This visitor submit was authored by Cisco Designated VIP David Peñaloza Seijas.
Background/Story
Since I used to be a child, I used to be fascinated by many issues I discovered fascinating. I grew up being the nosy child, or “preguntón,” in Spanish. I used to be virtually at all times asking “why?” at any time when I obtained one thing defined or informed, which might drive a lot of the adults to madness after a few hours with me.
My mother, in an try and get this matter solved, gave me a e book referred to as “El porqué de las cosas,” which roughly interprets to English as “The why of the issues.”
I might spend hours studying and asking much more questions. It was an limitless loop I loved as a (un)naturally curious child. To my shock, the e book had a number of volumes explaining issues all of us marvel about, however not many people have the drive to search for, or “to Google,” in at the moment’s parlance.
Years later I thank my mother for such an excellent transfer; I picked up studying in my early years and continued to develop keen on it. Encyclopedias (do any of you keep in mind Microsoft Encarta?), novels (Potterhead right here!), tales, newspapers, and my profession subject: IT.
I began tweaking my very own pc when it felt gradual, as I wished to play the cool video games different children had been enjoying. Over time, it morphed into cracking video games, modifying registry keys, disabling/enabling providers, troubleshooting issues, and working a shared LAN (Hamachi) to play with my associates — the chances had been limitless!
Touching and troubleshooting techniques, putting in gadgets, and connecting cables and printers (gadgets from hell!) grew to become pure, and I began making a dwelling out of it once I was 16 years outdated. It naturally grew into networking, and that’s precisely the place my story with Cisco, being it Academy, certifications, boards, all of it!
As I grew to become a community engineer, the urge to understand how issues labored simply made it fulfilling and compelling. There was an invisible world to us underneath cables, numbers, and blinking lights. I discovered an limitless curiosity properly (or hose) I might drink from daily.
Why CCDE?
Round 2016, after a number of years as a community help engineer, I made a decision to review community design. However why? By that point, I labored with many engineers and will see a distinction between them. Some had been joyful to implement issues and see them working, generally with out them being fully clear to them. And another engineers, although, knew very properly how issues labored and why the modifications had been being launched. That they had a unique perspective.
That instantly caught my consideration; I wished to know the explanations behind issues. I was curious! At the moment, the CCDE group was rising and all people was so vibrant and welcoming that I obtained lured into it. I made a decision that despite the fact that it will be a tough factor to do, I wished to review community design.
You might be normally informed that CCDE is a certification for skilled engineers and, given the quantity of information required, it is best to have at the very least one CCIE earlier than making an attempt it. It initially discouraged me—till I spoke with folks like Elaine Lopes, Daniel Dib, Jeremy Filiben, Mark Holm, and Andre Azevedo. They assured me you that don’t want a CCIE to try the examination, however you do want the information that comes with it. (Be aware that each one of them have at the very least one CCIE!)
Like my good buddy, Peter Palúch, informed me a number of instances: “You have to be on the similar degree. Make expertise your second nature, and perceive issues right down to the bone.”
That 12 months, I began learning and assessing myself truthfully, searching for areas to enhance. I aimed for CCDE and the huge information it will require.
I initially took the CCDP* examination to gauge myself, which lined not solely fundamentals but in addition finest practices; what was beneficial given sure circumstances. After passing, I keep in mind feeling energized and prepared for extra.
Again then, I assumed: “What if I attempt the CCDEv2 written examination?”
Narrator: “And with out realizing, David was setting himself up for a candy and skin-scorching lesson.”
My Cisco certification examination journey
It took me three makes an attempt and loads of learning to go the CCDE written examination. The primary one was my approach of gauging myself, whereas the second failure felt excruciatingly shut. Lastly, my third try was a candy go.
The CCDEv2 written examination was a beast. It primarily mixed Enterprise and Service Supplier matters, whereas additionally including some safety as properly, making it a mighty difficult examination by itself.
Was all my learning sufficient to go the written examination? Sure. Barely.
