forums are great
)
* Sybex CCNA 5th edition by Todd Lammle
* Testout CD (Videos plus troubleshooting practice)
* CCNA Prepcenter (cisco.com)
*
www.protocols.com
*
www.thebryantadvantage.com (good daily email with various questions)
* Dynamips (essential for passing if no access to real equipment available)
* google
First attempt was on 12.01.2007 - score 796
by then I have read Sybex book 1.5 times and done some real world configuring with some switches and routers. obviously not enough hands on experience was acquired since I had to skip all sims because of inability to complete them. Frustrating nonetheless.
Second attempt was today 15.02.2007 - score 987
More Sybex reading while commuting (4h/day)! Now I see dreams about Todd mentoring me. A lot of visits to aforementioned forums for clarification. CCNA Prepcenter discussions helped to clear up ambiguous questions that arise during learning process.
Dynamips installed and various topologies explored/tested. Getting comfortable with CLI was a real helper.
Regaining my confidence was a bit harder than everything else. What helped was results from test CD. When I constantly got >85% in them, I felt much better.
Exam itself wasn't hard. I can't stress enough how essential it is to undestand what is asked. Read and re-read until you are sure.
Also the sims this time didn't scare me, since I knew the right approach to them
I really feel like I've returned to university
Drinks and cakes are saved for tomorrow. Actually I scheduled exam for tomorrow, but since all seats were taken, test center offered me an earlier date.
I was intimidated and couldn't refuse
Good luck to everyone else who still strives for CCNA
Inc
