Paul Boz wrote: Narbik is the man as far as I'm concerned. Although when you get to the CCIE level, most of your motivation and expertise should come from within, not from a third party. I've noticed from casual observation that those who teach themselves do better on their first and subsequent lab attempts than those that rely on third parties to get them through the exam. Too many people look for the gotchas and don't get the fundamentals that are needed to pass. Mind you that is also my philosophy for professional-level tracks as well. just my $.02.