While my experience on my first attempt was not the brightest one because I failed, I was able to open my mind and think on endless possibilities and maybe potential recommendations. I hope this helps other with their studies and strategies.
Studying and Muscle Memory: Do you studying… I think many instructors across the globe could not stress this one enough… but its right, going into the Lab with just few practice is not enough, muscle memory plays and interesting role on your experience. The need to know your IOS commands without Context Sensitive help is key (this one got me very bad).
Relax, and yes for at least couple of days before: I found myself very stressed out trying to study the day before the exam, I was very nervous and very anxious, I think this is part of the journey but if you have self control, and can take care of your emotions do so!!
*** The Device Approach***: Be careful with this one (you may feel tempted to slip and test every time you bang a solution… sadly my case), the key on this one is to make sure you know what you are doing is right. After reading of many success stories of people passing the exam I went ahead and took a look at this method. Really this method makes you go thru all your exam, review every single point and read the whole thing. while you are doing that make sure you are able to use your scratch paper and create a title for every device you will need to work on based on the questions. In other words the idea is not to have to go back to the same device again (in some cases) to do a different question.
Time to test your Solution: As many have said it, you need to be able to test, and if you are going to use the Device approach you need to do so with whatever time you have left after configuring everything on your lab.
Whatever your result may be just wait patiently: I found myself very stressed out even after I was coming back home… I was not able to truly rest for a minute until I received my results. Honestly I was even more stressed after thinking what I could have done better and why I failed.
A study group… maybe? I have not used this one but I will be looking forward to it.
To conclude with this post I think that this is a very possible test and that anyone that has gone thru all the study material, and the appropriate training can pass. My plan will be to attempt by the end of February or based on availability by beginning of March.
Also I wanted to invite everyone that reads this post to recommend any approach.
About the Author:
Andres Sarmiento, CCIE # 53520 (Collaboration) With more than 13 years of experience, Andres is specialized in the Unified Communications and Collaboration technologies. Consulted for several companies in South Florida, also Financial Institutions on behalf of Cisco Systems. Andres has been involved in high-profile implementations including Cisco technologies; such as Data Center, UC & Collaboration, Contact Center Express, Routing & Switching, Security and Hosted IPT Service provider infrastructures.