My CCIE Journey

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NOTE: This entry has been edited

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Few minutes ago, the results finally appear.

I have a strong confident in taking the exam and after it was over, I also have a strong confident that it will fail :)

Pitfalls:

• not 'fast' enough for the unusual tasks
• shocked and carried away (and disturbed) by two tasks that I have never met before in various practices that I did (sorry can't tell on this but I will surely hunt for the answer)
• it is very possible to do it, yet I am confident that the mark was not given due to inability to meet the expected result (the 'show' part)

No problem, the score feedback has enlighten me on which area that I must focus on the next attempt.

Now, the journey on that attempt ...

I woke up unusually early in order not to miss the flight on Sunday. Departed from home to the shuttle bus station and arrive in the airport 2.5 hours before the scheduled flight!!!

At first, they flight board schedule mentioned that I must go to gate 21. There I was for almost 1.5 hours (and sleeping nicely)

When I woke up, the waiting area in that gate was almost jam-packed with passengers willing to fly in the same 'flight' that I took. It turned out that the gate has changed!!!

Off I go to the big flight schedule board again and found out that now I must go to gate 3 (which is in the other opposite wing of the airport). It was still another 1 hour to go for the departure and I walk nicely there (like a drunken master, because I just awaken from me 'airport sleep'). Gate 3 has fewer seats in the waiting area and I walk around just to freshen myself.

Then ... the flight was delayed!!! We were on board for almost 45 minutes after the schedule take off time but the airplane was just sitting in the middle of 'elephant trunk' and the landing strip. Soon after, the Captain announced that there was some technical issues with the landing gear (or engine?? I was not pretty sure because I just awaken - again)

Quickly I switched on my mobile to get hold of the shuttle company that supposed to pick me up from airport to hotel later on. Which is, sadly, I can't hear a thing. After few attempts, I ask a favor from the hotel to call up the shuttle service and arrange for reschedule. Surprisingly the hotel said they never provided the service (of course, because the hotel staff pass me the shuttle confirmation from third party). There I was, getting ready to let go the shuttle booking fee.

Finally the flight took of (after almost 90 minutes delay) and landed at the destination safely (*phew*), ... and the shuttle company was not helpful at all. They are willing to pick me up again with additional charges almost the same price with the booking price! *&^%

So, I took bus to the city and continue with train instead, which cost me less than a quarter of the booking fee from that *&^% shutle company :)

After checking in, I took a very quick lunch and back to the hotel .. and ... dozed off again (gee, I must have been very tired then???)

In the evening, I meet up with one of my CCIE 'mentor' that coincidentally meet up with another CCIE for dinner.

The dinner was fun, I got few guides and tips on the exam approach and my 'mentor' mentioned that I supposed to be ready with this and wish me the best luck :)

In the morning, I received the breakfast delivered to my room (because I don't want to bother finding a breakfast place). I arrived in the exam lcoation by 08:10 (I think) and finally meet another Indonesian CCIE candidate (which I normally greet in the mailing list).

There were another 4 candidates along in that exam: 1 R&S (2nd attempt), 2 voice (also 2nd attempt) and 1 security (I think she is doing her 2nd attempt)

All in all ... the exam progresses as I expected, but I start slowing down after 3rd hour (no idea what is the cause, because I was too focus on 'how to solve ...' the tasks by attempting several config that I usually do in the practice from IEWB)

Oh, in the beginning of the exam, my computer crahsed!!! Heee haaa, this is worse than blue screen of death, it is red-green-blue-and-black-strips-of-death-with-nothing-to-respond-including-keyboard :) When I tried to locate the power button to force reboot the computer, the Proctor came in and I 'proudly' showed him on the 'scenic view' :) After the computer rebooted, it works as normal till the end of the day.

Now, that means I have another 6 weeks (at least) to take my 2nd attempt.

Three more days! This is it!

I feel the strong wind of enjoying the exam. I believe that I will pass, I believe that I could overcome all tasks and produce the correct config and output and I believe that I could be a CCIE.

