They assured me you that don't need a CCIE to attempt the exam, but you do need the knowledge that comes with it.
I initially took the CCDP* exam to gauge myself, which covered not only fundamentals but also best practices; what was recommended given certain circumstances.
It took me three attempts and plenty of studying to pass the CCDE written exam.
It mainly combined Enterprise and Service Provider topics, while also adding some security as well, making it a mighty challenging exam on its own.
I had heard so many things about the exam; the style of the test, the amount of information, the reading and highlighting.
The exam made me realize that much more was needed; more knowledge, more reading, more experience.
I was able to pass the CCIE R&S** and Service Provider exams while preparing for the next available attempts for the CCDE exam.
It felt closer, knowledge-wise, as well as in exam experience.
Taking the exam was akin to being a meteorite getting closer to the earth: the more you approach it, the mightier the burn and pieces of you continue to fall unless you brace yourself.
The more perspectives you get, the better your technical arsenal will be when facing the exam.
On top of that, I had wonderful friends who were not studying to take the CCDE exam but were supporting me and teaching me things or supporting me as a person, as a friend: people like Peter Paluch, Daniel Dib, Mark Holm, Martin Novak, Ivan Zlatkov, David Chapcak, Matt Saunders, Kurt Claes, Peter Haluska, and Martin Duggan.
The CCDE exam is different from any other CCIE exam.
The exam is already stressful enough, and worrying about failing before taking it will only make me feel more anxious.
During my last attempt, I was focused on the exam itself, and the night before I thought: Well, whatever happens, I will give my best during the exam.
I did not know if I passed, and I was about to check the next available date for the exam.
Its contents had changed, and my written exam had already expired.
I brushed up on all the topics and studied for some weeks before feeling ready and, of course, having the looming shadow of the soon-to-be-retired exam over my head. To my luck, I passed, once again with a sweet 860.
Now, the exam was offered in Brussels like any other CCIE exam, so I did not have to juggle balls to book an exam in a Pearson Professional Center in Frankfurt or Madrid.
My Cisco Live US session catalog was all about things I needed for the exam, including a CCDE techtorial with Mark Holm, Zig Zsiga, and Rick Bauer, and several sessions about design.
During the exam, I was consuming energy drinks, water, coffee, sourworms, and Nutella biscuits.
This Cyber News was published on feedpress.me. Publication date: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:13:05 +0000