CCNP - Passed Switching Exam w/ 857!

Author

Passed Switching Exam w/ 857!

bugmn99

2001-06-23, 6:10 pm

Not too shabby, right? Honestly though, I primarilly used Todd Lamele's Switching Exam Guide by Sybex and I wish I had used something else. Nearly half of what I saw on the exam was not in that book.

Not that I don't recommend the book, I just recommend it as a supplement to something more in depth and/or hands on experience.

I also used the Colt exams on CCO. While I didn't manage to pass even one of those, they were very helpful and probably the closest I've seen to the real thing as fas as content (hint, hint).

So I'm on to the Routing test next. For this one I plan on using BSCN and Routing Exam Prep Guide by Cisco Press. Incidently, I've also found that this forum is extremely helpful at times. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who gets worried when they bomb a practice exam! Take it from me, I managed to get through this test and I still don't think I can pass a Colt exam. So don't let them discourage you. Just pay attention to what you see on them.

One question I have for those of you that are in the middle of the CCNP process. How long do you generally give yourselves between exams? I plan on studying for at least 2 months, if not 3. Just wondering.

Omletteboy

2001-06-23, 8:10 pm

Time is irrelevant. It depends on when you are ready... Some do an exam every two weeks, some every two months. It's up to you. Don't let others dictate your speed cuz the bottom line is you are writing the exam and you are the one forking out the money.

Anyways congrats on passing your switching and good luck on your routing.

aktribes

2001-06-23, 10:56 pm

Congrats!! I passed my switching exam this friday too

I used the exam cram and Cisco Pres by Webb for my prep. I highly recommend that combo!

Cheers,

aktribes

kjones

2001-06-24, 6:15 pm

Good Job, Congratulations

peterd

2001-06-25, 2:41 am

Hi,

I agree with Omletteboy, everyone takes their own time to prepare for exams. It depends on what level you're starting from.

I run a small WAN running EIGRP, most of the BSCN stuff was new to me, so I read the Ciscopress book three times over a six month period before I felt confident.

Other people in here with more experience are ready within a few days of reading the book.

I plan to take the switching and then the remote access exams at approximately three month intervals and the CIT around February next year.

Regards
Peter

bugmn99

2001-06-25, 8:15 am

Well, I've got the experience with OSPF and general IP/routing but I've heard that there's not a whole lot of OSPF on the test. I'm going to have to fiddle with EIGRP & BGP to really comprehend them. The books are all well and good but they don't beat actually seeing them on a real router.

peterd

2001-06-26, 1:42 am

Hi Bugmn99,

tests vary, but generally there'll be 30%+ OSPF, 40%+ BGP, 15% EIGRP and 15% (or whatever's left) general stuff...

If you know OSFP well then you just need to concentrate on BGP with a bit of EIGRP thrown in.

Good luck,
Peter

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