Routing-Bits

CCIE Short-Notes is the result of an unplanned book I wrote during my studies for the CCIE Routing & Switching lab.

It is a good source for theory, and a great reference guide for the practical commands.  It also presents full configuration examples, in a completely new way to easily see how the technologies are implemented. Most topics include the DOC-CD locations, if more info is needed. Ultimately this is the only CCIE study guide, (I found) which can be used to review all the work start to finish the day before the lab.

I have always had a passion for training and development, so this is my first step to entering the training market. After 500+ hours, I have written and developed all my writings into a fully fletched book covering the content comprehensive in a proven study friendly format that still reads like study notes.

A deeper look at the origins…

Before I began preparing for my first CCIE lab, I did loads of research looking for the best study methods to understand and remember copious amounts of work. I found some really good methods, but only used certain key points in my studies. The biggest advance I found was the study format.

During my preparation like every other candidate I looked around for the best material. I started by reading the books from the recommended list, one by one, and worked my way through the lab-workbooks.  But I always felt there was a gap. I wanted one single study guide that could tie the theory and the practical side seamlessly together without compromising the depth needed to understand and master each topic . And yet something short enough that could be used for revision later on. Surprisingly with all the books I read, studied, and labb’d none fulfilled what I wanted.  Don’t get wrong, there are loads of brilliant theory books, and loads of really great lab workbooks, but nothing in between?

With so much knowledge to cover and remember, and keeping the importance of format in mind, I decided to create my own CCIE book,  a structured study guide that was concise yet comprehensive enough to cover all that was needed. The theory and basic commands quickly made up close to two hundred pages. This approach did take me a lot more time (well over 900 hours) but it ensured that I had no surprises in my lab exam.  All I used to review was my CCIE book. I took my first lab exam on the 17th April 2009, seven months after I started, and passed on the first attempt during a Cisco Mobile Lab in Bryanston. Refer to my success story.

I honestly enjoy the challenge of training and answering technology questions at random. I just never had the opportunity to train or develop material for that matter. After I passed my lab on first attempt it dawned on me.

Why wait for the opportunity when I can create it.  Why not create a unique type of study guide. The study guide I was looking for during my studies. The book I losely wrote greatly assisted me in passing, so why couldn’t it assist others.

So I began formalizing and editing my CCIE book. During this time one my colleagues failed his first attempt, so I offered him the use of my CCIE book. It wasn’t finished yet, but he seemed very excited about the layout and format. It was quickly dubbed the ‘holy grail’ in my office. Nick passed on his next attempt in Dubai. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not claiming my book was the sole reason. But admittedly it did assist Nick in identifying the odd gap he previously overlooked. See Nick’s MSN chat while he was still in Dubai the day after.

As word of the mouth spreads, another colleague approached me and asked if he could use it too. I said sure. A few months later Eugene passed on his first attempt. Again my CCIE book was used as a one stop library. See Eugene’s MSN chat.  More guys started showing interest, often referring to Ruhann’s notes book, because it reads like personal study notes.

I was amazed. What I personally considered to be gap when preparing for the R&S, seemed to be an issue for many other candidates.  I spend extensive time learning the new content of R&S version 4, and put a lot more time into finishing my CCIE book.  After all how can you teach something if you don’t know it yourself?

Since August last year, I have spent well over 500 hours on my now called CCIE R&S Short-Notes book.  After all the editing,  formatting and new R&S v4 content,  my original CCIE book has been expanded to 300+ pages.

CCIE R&S Short-Notes v4 is a book that summarizes almost everything you need to know for the CCIE R&S written and lab.

In my opinion, this unique book will become the definitive CCIE study guide. To see the feedback from guys that bought Short-Notes, click here.