Switch & Tshoot passed.

bermovick

So I passed switch back on the 1st. I didn't feel I was entirely ready (but do we ever?). Scored an 868 which wasn't too shabby. Had to completely forget the 10-minute sim rule on one that took me around 30 minutes before I decided I'd done all I was going to be able to do.

Passed Tshoot today with a 917. Was fairly easy. The last 2 tickets threw me off - in fact I aborted the 2nd to last one, then totally went in the wrong direction on the last one. I didn't realize that the trouble/fix I chose didn't even make any sense until it was too late (I had clicked 'done'). Oh well, I can't complain about a 917.

Not sure what's next on my plate. I see 4 possibilities - picking up the Design (CCDP) is only 2 exams. I've heard with them being mostly theory they're a bit dry/boring, so while I could see the usefulness, I'm not sure I could stick with it. I could start on the CCNP Security (since I have the CCNA Security). The exams look interesting, but I'm not too sure how much use I'd get out of a vendor-specific security cert of that level. I could jump on the CCIE bandwagon, and am giving it serious thought, or I could focus on the 3 areas covered by the CCIP - each of those looks interesting, and the time spent there applies some towards the IE anyway.

Saturday and Sunday night - time for

Roguetadhg

I'd say do the CCIE, but man. After calculating the cost of doing a CCIE.. I'll have a tough time getting to that level without company help.

It doesn't mean you can't study for it though

Yeah, I heard the same about the Design Track. Theory. As much as I enjoy "Theory", which isn't much... It goes hand in hand. You only need 2 exams to get to CCDP, and each exam you pass, you get a nice certification
DESGN for CCDA, ARCH for CCDP.

...I've spent 11 hours looking the tracks -_-...

kmcintosh78

AS highly touted the CCIE is, for me, it is to much theory.
Kind of like going from a Tech role, to a Manager role, in my eyes at least.
Personally, I say go the CCDP route.
With that under your belt, you could start doing side contract jobs, designing networks for companies.
Figure, spend about 3 weeks, put together 8 basic Network templates, and you are set.

I know many of network people that do this and have a 9-5 job.

Congrats on the pass.

I am about half way through my studies for CCNP route, which for me will be the hardest, since I deal with Switches and ASA all day.

Cat5

kmcintosh78 wrote: »

AS highly touted the CCIE is, for me, it is to much theory.
Kind of like going from a Tech role, to a Manager role, in my eyes at least.

I agree. And IEs are usually perpetually on-call. Also, if you're an IE, the buck stops with you; you have to solve the issue - there's no one to hand it off to. Of course, I'm generalizing, but you know what I mean. I'm not sure I want to live with a beeper (haha!) on my waist the rest of my working life.

kmcintosh78

Oh, don't think that they don't talk to other CCIEs about issues.
My lead is a CCIE, and he always talks with a couple other guys, and they help each other.
But, I agree with the idea that a CCIE is one that is the top techie, end all be all.

It is a great goal to achieve, but just not for me.

Once I get the generic CCNP, I will be looking for some attachment CCNP, and maybe look to learn some Java programming.
I like to stay well rounded.

SharkDiver

After finishing the CCNP last year, I decided I was going to go back and pick up the CCDA. I started reading the book and really was so bored with the material that, for the first time ever, I stopped reading.

After a month of not wanting to read any more, I got the MPLS book and started a path toward the CCIP. Much better material. So I guess it's MPLS, BGP and QoS for me.

vinbuck

I keep hearing horrible things about the Design track...is it really that bad? I'm planning on tackling the CCIP next anyway.

bermovick

I think with it just being theory, you end up having to memorize a bunch of dry facts (PPDIOO, etc I expect). Not really my cup of tea at this time.