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Passed GCIA today

Paul BozPaul Boz Member Posts: 2,620 ■■■■■■■■□□
in GIAC
Passed the GCIA with an 86% this afternoon. I only had about a week to prepare (difficult to study through major re-constructive thumb surgery, working 80 a week, and traveling) so I'm completely pleased with my score.

It was by-far the most difficult of the SANS certs I've challenged and comprised of elements from the GCFW, GSEC, and GCIH. It was the most technically demanding of the courses and I feel that without a strong understanding of TCP/IP you're screwed. I have observed that about 40% of the questions on my previous SANS exams were lay-ins but this test made you fight for every answer, almost literally. I have traditionally challenged the exams in two hours (about half of the alloted time) but this one took me to the limit with about 5 minutes to spare.

GSE is only one paper or exam challenge away now.. :)
CCNP | CCIP | CCDP | CCNA, CCDA
CCNA Security | GSEC |GCFW | GCIH | GCIA
pbosworth@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/paul_bosworth
Blog: http://www.infosiege.net/
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    Dakinggamer87Dakinggamer87 Member Posts: 4,016 ■■■■■■■■□□
    Congrats on pass!! icon_thumright.gif
    *Associate's of Applied Sciences degree in Information Technology-Network Systems Administration
    *Bachelor's of Science: Information Technology - Security, Master's of Science: Information Technology - Management
    Matthew 6:33 - "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
    Certs/Business Licenses In Progress: AWS Solutions Architect, Series 6, Series 63
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    docricedocrice Member Posts: 1,706 ■■■■■■■■■■
    With only one week to prepare for it, that's an awesome score. There's no way I could have achieved that on such short notice. I'll agree that without a decent understanding of TCP/IP, you're going to have very tough time getting through the exam.
    Hopefully-useful stuff I've written: http://kimiushida.com/bitsandpieces/articles/
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    Bl8ckr0uterBl8ckr0uter Inactive Imported Users Posts: 5,031 ■■■■■■■■□□
    Awesome man. Do you plan to do a test or a paper yet?
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    Paul BozPaul Boz Member Posts: 2,620 ■■■■■■■■□□
    I would love to write a paper, because I feel there are many potential subjects I could write a meaningful paper on - I just don't have time at this point in my career to sit down and bust out a paper. I would just rather sit another exam and take care of it the long way.


    Oh yeah, for anyone taking this course or the GCFW, either print off your own protocol headers and options or bring a copy of TCP Illustrated (or something similar). You should have to seldom reference them but I know that I wouldn't fault anyone for not knowing something obscure about a header off the top of my head.
    CCNP | CCIP | CCDP | CCNA, CCDA
    CCNA Security | GSEC |GCFW | GCIH | GCIA
    pbosworth@gmail.com
    http://twitter.com/paul_bosworth
    Blog: http://www.infosiege.net/
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    iVictoriVictor Member Posts: 45 ■■□□□□□□□□
    Congrats! That's a pretty good score given the time-frame of preparation.
    This is the Right Time
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    ipchainipchain Member Posts: 297
    Congratulations Paul! That's an incredible score given the amount of time you had to prepare for it. I agree with you in that GCIA was no piece of cake, it made you work for every question. I'd dare to say that it is the hardest SANS exam I have taken to date, but that is just me.

    What's next for you? It looks like a few of us will be GSE candidates real soon.
    Every day hurts, the last one kills.
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