How Did You Do?

With the aid of the answers section, full configurations, and routing tables on the CD, you should now have an accurate evaluation of your lab. If you scored more than 80 points within the time frame, you should congratulate yourself; you are well on the way to becoming a CCIE, you have demonstrated the ability to think laterally and shown an impressive knowledge of your subject. If you scored less than 80 don't worry, this will improve as you progress throughout the book and learn how to analyze each question and improve your core skills.

Did you spot the landmines in the lab? The classics in Lab 1 where EIGRP neighbor issues, the ISDN line staying up, the BGP requiring policy routing, and the NAT breaking DLSw+, ideally you should be able to spot these before configuration and factor them in; if not, it shows you how important it is to read the paper thoroughly and ensure everything works over and over again after configuration.

This is not to say that in the real exam there will be any items that could catch you out, but by being on your guard, you will ensure that your quality of work is far higher.

You might feel that the questions were too vague or you did not have sufficient time to complete the lab but this is what you will be met with when you open your folder containing your real exam at the test center; your ability to spot landmines (if present), ask the right questions, and configuration speed will improve as you tackle each practice lab.

For each question that you did not answer correctly, take the time to research the subject thoroughly and turn your weaknesses into your strengths. This with plenty of practice is how ultimately you will gain your number.