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This visitor put up 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 attention-grabbing. I grew up being the nosy child, or “preguntón,” in Spanish. I used to be nearly at all times asking “why?” every time I bought 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 guide known as “El porqué de las cosas,” which roughly interprets to English as “The why of the things.”
I may spend hours studying and asking much more questions. It was an infinite loop I loved as a (un)naturally curious child. To my shock, the guide had a number of volumes explaining issues all of us surprise about, however not many people have the drive to search for, or “to Google,” in in the present day’s parlance.
Years later I thank my mother for such a superb 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 area: IT.
I began tweaking my very own pc when it felt gradual, as I needed to play the cool video games different youngsters have been taking part in. Over time, it morphed into cracking video games, modifying registry keys, disabling/enabling companies, troubleshooting issues, and operating a shared LAN (Hamachi) to play with my pals — the probabilities have been infinite!
Touching and troubleshooting techniques, putting in units, and connecting cables and printers (units from hell!) turned pure, and I began making a residing out of it after I was 16 years previous. 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 turned a community engineer, the urge to know the way issues labored simply made it pleasant and compelling. There was an invisible world to us underneath cables, numbers, and blinking lights. I discovered an infinite curiosity properly (or hose) I may drink from every single day.
Why CCDE?
Around 2016, after a number of years as a community assist engineer, I made a decision to check community design. But why? By that point, I labored with many engineers and will see a distinction between them. Some have been glad 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 have been being launched. They had a special perspective.
That instantly caught my consideration; I needed to know the explanations behind issues. I was curious! At that point, the CCDE neighborhood was rising and all people was so vibrant and welcoming that I bought lured into it. I made a decision that regardless that it could be a tough factor to do, I needed to check community design.
You are normally informed that CCDE is a certification for knowledgeable engineers and, given the quantity of data required, you need 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 aim the examination, however you do want the data that comes with it. (Note that each one of them have at the very least one CCIE!)
Like my good pal, Peter Palúch, informed me a number of occasions: “You must be at the same level. Make technology your second nature, and understand things down to the bone.”
That 12 months, I began finding out and assessing myself actually, searching for areas to enhance. I aimed for CCDE and the huge data it could require.
I initially took the CCDP* examination to gauge myself, which coated 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.
Back then, I assumed: “What if I try the CCDEv2 written exam?”
Narrator: “And without realizing, David was setting himself up for a sweet and skin-scorching lesson.”
My Cisco certification examination journey
It took me three makes an attempt and loads of finding out to cross the CCDE written examination. The first one was my means of gauging myself, whereas the second failure felt excruciatingly shut. Finally, my third try was a candy cross.
The CCDEv2 written examination was a beast. It primarily mixed Enterprise and Service Provider subjects, whereas additionally including some safety as properly, making it a mighty difficult examination by itself.
Was all my finding out sufficient to cross the written examination? Yes. Barely.
Was I able to take the CCDE sensible examination? Not actually. Not emotionally… and much much less technically. But that was a lesson I realized over time after incomes myself a few scars.
From August 2017 till May 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 take a look at, 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 May 30, 2018, arriving sooner than anyone else! The testing heart wasn’t opened till 10:00, regardless that the examination was supposed to begin at 09:00. Don’t ever ask a Spaniard to get up early, or you might be setting your self up for failure! 😀
It was precisely like I had heard—however on steroids! The data, the emails, the diagrams, the questions. I assumed I used to be prepared for it, however I wasn’t. The examination made me understand that rather more was wanted; extra data, extra studying, extra expertise.
Sometimes, that meant that I didn’t perceive a selected expertise properly sufficient. Other occasions, that meant I had missed acknowledged necessities or constraints or was not in a position to focus for all the time of the take a look at (8 hours).
This occurred twice in 2018, in May and November. On each events, it was a FAIL for me.
After getting overwhelmed twice, I continued making an attempt. In and out, it was robust to get on my toes once more.
In between my makes an attempt in 2018 and 2019, I additionally took different exams to check my data and get myself nearer to the “CCIE-level” data I wanted earlier than I confronted the beast as soon as extra.
