8 Weeks left...

So, I committed to myself to be ready to take the 640-816 exam by my birthday 5/29 and here is my progress...

On Chapter 12 in the ICND2 Odom book, I feel the last 5 chapters will go fast as life has slowed a bit and I am able to focus more now.
Took the CCNA test questions on here (55 questions)-scored 49% first try.
Some limited lab time using packet tracer and small home lab (2620 & (2) 2950s)
Created study sheets for chapters 1-11, to cram during the last 30 days or so.
Listening / Watching learning modules on CLN
Regularly checking into the forums here (just poking before studying more--gets me motivated to hear all the jargon).

My background includes my two current certs I obtained last year and completing all four semesters in the Cisco Networking Academy in 2001. I have many books as additional resources, because I was hot/cold on going for this exam in the past, but now I am committed to see it through.

My plan is to finish off the book over the next 3 weeks or so, while recreating the the concepts used in the book, in packet tracer. Once I finish the book, I will start digesting the boson practice exam in the book (and any other practice exam I can find), while memorizing the memory tables from the book.

So would you consider me on target, behind or ahead? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

notgoing2fail

fieldmonkey wrote: »

So, I committed to myself to be ready to take the 640-816 exam by my birthday 5/29 and here is my progress...
On Chapter 12 in the ICND2 Odom book, I feel the last 5 chapters will go fast as life has slowed a bit and I am able to focus more now.

Took the CCNA test questions on here (55 questions)-scored 49% first try.

Some limited lab time using packet tracer and small home lab (2620 & (2) 2950s)

Created study sheets for chapters 1-11, to cram during the last 30 days or so.

Listening / Watching learning modules on CLN

Regularly checking into the forums here (just poking before studying more--gets me motivated to hear all the jargon).

My background includes my two current certs I obtained last year and completing all four semesters in the Cisco Networking Academy in 2001. I have many books as additional resources, because I was hot/cold on going for this exam in the past, but now I am committed to see it through.

My plan is to finish off the book over the next 3 weeks or so, while recreating the the concepts used in the book, in packet tracer. Once I finish the book, I will start digesting the boson practice exam in the book (and any other practice exam I can find), while memorizing the memory tables from the book.

So am I on pace, behind or ahead. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Good luck. I can't see why you wouldn't be able to accomplish your goal. Just drop a line around here if you have any questions about anything.

Odom is great, but can be confusing too sometimes with his teaching methods. I've already made a decision not to listen to him on certain topics, going elsewhere for them.

fieldmonkey

notgoing2fail wrote: »

Odom is great, but can be confusing too sometimes with his teaching methods. I've already made a decision not to listen to him on certain topics, going elsewhere for them.

Thanks... I just don't want to undershoot my readiness and have a panic attack like I did before the CCENT.

As for the comment regarding Odom, I felt the same way when I bought the Cisco Press books and started studying. At this point though, I have somewhat changed my opinion. While he is VERY dry and boring to read than other references, it seems he is VERY thorough and in a way setting you up for the next phase of studying.

I have Lammle's book too, but it throws me off if I try to read it too much, so I use it as a cross reference when I am trying to get my head wrapped around a topic.

notgoing2fail

fieldmonkey wrote: »

Thanks... I just don't want to undershoot my readiness and have a panic attack like I did before the CCENT.

As for the comment regarding Odom, I felt the same way when I bought the Cisco Press books and started studying. At this point though, I have somewhat changed my opinion. While he is VERY dry and boring to read than other references, it seems he is VERY thorough and in a way setting you up for the next phase of studying.

I have Lammle's book too, but it throws me off if I try to read it too much, so I use it as a cross reference when I am trying to get my head wrapped around a topic.

Yeah very thorough, that can be a good or bad thing. I'm also a horrible test taker. Eventhough I did very well on my first CCNA exam, overall, I'm just a bad test taker. It's always been apart of me, I don't think it will ever change.....no matter how much I prepare....

fieldmonkey

Onto chapter 13 today! Frame Relay!!!

notgoing2fail

fieldmonkey wrote: »

Onto chapter 13 today! Frame Relay!!!

Great, I just finished that chapter 2 days ago. Feel free to ask me any questions....