Took ICND 2 today and passed! I made the mistake of thinking I had more time than what Cisco was willing to give me, but I just finished up the last question with about 5 minutes to spare. As for the test, its what I expected (minus the time thing). I was worried going in because I didn't feel nearly as prepared for this one compared to the last one. But once I got in a groove, I felt I was in a good spot.
Overall advice; Read, lab, subnet (just like ICND 1). I was able to supplement my studies with on the job experience which was helpful (same for ICND1). I'd say for this one LAB alot. If you have a question on a certain topic or behavior, post up here and lab up at the same time. I labbed up some situations that I was having a hard time comprehending a few times and it helped tremendously.
Resources used (I'm literally copying/pasting this from my ICND 1 experience as the material was pretty much the same):
-Train Signal (Chris Bryant)
-Odom's ICND 2 Book (This book will fill any gaps in knowledge, very detailed)
-Lammele's CCNA book (left over from previous studies, good supplement if Odom makes you sleepy)
-Boson ex-sim (THIS was very helpful, gives you a good idea of cisco test format and presentation)
-CCNA in 60 Days (This is probably the most important piece for me, because it gave me structure and direction. On the topics in this book I felt were light, I supplemented with trainsignal, other books, etc. This guide hasn't let me down)**
-My lab (3 1760 routers, 3 2950 switches)
**UPDATE - you can pass the CCNA with the "CCNA in 60 days book" AS LONG AS YOU STUDY EVERY DAY (like he says). Its really a challenge (considering that life gets in the way...like alot), but doable. HOWEVER, some of the topics the book covered from day 31-60 (IMO) were rather light and need supplemental material (e.g Odom).
OH MY! I am absolutely glad that's over and done with. 60 days straight for both ICND 1 and 2. Now that this is out of the way, I am going to take the rest of the year off of certs, at least that's the plan. I have my first born due any day now, and a whole new chapter of life ahead of me. This accomplishes year 1 of my 5 year plan, so I am extremely satisfied with my progress.
As for cert path I am at the point where I either focus on CCNP, or go do CCNA:Sec, then CCNP. I have no idea what I should do yet, but I haven't really assessed everything. I will have to sit down and do so soon.
As always, thanks to the members at TE for indirectly answering questions I had or sharing their own experiences!
Got my victory Bourbon in hand (Blanton's).
Cant have too much though, I'm on "baby-watch 2013".