Over confident?? Hopefully no :)

I need to ensure on the following thins:

• Read between the lines
• Do not assume (as like my real life and work as well, do not assume until you got direct confirmation from source, as for the exam case: the Proctors)
• Tick every tasks that I have done. Once a task consume more than 5 minutes just to think, skip it and get back to it later!
• Relax and enjoy the exam, but do not fall behind the time
• 10 points per hour target???
• Make sure I completed the first pass of all tasks within 3 hours (normally I did it within 2 hours)
• Second pass, tackle the small points (i.e.: 2-3 point tasks)
• Third pass, tackle the bigger points (i.e.: 3-4 point tasks and partial 4-point and above tasks)
• Fourth pass, tackel the biggest points (i.e.: 4 points and above)
• Fifth pass till 2 hour before the exam, recheck
• Last pass within last 2 hour of exam: save all and reload all devices. Check that the results are still the same like the last pass.

I will have no idea whether this will give me higher passing chance or not, at least I would have given it a try during exam.

Remember, I only need 80 points to pass, not 100 :) However, I will put extra points in for safety net. (I will give my best shot to solve all anyway, but in case some of the tasks are completed partially and it does not break the rest of the tasks, I would leave it that way)

I will share the stories after I returned from the exam (with glory and fame???? Hahaha)

Tonight, I have the CCIE Assessor B review for two hours.

At the beginning of the sessions, I experienced some computer hiccups *mumbling* *mumbling*

... and the best part is: I only remember it jsut right at the start of the review (thanks to my loyal alarm clock!)

The lab was set exactly like the CCIE Assessor B for 4 hours duration. However, this time, I manage to complete it at 80% (completion, not the score ...)

It make me think: what if during exam I put my mind that the lab is only available for 4 hours??? Maybe I could quickly done the configs in a blazing speed of finger-walk (just like Michael Jackson's moonwalk - heee heee, awww!)

It is coming clear now that CCIE is all about: experience, (mental and psychology) control, stress management and the minor factor is: technical knowledge!

The minor factor comes into small factor because: CCIE candidate had experienced a lot of technical configurations in the past, be it from work, labs, study or even theory (the last one is dangerous if you never put it in practice!)

I remember one time in the past when I tried to give moral support to me CCIE friend that was about to go double-CCIE. I remember telling him "it is all in your mind - morpheus", which I take it from my favourite movie "The Matrix"

Now it is my turn to experience the same wording: it is all in my mind

I believe I could do this lab, I believe I could perform required tasks, I believe I could understand what is being asked, I believe there is always answer from UniverCD during lab session, I believe that ... I will pass this lab and come out as CCIE #17xxx

One week to go (6 days to be precise) with only 5 effective days to practice.I will follow other candidate's advice to give myself a relaxing day before the exam. Thus I now only have 5 more days for the practice before the exam clock starts ticking.

Nervous??? Surprisingly no (???)

Does this mean that I am really ready? Because during my past study experiences, if I am nervous the score is good and while I am confident the score is bad.

But, that is for the pen-and-paper tests :) I believe the practice exam would be different ;)

Anyway, today I felt something strange: my left eyes are acting differently. It feels like I have stared at the sun for prolonged period. Thus I felt there was a bright light blocking my left area.

Looks like I am physically tired, so I took a quick rest and I felt fresh immediately.

Wow, both CCIE assessor are really a great value to have!

Assessor A, I could only collect 30%, while Assessor B I could only do 18%

If looking at the result, this feedbak shows a hopeless result after studying in the last 4-5 months.

However, I gathered a lot of valuable inputs.

The AutoVerify system works well in both Assessor. I was shocked after seeing the assessor B AutoVerify feedback. However, after revisitting the config, I just noticed that I have not done that config (which I thought I did, common excuse doesn't it???).

The breakdown of each tasks clearly showed me that I could achieve more than 80%. The only challenge is: how can I be sure that I have done all required tasks???

When I recall from various sources, I remember several tasks that I could use in order to verify certain things.

This includes only a simple ping and show. Can you think of anything else???

During the lab practice from IEWB and this assessor, I still keep my habit of turning on debugging in pin pointing the problem. It has proven that this technique (habit???) is a valuable part of my daily job as network engineer (ah ha ... finally I admit that I am a network engineer!!! :D ).

Another set of lab, two reviews and one mock lab waiting for me until the day. It is now counting down from 10 towards my lab exam.

One last thing: this is one of the exam experience and journey that I don't feel nervous/ stress at all. Is there something wrong with me??? over-confident??? or am I actually ready for this???

I can't answer this until the results come out, which I still like seeing it as "Yesss, I am (now) a CCIE"

If I don't see it happening, here are several results why I must pass this exam: gift for my wife that I could achieve this, gift for myself in order to win some future prospect in the near future and this (CCIE) is the key in getting several privilege and bright path in the coming way for my life (and my family)

If you don't have that stress put on you while you are doing CCIE lab preparation, you are luckier than me. But, I might be luckier than several other people that I could do this preparation with very limited budget and with the stress put on me while I still could perform better in my life :)

Counting down to 17 minutes to CCIE assessor B!

