As always, I want to share what I believe is important to successfully pass CCIE lab. This time I'm not going to talk about technical part. Enough was said by many people. Contrary to that, most of the time CCIE candidates miss one very important part of the exam - mental preparation and physical health.
No, I'm not going to give you advice to go to the gym instead of spending hundreds or thousands of hours in front of CLI, but here is what I trust is important:
1. Align your preparation schedule with the lab time.
For the past 3 months, every single weekend at 7 am I have already been sitting and doing mock troubleshooting labs. And yes, weekdays also. Your body has to be ready to think and act fast early in the morning. Troubleshooting was by far the most difficult part of the lab for me as time was very limited, GUI was unknown, etc.
2. Sleep well. Don't be exhausted when the lab time comes.
3. Use secret weapon - ear plugs. I took mines to the lab and the proctor allowed me to use them no problems. I was so grateful I didn't forget them at home, they helped me to concentrate more easily (in fact, earplugs were the first thing I packed to my backpack before going to Toronto! :)).
4. And the last but not least - get support from your family. Talk to them, explain the importance. Intensive CCIE studies is a very hard time for everybody, including your loved ones. Especially it applies to people with kids like me. My wife and 2 daughters agree :)
Dream, study, win!
Igor
