Passed -- Cisco Route 300-101

I took the Cisco Route 300-101 exam today and some how managed to pass it. It was a long test for me as it took 87 of the 90 minutes allotted. This was due primarily to the simulations. I had trouble getting one working although I thought I had it configured correctly. I re-lab'd it up at home and it the solution worked as I expected it. Strange. Anyhow, a quick review.

I used the CBT Nuggets material and the Cisco authorized book via Safari Books Online. This pair seemed to work well. CBT provided the practice labs, the overview of most of the technologies covered, and the practice test from SelfTest and Transcenders. The book filled in the gaps when taking the practice tests. There were definitely questions in the practice tests that weren't in the Nuggets info. Having said all that, the items played well together and gave me enough information to pass.

The test was relatively short (under 60 questions), but 4-6 were simulations. Remember, this is a Cisco test so there is no going back so these have to be done when presented. I ran into some difficultly on a couple of them due to ... imprecise information. Some of the simulation questions required very precise subnet information, while others wanted me to grab the entire classful network. However, it wasn't clear until testing my solutions what they were looking for. Looking into the routing statements, interfaces, etc to help, simply didn't help. So I had to configure ACLs etc, multiple times, test each version, and clear out the wrong information. This drained my time very quickly on two questions as they took 15 minutes each. I had to leave one wrong (according the simulator, but not gns3 at home) and move on. I was 13 questions from finished with 15 minutes to go. Yikes. Luckily the last simulation was relatively easy for me and I finished at 2:45 left to go.

Anyhow, I like the idea of simulations and practical experience, but the engine needs some work still. Some commands aren't always available, but then you are given access to "show run" in the same question. Sometimes sifting through the run when a single concise show is faster. Next, there needs to be more screen space for the sims. Trying to view 4 routers consoles, the scenario question, and a diagram on a single monitor is a chore. I spent a lot of time flipping between those items while completing the simulations.

Last, I didn't like the fact that one topic was not covered at all in the test from the layer 3 techs area that required a significant effort while another single topic in infrastructure was hammered on 4 times. Maybe it was just luck of the draw.

Anyhow, onto switch while we hunt.