Was I able to take the CCDE sensible examination? Not likely. Not emotionally… and much much less technically. However that was a lesson I discovered over time after incomes myself a few scars.
From August 2017 till Might 2018, I studied extra, I mentioned extra, and I assumed it was time. I had heard so many issues concerning the examination; the type of the check, the quantity of data, the studying and highlighting. It appeared doable.
Then, my examination day got here! There I used to be in Madrid on Might 30, 2018, arriving sooner than anyone else! The testing middle wasn’t opened till 10:00, despite the fact that the examination was supposed to begin at 09:00. Don’t ever ask a Spaniard to get up early, or you’re setting your self up for failure! 😀
It was precisely like I had heard—however on steroids! The knowledge, the emails, the diagrams, the questions. I assumed I used to be prepared for it, however I wasn’t. The examination made me notice that rather more was wanted; extra information, extra studying, extra expertise.
Typically, that meant that I didn’t perceive a specific expertise properly sufficient. Different instances, that meant I had missed said necessities or constraints or was not capable of focus for your complete time of the check (8 hours).
This occurred twice in 2018, in Might and November. On each events, it was a FAIL for me.
After getting overwhelmed twice, I continued attempting. Out and in, it was robust to get on my ft once more.
In between my makes an attempt in 2018 and 2019, I additionally took different exams to check my information and get myself nearer to the “CCIE-level” information I wanted earlier than I confronted the beast as soon as extra.
I used to be capable of go the CCIE R&S** and Service Supplier exams whereas making ready for the following out there makes an attempt for the CCDE examination. It felt nearer, knowledge-wise, in addition to in examination expertise.
In 2019, I went for it once more. Twice. Each instances, I used to be visiting Frankfurt. And sure, though it felt higher, smoother, and clearer, it wasn’t sufficient. I failed each makes an attempt that 12 months and thought of taking a break earlier than going through the examination once more. I didn’t know, nonetheless, that my break could be all that lengthy.
Taking a break
Between 2019 and 2022, lots occurred in my life. (And doubtless yours too!) A pandemic, modifications in my private and work life, amongst different issues. I devoted time to understanding myself (I began visiting a psychologist) to discover what else was inside past the technical acumen.
I used to be not prepared but, technically and personally. However I wasn’t capable of see it. I used to be too proud to confess it and too cussed to cease attempting. I used to be solely bullying by way of the makes an attempt and pushing additional.
What would you suppose after an try?
- I used to be not studying quick sufficient.
- I used to be studying too quick.
- I missed the necessities.
- I missed that constraint.
- Did they are saying you couldn’t do X?
- I will need to have missed X expertise.
- I couldn’t keep targeted all through your complete examination.
- I introduced preconceived notions into the examination.
- No one does that in the true world!
- I shouldn’t have second-guessed myself…
- God, I hate tables!
Every a type of makes an attempt teaches you one thing, however it’s a must to concentrate. In any other case, it goes over your head, and you find yourself bumping into the identical stone once more. Every lesson burns your pores and skin within the course of, or at the very least, that was the sensation for me. Taking the examination was akin to being a meteorite getting nearer to the earth: the extra you strategy it, the mightier the burn and items of you proceed to fall except you brace your self.
In my case, I used to be not capable of see the forest due to the timber. Though it sounds humorous, it was the case. I used to be an issue as an alternative of zooming out and searching on the huge image with all the transferring items.
What else occurred throughout my break? Nicely, CCDEv2 was revamped to CCDEv3, and matters had been adjusted, together with the exam-taking expertise. Much less Service Supplier, and extra Enterprise, extra Safety, extra Information Middle, extra enterprise, extra Cloud, and extra Wi-fi!
Earlier than persevering with with my story after the break, we might discuss which issues are vital on your CCDE journey. Don’t fear. We will likely be shedding some tears in a bit.
What do you might want to go the examination?
Research group and associates – AKA group
Your research group could possibly be the important thing useful resource you might want to go. The extra views you get, the higher your technical arsenal will likely be when going through the examination.
