Passed QoS and got my CCIP!
Well after 7 months of studying and 2 exams later I’ve finally obtained my CCIP! When I initially thought about going after my CCIP I said this shouldn’t be too bad after going through Routing TCP/IP Volume II, BGP Design & implementation, and half way through MPLS fundamentals (See my Library page on the left for links) I was really starting to feel it. I kept moving along and passed the 642-691 I got a little bit of hope and jumped right into QoS. The funny thing about QoS was I didn’t realize how much I really new about it, nor did realize how much more I could do with it. QoS certainly was an interesting topic to learn, and I am sure I’ll be learning even more about it as time goes on.
Now that I’m done with my CCIP, I think I am going to take a small break from studying. I am going to focus back on my blog (So hopefully I will get some more updates out) and I am going to start building my own home lab for whenever I decide to start studying for my CCIE (not sure when but I will pursue that eventually). Not a bad way to start the new year right?
CCIE or Null! 
Congrats man!
I am going to start CCIP journey next month and I definitely use your information in near future.
Keep Going On!
And one question:
For BGP I need the following ?
Routing TCP/IP Volume II(BGP Section)
BGP Design & Implementation
Is that right ?
Arkad
January 6, 2012 at 3:36 PM
Arkad,
I have the Cisco student guides for both the BGP and MPLS exams that really helped me pass both if you want them. Let me know and I can get them to you. Just reply to this comment. I’ll keep an eye on it. Thanks.
-Nick
Nick Pitello
January 15, 2012 at 11:50 PM
I would also add Internet Routing Architectures 2nd Edition to that list, you will find a link to all three of those books in my Library section. Don’t forgot to lab! Good luck!
steveocch
January 8, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Congrats on getting your CCIP! I’m 3/4ths of the way there for my CCIP cert. I used the BSCI exam that carried over from my CCNP cert and just recently passed both my BGP and MPLS exams late last year. I have my QOS exam scheduled for 1/21/12. Any words of advise for some last minute study tips? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Nick Pitello
Nick Pitello
January 15, 2012 at 12:00 AM
Thanks!
As far as last minute study tips, if you haven’t already I’d lab some of the QoS configs and verify the configs with some show commands so you can really get a grasp on the configurations.
You’ll want to understand Class/Policy maps and how they work together and tie into the service policy, that’s a very importan topic for QoS.
Good Luck!!
Stephen J. Occhiogrosso
January 15, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I’ve got almost a full CCIE level lab in my house so I have been going over Class/Policy map configs. I also have a couple 3550 switches so I plan to run through some switch-level QoS configs. How many questions were on your test? Thanks again.
-Nick
Nick Pitello
January 15, 2012 at 10:24 PM
No problem at all. Having the real equipment is definitely a great help.Going over WRR and trust boundaries should be helpful. Honestly I don’t remember how many questions were on my exam, but it was typical Cisco.
I would also give another look through the exam blue print and double check the exam objectives make sure you are familiar with all of them.
Stephen J. Occhiogrosso
January 15, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Great thanks for the tips. I’m going over the final parts of my study guide now and also will be reviewing the CBTNugget videos for this QoS exam. I printed out the exam blue print and I usually check them off when I feel I have a good grasp of the topics. I somewhat feel this may be overkill for the exam but I just want to be prepared. I do have some QoS experience from my work and also from one of my previous CCNP exams. While studying for this exam, I found it mostly review but I did notice a few things that were specific to this exam that I had to learn. Always fun stuff. I’m going to have to assume that the test questions will be anywhere from 45 – 55. Thanks.
-Nick
Nick Pitello
January 15, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Sounds like you got a solid study system. Good luck on your exam!
(If there is any topic you want me to do a blog post on, let me know and I’ll work on getting it out before the 21st for you)
Stephen J. Occhiogrosso
January 15, 2012 at 11:22 PM
Thanks for the offer! The only thing I seem to have issues with is the WRR configs for switches. The study material I have focuses on the 2950 switch and I just recently sold it to a co-worker because I didn’t think I needed it anymore lol. I’m going to do the best I can with the 3550s that I have, but that is the only topic I need to spend more time on. Thanks.
-Nick
Nick Pitello
January 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM
I passed my QoS exam yesterday! I’m now CCIP certified also! Now on to my next cert…CCDA!
-Nick Pitello
Nick Pitello
January 22, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Congratulations man!
I do apologize for not getting that WRR post published this week, I’ve just been bombarded by work all week (and weekend) 😦
Good luck on the CCDA! I did a few posts on design when I was tackling the CCDA, they should be worth a look at. Also check out the Cisco Design Zone lots of good stuff over! (I’ll probably start tackling the CCDP soon myself)
Stephen J. Occhiogrosso
January 22, 2012 at 10:23 PM
No problem at all. I was able to review the material and cover what was needed for the exam. I have 4 more certs I want to get this year: CCDA, CCDP, CCNA Wireless and CCNA Security. I’m taking full advantage of all of the certs that the BSCI exam qualified for. That’s one of the reasons why I chose to get the CCIP. I only needed 3 more exams to get a second professional-level certification. I’ll check your other posts and the Cisco Design Zone. thanks!
-Nick
Nick Pitello
January 22, 2012 at 10:26 PM