Time-Out On the Field!
As hard as it is for me to do this right now, I’m going t put my studies on hold until either late this year, or the beginning of 2010. I am taking the written beta just for the experience and to see what sort of topics are more likely to appear. In no way am I expecting to pass. If I do by some small chance pass, even better.
Without going into detail, I just don’t feel like I can dedicate the time I want to at the moment, but they’re all good reasons. I don’t want to do this half-assed, so this is my official time out. (Well, after Sept. 9th at least when I take the written).
I appreciate everyone’s comments and support so far, and look forward to getting back in the swing of things in a few months.
Gerren
September 4, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Aww – what if you pass the written (whenever they release results)? You will then have 15-16 months w/in which to take your lab. What if you miss it by just a little bit – you will be cold on the material for several months when you can step back into it.
I took the beta on Wed (9/2) and feel good about it. I went this route: CCNA -> CCNP -> CCIP -> ??? Also, I have only read about 3000 pages worth of the material (much of it in prep for CCIP).
Best of luck on the written!
September 7, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I’m preparing myself not to pass, put it that way. I’m essentially only reading the v3 exam guide for now, and I know there is new material on the written that is not in the v3 version.
So, if I pass, awesome. If I don’t pass, awesome as well. I’m looking at is a more of a learning experience…a way to lessen the anxiety about the written (assuming I will have to take it again). I’m trying my hardest to get through Doyle’s 2 books as well, but with only 2 days left, I doubt that will happen.
Thanks for the encouragement though, and I’ll let you know how things pan out in 6-8 weeks!
September 7, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I’ll also let you know if I pass or not!
Additionally:
The written is, fiscally speaking, fairly straightforward: $350/test at a convenient testing center. The lab is another matter.
Piecing together data from Wikipedia and Cisco:
At $9,050 estimate (average) of how much candidates expect to spend preparing, I break that down as:
Written * 2: $350 * 2 = $700
Lab attempts: $1400 * 4 = $5600
Transportation to and from lab site * 3: $400 * 4 = $1600
Car rental * 3: $200 * 4 = $800
Hotel: $200 * 4 = $800
I’m a little over, maybe it is 3 tries. In any event – ouch! (Just thinking ahead.)
Good skill!