Throughout my CCDE journey, I had the luxurious of learning with folks like Mike McPhee, Jason Beltrame, Bruno Wollman, Fareed Fakoor, Remington Free, Ronald Lopez, Anti Sourdi, Freerk Terpstra, Nicolas Vallet and Fabian Beck. All of them are good engineers/architects, and so they all taught me one thing alongside the way in which. We shared ideas and information, had periods to show others about what we had been good at, and naturally, made lovely bonds within the course of.
On prime of that, I had fantastic associates who weren’t learning to take the CCDE examination however had been supporting me and educating me issues (train me your secrets and techniques, grasp!) or supporting me as an individual, as a buddy: folks like Peter Paluch, Daniel Dib, Mark Holm, Martin Novak, Ivan Zlatkov, David Chapcak, Matt Saunders, Kurt Claes, Peter Haluska, and Martin Duggan.
A bunch of associates and research buddies, folks to debate with, folks keen to hear, a ground that might help me… a group. With out them, I might not have handed it. This late success was due to them for his or her unwavering help and motivation. It’s as a lot mine as it’s theirs.
Each time I felt like quitting (particularly the final two makes an attempt) I used to be supported by them. (Particular point out to Peter, Daniel, Kurt, and Mark!) By individuals who, at the very least at that second, believed in me greater than I did. They saved me on monitor, pulled my ears when wanted, and hugged me exhausting sufficient to drag my items collectively once more once I couldn’t do it myself.
Know your self
One other vital a part of your journey is to know your self. This would possibly sound like a cliché for a lot of, however it’s tremendously vital, or at the very least it was for me.
The CCDE examination is totally different from every other CCIE examination. It doesn’t depend on muscle reminiscence or quick typing. You have to contemplate every choice, learn each doc, and consider each selection. It’s an 8-hour-long studying comprehension examination with technical and enterprise matters. Your psychological state is paramount.
- Are you aware if you research the most effective? Is it throughout the morning, afternoon, or evening?
- How briskly are you able to learn?
- How a lot of that may you keep?
- Are you able to deal with eight hours of learning?
- What about 4-hour or 2-hour blocks?
- How good is your focus? (I get distracted simply.)
- How do you deal with anxiousness?
- How do you calm your nerves?
- Are you into meditation? Or do you do a fast sequence of 20 pushups and really feel like new and targeted?
- What about your emotions concerning the examination?
- How do you’re feeling when getting into, leaving, and throughout the examination?
- Anxious?
- Nervous?
- Scared?
- Relaxed?
All this stuff had been vital for me, and I want I might have thought of them beforehand. I needed to be taught to think about them after each failed try.
Initially, my drivers once I began all this had been: ambition, satisfaction (relatively hubris), and concern. I wished to get as excessive as attainable, to be actually good at one thing, to be acknowledged, to close up each mouth that mentioned (there have been many) that I couldn’t make it or it was too exhausting and I used to be going to fail, and in addition, my concern of lacking out (FOMO).
An exquisite tune about that is Vienna, by Billy Joel.
Over time I discovered (due to my expensive buddy Peter Palúch, my psychologist, and a ridiculous quantity of introspection) that though my earlier drivers helped me to remain motivated and go away the nation, I used to be not going to make it any additional with unfavorable feelings, they might chew me up ultimately. What could be higher? Discovering constructive motivation!
I did my finest to cease evaluating myself with others and solely evaluate myself with David from the previous. All of us have failures, everyone knows one thing any individual else doesn’t, and all of us can be taught one thing from others. Even the folks we don’t like can train us one thing.
I began wanting on the journey in addition to the objective. I didn’t cease chasing the solar, however I began to benefit from the view whereas I used to be doing it. I additionally began to understand extra of what I used to be doing, what I used to be studying, and what I used to be making, as an alternative of considering, “I received’t have sufficient time in my life to do all of the issues I wish to do; I have to go quicker.”