I have learned an invaluable lessons from assessor A (non-exam related lesson). It is more towards strategi on tackling the exam questions.

We'll see the result this time :)

Yep, 14 more days left before the exam day.

I got shocking but (un)surprised result from the assessor lab: 30 is my points!

What did I do wrong? Nothing! But, I missed a lot of points in understanding the questions.

Thus, I change my strategy for tackling the questions (sorry, I can't post any questions due to NDA)

Below are several steps in tackling the questions:

• Read the questions (... and I agree with various assessors: this does not have to be iterated many times, jsut read the questions!)
• During reading the questions, if certain answers pop up in your head, write it down before the wind blow it away
• Answer the questions that you could do first
• It does not matter if the tasks is incomplete, as long as the part that you could answered are done properly
• Do not hesitate to iterate the tasks over and over again. Who knows you got the clue from the next tasks?
• Try your best to put in the configuration as soon as possible.
• Answering the tasks in sequential order completely is good, but it would be better if you could answer most questions (even though it is not sequential)
• Proctor is your friend (this is to be confirmed after I take the exam, but I believe proctor is as nervous as the exam taker. Details below)

How dare I said that 'proctor is as nervous as the exam taker'???

Because I have been exam proctor myself. I have been proctoring C programming, general IT and Cisco Academy Exam itself.

Why proctor could be nervous? In case the equipment broke down, in case the questions have answers that the proctor never sen before (and it worked!), in case the questions are very misleading and (even) proctor themselves could not explain it, and a lot of in case(s) that might happen.

Proctor is still human, they could make mistake (and so are the exam taker). Believe me, many exam proctors (not just in Cisco) have tried their best to pass the exam candidates. It is the candidates that decided not to pass the exam (I experienced this myself both as exam candidate and as proctors, so believe me this happens).

The difference of nervous level between exam taker and proctor are nothing. Both have similar challenge (yes, none of it is more difficult than the other).

I might say this to encourage myself, but I could only show the result after the exam ends. Be it fail or pass is not the matter, as long as I enjoy doing the exam and provide the solution that the exam need (not the proctor).

Hey ... why don't I become CCIE proctor once I passed??? Any offer from Cisco on this??? ;)

Wow, the assessor lab is amazing!

It still feels like the old times when I accesseed TNI remote labs. Good job guys!

The result might be poor and far below my expectation. At least I know one thing: I need to read between the lines of each questions properly.

The rest are just technique and strategy in answering the questions.

I found out the UniverCD is really useful as usual. 'As usual' here refers to my habit of accessing UniverCD at my work with my clients as well. Thanks to my client that pushes me for a challenging tasks that requires me to access UniverCD quite frequent :)

Next week would be even more challenging: CCIE Assessor B and Internetwork Expert's mock lab.

It is getting closer and I can smell my number already!!!

This is it! The time is closer now before my mock lab through CCIE assessor lab.

I'll get back after 4 hours! :)

Today, I feel fresh air blowing towards me!

Just few minutes ago, I received official confirmation from Cisco that my lab payment is finally settled (thanks CCIE team, you have done a great job even with troublesome payment system due to upgrade).

Hotel and flight booking immediately settled in a matter of 30 minutes after I got that good news.

Strange thins is: I was looking at the CCIE location to book the hotel and flight before I got the confirmation. Since I forgot my frequent flyer number, I have to request the pin to be sent to my email. When I chekced my email, the payment confirmation cought my attention than other emails.

When I update the CCIE page, there you go: paid by xxx has been shown :D

Just a quick flash back after 29 May 2006 this year. It has been an amazing journey that I have so far. Many challenges come and go and I was carved to be a better person. I still feel the gift of myself being carved to be better and better but we'll talk about it in separate occasion through my other blog.

As I started my hourney, I remember doing the lab with 'the Biggest Loser' TV show as my background noise. But amongst thoise noise, I took a glimpse once in a while on that shows and it amazes me on how willing these contestants are to shed their weight.

What does it reflect to me then? If I could imagine, the 'fat' in those contestants are my 'negative mind' of scared to take the CCIE Lab.

