Passed: Wireless-CCNA tomorrow :)

[alkemyst]

Hopefully I take this down so I can enjoy the 3 day weekend and complete my new hire challenge.

It was nice to have only a 300-400 page book to consume vs the 750pg+ CCNP books.

I took the Cisco Assessment and scored high enough to pass...it's mostly a definitions test IMHO, the CCNP-Wireless is much more practical based.

3pm is my test.

 

[Jamsan]

Good luck!

 

[her209]

Yes, good luck!

Did you use the Cisco Press book to prep?

 

[alkemyst]

Cisco Press and the Sybex. The Cisco Press was terrible as far as errata...I am not having good luck lately with Cisco Press and errors. Even the errata updates have had errors in them.

It's a much easier read than even CCNA. You read the page and you understand it and move on, where in CCNA and esp CCNP (route and switch) you read a page and then need to re-read, hit the whitepapers, etc and still be confused.

I obviously am not sure I will pass, but I feel confident. I scored high on Cisco's assessment tool even the first time through the one book (high 70's). Just knowing a/b/g/n networks and a bit of 802.1x plus how the channels and antennas work was a big advantage. Being that a lot of the management is GUI makes it a bit easier too.

CCNA-Wireless though is billed as a 'non-practical' and mostly fundamentals test. The CCNP goes more deep dive and is challenging.

I work with a bunch of cisco engineers and the wireless guys sort of been quizzing me and feel confident as well I will pass.

However, with cisco tests you never know how you will be hit sometimes...if I don't pass tomorrow I am sure 5 days out I will be able too.

 

[alkemyst]

Sweet...just realized my CCNP cert/card was in the mailbox.

 

[Qrilock]

Good luck!

 

[alkemyst]

Another test crushed and my company challenge completed.

CCNA-Wireless was MUCH easier than CCNA. All multiple choice and one drag and drop.

80 questions, mostly single answer. Some were pick 2, 3, 4 and the first time I saw a pick 5 (basically leaving one answer as not selected).

Feels good to have a weekend off finally, but the weather is shitastic I had to take off my shoes to walk the parking lot to get to my testing center both ways.

I am glad they got me in at 1:30pm instead of having to wait to 3:00pm....

off to get groceries and copious amounts of Michelob Ultra. Maybe I will fire up Left 4 Dead or watch a movie....something totally non-productive definitely.

 

[Glendor]

What kind of salary can you expect with a CCNA & CCNP certs?

 

[Gryz]

Congratulations, Alkemyst. Keep us posted on your progress. What is the next exam you are planning to do ?

 

[alkemyst]

What kind of salary can you expect with a CCNA & CCNP certs?

With a CCNP that you can talk too you can probably command a min of $70k. In places like Atlanta there is a big shortage of good engineers. This doesn't mean seasoned pros, just people that can talk to the technology and have an aptitude and attitude to want to work.



I am scheduled for training at Cisco for CUWSS and IUWMS for a week each and a UC course for two weeks with 12 hours days...that's going to be intense.

The first two are basic entry certs for wireless. The other should put me out as a mid-level professional.

The training costs not counting the company's loss of me as a resource, per diem and travel costs are probably close to $30k. Pretty good opportunity. I do have to sign an agreement if I decide to leave within 12 months I need to pay back the training costs which is fair (and I don't plan on leaving anyway).