Lastly, and the toughest one: I did my finest to cease worrying concerning the examination’s end result. In spite of everything, I had already failed a number of instances. Will it burn extra? Perhaps a bit. Will or not it’s a disaster? Not likely. Simply choose up your items, regroup, and sort out it once more. The examination is already irritating sufficient, and worrying about failing earlier than taking it’s going to solely make me really feel extra anxious.
Don’t beat your self up beforehand. Give your self an opportunity, forgive your self, and be variety to your self. All of us make errors. Belief me, you’re sufficient. You are able to do it. You’ve got it in you.
Throughout my final try, I used to be targeted on the examination itself, and the evening earlier than I assumed: Well, no matter occurs, I’ll give my finest throughout the examination. Go or fail, it will likely be the most effective of me.
I didn’t know if I handed, and I used to be about to verify the following out there date for the examination. Little did I do know that I might go this time, however extra on that later.
Narrator: “After which David ugly cried for hours as a result of he was a llorón when he knew he handed.”
Again on monitor
After the break, I used to be again on sq. one: the examination was revamped to model 3. Its contents had modified, and my written examination (legitimate for 3 years) had already expired.
What was the very first thing to do? Take the written examination once more! I used to be fortunate sufficient to have a final likelihood earlier than the CCDEv2 written examination could be retired on November 1, 2021.
I brushed up on all of the matters and studied for some weeks earlier than feeling prepared and, in fact, having the looming shadow of the soon-to-be-retired examination over my head. To my luck, I handed, as soon as once more with a candy 860. I can’t lie about this: it was superb.
I earned the best to take the sensible examination once more, however it was a brand new model. The examination matters had been step one to take. I had new issues to be taught: Wi-fi, Cloud, and Safety. And in addition others to brush up and eventually be taught properly: QoS, and multicast.
Now, the examination was provided in Brussels like every other CCIE examination, so I didn’t must juggle balls to e book an examination in a Pearson Skilled Middle in Frankfurt or Madrid. I might go to the Cisco workplace in Brussels like all people else!
Additionally, a number of associates work there, so it’s a acquainted place for me.
In the middle of ten months, I visited Brussels 4 instances. Each time, I used to be welcomed by my expensive buddy Peter Palúch and supported until no finish by him and Kurt Claes.
My first try was an exploratory one. I had completely no hopes of passing. I needed to see what was totally different: the brand new engine, the brand new situations, the type, the expertise. And, God, I did.
I got here out of the examination wanting like a fish in a fridge: eyes and mouth broad open, however I couldn’t see or say something. So many new issues to meet up with, extra tech, extra enterprise, and the testing engine was cooler and simpler to make use of. (Not the whole lot was unfavorable!)
I spent loads of time studying about Wi-fi, one of many weakest areas in my technical acumen. Freerk Terpstra and Fabian Beck gave me a masterclass on many issues, they defined particulars, deployments, authentication, and the character of wi-fi networks, it was intense! Freerk even created a mini CCDE situation and defined it to us intimately.
I went once more in February with loads of hopes, nonetheless, it wasn’t but my time. Despite the fact that I felt higher, extra assured, and happier with my efficiency, it wasn’t sufficient. I spotted I wanted extra cloud, extra migrations, extra enterprise acumen, extra studying abilities, and extra focus. It was an limitless listing!
I saved a listing of matters I felt uncertain about and added extra after each try. The listing began enormous and continued to shrink over time whereas I addressed extra matters—till the final try.
For the June try, I put loads of effort into learning. My Cisco Dwell US session catalog was all about issues I wanted for the examination, together with a CCDE techtorial with Mark Holm, Zig Zsiga, and Rick Bauer, and a number of other periods about design.
There I used to be within the CCDE Techtorial: “Dude, don’t inform me this bull****, I already took the examination!” (I’m sorry, Mark.)
I wasn’t making any associates throughout that session. Seems that some discussions aren’t about absolutes or sides, they relatively fall right into a grey space proper within the center, and there are a number of shades of grey to cope with. Some assumptions are truthful, however an excessive amount of of that journeys you off. You find yourself strolling on a tightrope like a circus performer whereas the drums resonate within the background.