Jsut like the Loser contestans, they fight to be the most that loose weight, I fight every single day since I pass my written to struggle with whatever I have at the moment to be a CCIE.

In the end, I manage to start the lab with .... simulator, coupled with Internetwork Expert Workbook (the script can be found here or follow the menu on the right called 'c7200 scripts')

One more thing: the theme song of Biggest Loser inspired me to move on and it become hit during that time as well.

The lyrics is below. What I would like to happen is: after I complete my exam, I got the number and I could yell 'YESSS' with both arm high in the air, and the song starts playing ...

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Lift by Shannon Noll

I know you're hurting
Feels like your learning
'Bout life the hard way
And it ain't working
Seems like forever
That you've been falling
It's time to move on
Your life is calling, yeah

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

Chorus:
Cos i know how hard it can get
But you've gotta lift
You've gotta lift
And sometimes that's how it is
But i know you're stronger
Stronger than this
You've gotta lift
You've gotta lift

When you can feel your
Whole body's aching
What's left of your heart
It wont stop breaking
You've got to let go
You took a hit
Time to pick up now
Move on from this

This was never meant to be the end
Close the book and start again

Chorus

You've got to lift yourself up above all the hurt
Don't give in
Wipe your eyes and remember you're better
than this
Let them know that they took their best shot
and they missed
Come on and lift

Chorus

Pick up now...
Pick up now...

I have set the payment more than 28 days as per requested and more than 10 days has lapsed but I did not receive any news. After emailing CCIE team twice, finally I got the confirmation!

The remaining non-study preparation now is: book flight and hotel.

CCIE lab, here I come!

Yet another weekend now :)

If you notice, there is a new link created in the 'Links' menu on the right called 'c7200 scripts'

Feel free to use it and I will keep improving it as I progresses through my lab preparation

Anyway, somehow with this preparation, I start to be in touch again with my scripting side. Coincidentally, I was having a constructive discussions with my peers on this. All the good news are coming the way (sorry, can't tell much yet)

(while taking a short break from my intensive 1-month lab session ...)

Since the start of my CCIE journey, I have faced various challenges and doubts. I will talk about doubts more this time ...

When I reviewed my desire to be multiple CCIE, it was more towards privileges that I was searching for. But, it is now changed/ added by another factor: Silicon Valley!

Long time a go, for me, Silicon Valley is just another dream that was impossible to achieve. I hear stories, seeing pictures, reading news an articles on people in SV is ... amazingly ... wow!

I can't keep my oohs and aahs on those high ahiever group of people in SV. It amazes me until I was struck in the idea to forget about going there at all!!!

Since starting University, I joined a group of business enterpreneurs (through Multi Level Marketing - so called), and I learned a lot of valuable lessons on motivations, dremas and achievements. This idea came from .. where else: United States, where Silicon Valley is! But the business group is not from SV at all :)

What I am trying to say is: all this idealist lifstyle on SV and other U states are similar: they are high achievers.

Meanwhiile, in various occassions when I have chat with my wife, we keep telling each other that both of us are idealist and 'high class'. We are not trying to separate ourself from others, but since we met, we keep on looking for quality of everything for out life and lifestyle. It is just happen that if we couldn't afford it, we prefer not to do it at all.

Going back to the doubt. After I complete my first CCIE, will I stand to hold on to it even though my job might not be related with any CCIE requirements at all??? Honestly, I believe I might not be hangin' that long :)

But, to spice up life, I will try to stick with as many CCIE exam as possible. It is now becoming proof to me that I could do it even with the most impossible scenario/ situation.

I can't say anything n\much on this. I can only proof it, to my self, to my friends and to others that 'it is all in your mind' :)

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Additionally, my doubt might be caused by constructive discussions that I have with 'future' Indonesian Engineer Group. We had a stimulating discussion last saturday and, personally, I learned a lot of things that I did not expect to get from the discussion, thanks guys for giving insights to me :) At least I know that going to Silicon Valley is not impossible at all.

Last but not least. since my journey away from my home (Indonesia), I become aware of the rich life potential of someone if he/she wished to. I used to be a pessimist of my own life. My self confidence is nearly zero and there is no hope that I could be like this in the past.

How did I change? It is all in my mind! I start reading books, put it into practice and here I am now. I can't claim that I am succeeded in my life. For me, success is a journey, not a destination (I got this phrase from one motivational poster that I saw in one office in Jakarta back in 1996).

p.s.: that poster also have a fine print: if success is a destination, you must be dead