Reflecting back, 7-Years CCIE

Seven years ago, I traveled to Dubai, full of both excitement and apprehension. My destination was the bustling Dubai Internet City, where I was to face one of the most challenging exams in the technology industry: the CCIE. my mind buzzed with questions: Had I studied enough? Was I well-prepared? What if I failed?

Exploring the City of Gold for the first time, I made a beeline for Cisco's Office, eager to gauge the distance to the exam center. Standing before the building, I snapped a selfie to mark the occasion, a tangible reminder of the journey ahead. The CCIE Exam I was here to write was one of the most coveted certifications at the time and came with a lot of prestige. It is an 8-hour test with a passing mark of 80%. With just four nights remaining until my exam, I found it challenging to stay secluded in my hotel room, especially knowing that Dubai offered countless tourist attractions. Despite the temptation, I remained focused, prioritizing my preparation amidst mounting exam pressure.

I arrived at the Exam Center early, carrying my summary notes and waiting patiently. Following my mentor's advice, I spent the morning meditating and preparing for various scenarios. I felt ready for whatever might come. The proctor called us (myself and the other candidates) into the exam center, where I sat in front of the dual-screen PC for the upcoming 8 hours. Armed with just a notepad and pencils, it was time for my first CCIE RnS attempt. As the first module loaded, my heart raced with adrenaline. Considering the exam's $1,600 cost, along with hotel and travel expenses totaling about $5,000, failure would mean all the effort and sacrifice would be for nothing.

I finished the first part with a bit of sweat on my forehead, but I felt confident as I could test my configurations before moving on. The second module proved to be the most challenging. It involved diagnostics and answering subjective questions, leaving me uncertain about my performance. Without dwelling on it, I transitioned to the third and final section, which focused on configurations. With just over 4 hours to complete the tasks, I carefully reviewed the workbook multiple times to ensure I was prepared. Despite feeling confident, my morale took a hit when a fellow candidate abruptly left the room, signaling his likely failure. During the mandatory lunch break, my stomach gurgled with nerves, although I wasn't hungry. Despite the proctor's attempts to lighten the mood with casual conversation, the pressure in the room was palpable. As I ate my sandwich and drank water, I reflected on the earlier parts of the exam, knowing I couldn't change anything and needed to refocus for the remainder of the test.

I diligently worked through the workbook tasks, aiming to complete them as swiftly as possible. Employing the indispensable Notepad Replication Protocol, I meticulously typed all commands into Notepad, allowing for easy tracking and troubleshooting without relying solely on show commands. However, my efficiency was disrupted when I encountered a major issue in some parts of the lab. Despite double-checking and attempting various troubleshooting methods, the problem persisted. With the clock ticking and the possibility of failure looming, I remembered advice from a forum: when faced with a challenge, take a break. I followed this wisdom, saving my work and initiating a system reboot before stepping away to the washroom for a brief respite. Returning with renewed focus, I methodically reexamined the problematic areas and managed to resolve the issue. With just minutes to spare, I completed all the crucial configuration tasks, meticulously ensuring everything functioned as expected. As the proctor called for us to stand up, I left the exam room, hopeful that my efforts had been enough to secure success.

Back to my hotel, I reflected on the unique nature of the CCIE exam, where results are typically revealed within hours. Aware that my fate would be decided within the next six hours, I felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It was already 7 pm, and my purpose in Dubai had concluded. Despite my efforts, I couldn't shake the apprehension caused by Cisco's intricate exam structure, where a single misstep could result in failure. The stringent all-or-nothing marking system only added to the pressure, amplifying the stakes of each task. Seeking solace in a leisurely walk, I ventured far from the hotel, spending a couple of hours immersed in my thoughts. Exhausted but hopeful, I returned to the lobby around 10 pm, eager to check my results online. Seated on the round sofa, I connected to the Wi-Fi and accessed my account.

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I passed…

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Relief washed over me as I confirmed my success. Yet, amidst the subdued happiness, I couldn't ignore the plight of friends and colleagues who took the test around the same period and hadn't been as fortunate. Passing the CCIE was just the beginning; I understood the need to look ahead and plan for the future.?

Looking back, I must acknowledge that preparing for an 8-hour-long exam is an immense challenge. Regardless of the outcome, the journey undoubtedly enhances your engineering skills before your first attempt. The CCIE plaque bestowed upon passing merely affirms the proficiency you've attained.?

I extend heartfelt gratitude to Felix Nkansah , Yann Stacy , Jaures Amour Hountondji , Komla Anippah , Jennings Nkansah , Emmanuel Nketia , Aman Yves Verlein Ehouman , and all other colleagues and friends who shared in our study sessions, technology discussions, and debates on implementation approaches. Your camaraderie made the journey far more manageable.

For you reading and contemplating whether to pursue the CCIE certification, I encourage you to take the leap. It's not merely about validating your skills. The exam challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and delve deeper into your knowledge than you typically would. Achieving the CCIE carries significant prestige, leading to better salary prospects and garnering respect among your peers. While the journey may be more daunting for those in Africa, typically requiring travel to Dubai or South Africa for the exam, I can attest that it's daunting but certainly achievable. Don't let the challenges deter you; the rewards are worth the effort.

“Stay hungry, stay foolish” SJ