I felt assured and proud. I did my finest and felt prepared for the examination. Proper after Cisco Dwell US, I headed again to Brussels for my third try at CCDEv3.
I labored on my information, note-taking, studying, and focus and mentioned with the already-certified CCDE people I knew. I felt prepared. This was my time. I used to be excited whereas taking the examination. It felt good, it felt like a breeze, and I used to be virtually positive.
I got here out hoping for the most effective and was shot down by a FAIL. It was, by far, essentially the most painful of the makes an attempt. I felt misplaced, that I didn’t know what to work on anymore, and that I used to be not capable of conquer such a titanic objective after so lengthy. My scores had been exhibiting some enchancment after each try, and but, I failed once more and was terribly confused.
It took me a number of days to even course of so many issues and deal with my emotions. And once I was about to throw the towel, my associates had been there for me. As soon as once more, they held me up, they assured me I used to be shut, and so they gave me extra encouragement than I might have requested for.
I felt like Spiderman (Tobey Maguire) getting carried over their heads after saving the folks on the practice from an imminent crash. However this time, I used to be the one being saved, in addition to carried.
The final straw
With their assist, I used to be nonetheless a bit hesitant, however I picked up my items and tried to do one thing totally different for the October try.
Was it about information? What else was I doing throughout the examination? Sooner or later, when you cope with the information gaps (otherwise you suppose you probably did), it’s a must to fear about your exam-taking expertise and technique.
I labored extra on my focus and on workouts to maintain myself energetic. I introduced loads of sweets, caffeine, and water and did many, many pushups throughout the check.
Each time I felt my thoughts was slipping away from me, I might step up, do 20 pushups, stretch myself, wash my face, and are available again to my seat.
Throughout the examination, I used to be consuming power drinks, water, espresso, sourworms, and Nutella biscuits. I used to be glad I might convey this stuff to the testing room!
I additionally provided from my arsenal to all of the folks taking the examination with me. Most of them responded to my proposal with incredulous appears to be like and awkward silence. However a few them did get nearer. They obtained Nutella crackers and an power drink, some sweets.
This time my perspective wasn’t about passing the examination. It was about having fun with the journey, doing my finest, and feeling happy with how far I’ve come.
This time I didn’t really feel anxiousness crawling over my shoulder throughout the examination, worrying concerning the outcome. I used to be targeted, entertained, and constructive, all about having fun with myself whereas it occurred.
This time the anxiousness wasn’t within the driver’s seat. I felt effective, I felt calm (regardless of the irresponsible quantity of caffeine and sugar in my system), and I felt current.
There I used to be, telling Peter the way it was, how I felt, what I noticed. I wasn’t positive if I handed, however I did my finest, and I used to be happy with it. I checked the outcomes someday after whereas sitting subsequent to my associates. To start with, I couldn’t imagine it, I assumed the web site was damaged, and I couldn’t see the standard “FAIL” I used to be anticipating.
I assumed: “That is kaput, the place is my fail?”
I continued to look the underside proper aspect of the display.
And there it was, on the prime left of the display. It wasn’t damaged. It wasn’t fallacious. I actually handed, the whole lot was all proper.
It was the tip of an period, the closure I a lot craved for. I couldn’t do anything however cry. I used to be at all times sufficient, I used to be at all times prepared, and the journey lastly made sense.
CCDE was and will likely be, for me, essentially the most profitable set of failures I’ve ever encountered. And I’m happy with it, just like the quote attributed to Thomas A. Edison:
I’ve not failed. I’ve simply discovered 10,000 ways in which received’t work.
—Thomas A. Edison
Assets
*The Cisco Licensed Design Skilled (CCDP) certification was retired from the Cisco Certification program on February 23, 2020.
**The CCIE R&S, or Routing and Switching certification, migrated to the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification on February 23, 2020.
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