Hi,

I’m back for Brussels but unfortunately I didn’t pass this time either. I got a little bit closer as I passed the TS section this time. I was able to breeze through that.

I can’t seem to catch a break with the config section. I had an advanced lab but I knew most of the topics. Unfortunately I spent much time on the L2 section which was very advanced. When I had done all tasks I only had 1h left for verification and that was not enough.

Even though I answered almost every task it was not enough. My pitfall was lack of time and that I did not verify enough. I have accounted for 9p afterwards were I had everything correct except for some tiny detail, guess what, that means 0p in the CCIE lab. Even mistyping one single character can mean the grading script will fail. You have to have 100% attention for all the details in the lab.

Unfortunately I did not have a good proctor either. I felt he didn’t know the content of the exam well enough and was unable to answer my queries even when I showed the technical knowledge that I was not fishing for answers.

I have a lot going on right now as we are expecting a baby within weeks. I will try to go back in the fall if I find the time for studying.

Failed 2nd attempt
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16 thoughts on “Failed 2nd attempt

  • May 5, 2012 at 7:46 am
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    Hello Daniel

    Sorry to hear about the result. I would like to say take few days break, and get ready for the next attempt. Failure is just a part of the process , keep going and never ever give up.

    All the best for your next attempt.

    Thanks
    Manish

    Reply
  • May 5, 2012 at 8:26 am
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    Hi Daniel.

    I’m really sorry about your attempt, but you are getting closer!!!! passing the complex TS. I think that one time it’s done, you just need to be a little lucky and roll over the second part.
    You maybe should take your next chance in different location, I think that proctors are a big deal in this kind of test since, like you said, every single word can let you down.
    Enjoy your time now and get ready for the next attempt!!!!!

    Nersas.

    Reply
  • May 5, 2012 at 9:20 am
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    Hi Daniel,
    Until now I was only reading your blog, but this time I have to write something. I have just powered computer on and started reading newest tweets. I stopped for a minute when read yours. I’m sorry to hear that, but this time you passed TS! Congratulations. I imagine that this might be daunting but don’t give up. You are very close now. I keep fingers crossed for your next attempt…

    Reply
  • May 5, 2012 at 10:23 am
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    Daniel
    I know you wont give up you certainly got the knowledge to pass.Take care of your family first ofcourse and then go again.For the well prepared candidates like you it is just a matter of getting that doable,human exam that is passable this is the way that most candidates pass.
    What is difficult to predict is when that is going to happen,there the knowledge and the experience with the exam will make a big difference.Now enjoy your new baby and best wishes to you and family !!

    Reply
  • May 5, 2012 at 10:33 am
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    I used to read ur blog and you did a lot of hardwork.You have cleared TS session, and that is a great achievement. I am sure that you own the number on next attempt.

    Reply
  • May 5, 2012 at 5:08 pm
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    NEVER give up, especially that a baby is coming out. Goodluck

    Reply
    • May 5, 2012 at 10:13 pm
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      Thanks man. I know you are studying very hard. Good luck with your studies.

      Reply
  • May 6, 2012 at 12:04 pm
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    Hi Daniel,
    CCIE is about mental toughness. Keep working hard. Have another go in 2-3 months if you can. Good luck. You are almost there.

    Reply
  • May 7, 2012 at 1:07 am
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    Daniel – I’ve been following your posts for quite some time now and now the anguish of not passing a Cisco exam… Good luck with your new one! Don’t forget – 3rd time is a charm!!!

    Reply
    • May 7, 2012 at 6:18 am
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      Thanks Brice. I’m not really used to failing at something so it has been tough. It’s still been a great journey and I now my day will come. For now I have to step up for the family but I’ll be back in the game when everything settles down.

      Reply
  • May 7, 2012 at 1:40 pm
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    That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…. Stronger you are D.

    Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  • May 9, 2012 at 10:36 am
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    Sorry to hear that Daniel. I know it’s incredibly frustrating. It’s hard to say why some people seem to breeze through it and others have to work so hard at it. I know one thing is that i would rather have the 4 foundation questions and add the 2 hours of troubleshooting to the config section and no troubleshooting at all than the current situation.Don’t let it get you down.

    Reply
  • June 15, 2012 at 10:44 am
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    Hi Daniel – I recently failed my lab 1st attempt due to TS. I found faults in all tickets but not all faults! I need to get better at this. It would be great if you could share you troubleshooting scenarios.

    Reply
  • September 13, 2012 at 4:45 pm
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    Daniel,

    I’ve only just found your blog as I’ve been looking at people’s experiences of the lab in Brussels so I’m really sorry to hear you didn’t get your number on this attempt – you seem to know what’s needed from my experience of you from the INE route I’m following.

    If you have time, any chance of giving me a couple of one-liners about is the kit really there in Brussels, is the DocCD easily accessable and other such details so I (and maybe others) can decide wether to try the Brussels location or go elsewhere?

    Thanks and keep at it.

    Reply
    • September 13, 2012 at 6:00 pm
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      Hi Alan,

      Thanks for your encouraging words. The DOCCD is easily accessible via a shortcut on the desktop. Don’t count on it to be fast though. The lab has many topics so you cant visit the DOCCD too much or you will be out of time.

      From what I’ve heard the equipment is located in USA and we are accessing it remotely. I have never heard this from an official source though so I can’t be sure. The CLI was not too laggy though so no issues with that.

      The keyboard has US layout if you didn’t already know that so you should get one of those to practice on.

      Tell me if you need to know anything else.

      Reply

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