I used to be in a position to cross the CCIE R&S** and Service Provider exams whereas getting ready for the subsequent obtainable 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. Both occasions, 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 considered taking a break earlier than going through the examination once more. I didn’t know, nonetheless, that my break can be all that lengthy.
Taking a break
Between 2019 and 2022, lots occurred in my life. (And most likely 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. But I wasn’t in a position to see it. I used to be too proud to confess it and too cussed to cease making an attempt. I used to be solely bullying by means of the makes an attempt and pushing additional.
What would you assume 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 should have missed X expertise.
- I couldn’t keep targeted all through all the examination.
- I introduced preconceived notions into the examination.
- Nobody does that in the actual world!
- I shouldn’t have second-guessed myself…
- God, I hate tables!
Each a type of makes an attempt teaches you one thing, however you need to concentrate. Otherwise, it goes over your head, and you find yourself bumping into the identical stone once more. Each 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 in a position to see the forest due to the bushes. Although it sounds humorous, it was the case. I used to be taking a look at an issue as an alternative of zooming out and searching on the large image with all the shifting items.
What else occurred throughout my break? Well, CCDEv2 was revamped to CCDEv3, and subjects have been adjusted, together with the exam-taking expertise. Less Service Provider, and extra Enterprise, extra Security, extra Data Center, extra enterprise, extra Cloud, and extra Wireless!
Before persevering with with my story after the break, we may discuss which issues are essential to your CCDE journey. Don’t fear. We shall be shedding some tears in a bit.
What do you must cross the examination?
Study group and pals – AKA neighborhood
Your research group could possibly be the important thing useful resource you must cross. The extra views you get, the higher your technical arsenal shall be when going through the examination.
During my CCDE journey, I had the posh of finding out with folks like Mike McPhee, Jason Beltrame, Bruno Wollman, Fareed Fakoor, Remington Loose, Ronald Lopez, Anti Sourdi, Freerk Terpstra, Nicolas Vallet and Fabian Beck. All of them are good engineers/architects, they usually all taught me one thing alongside the way in which. We shared suggestions and data, had periods to show others about what we have been good at, and naturally, made stunning bonds within the course of.
On prime of that, I had fantastic pals who weren’t finding out to take the CCDE examination however have been supporting me and instructing me issues (educate me your secrets and techniques, grasp!) or supporting me as an individual, as a pal: 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 pals and research buddies, folks to debate with, folks keen to hear, a flooring that would assist me… a neighborhood. Without them, I might not have handed it. This late success was because of them for his or her unwavering assist and motivation. It is as a lot mine as it’s theirs.
Every time I felt like quitting (particularly the final two makes an attempt) I used to be supported by them. (Special 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 observe, pulled my ears when wanted, and hugged me laborious sufficient to drag my items collectively once more after I couldn’t do it myself.
Know your self
Another essential 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 essential, or at the very least it was for me.
The CCDE examination is completely different from every other CCIE examination. It doesn’t depend on muscle reminiscence or quick typing. You should think about every possibility, learn each doc, and consider each alternative. It is an 8-hour-long studying comprehension examination with technical and enterprise subjects. Your psychological state is paramount.
- Do while you research the most effective? Is it through the morning, afternoon, or night time?
- How quick are you able to learn?
- How a lot of that may you keep?
- Can you deal with eight hours of finding out?
- What about 4-hour or 2-hour blocks?
- How good is your focus? (I get distracted simply.)
- How do you address anxiousness?
- How do you calm your nerves?
- Are you into meditation? Or do you do a fast collection of 20 pushups and really feel like new and targeted?
- What about your emotions concerning the examination?
- How do you are feeling when getting into, leaving, and through the examination?
- Anxious?
- Nervous?
- Scared?
- Relaxed?
All these items have been essential for me, and I want I might have considered them beforehand. I needed to study to think about them after each failed try.
Initially, my drivers after I began all this have been: ambition, satisfaction (relatively hubris), and worry. I needed 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 laborious and I used to be going to fail, and likewise, my worry of lacking out (FOMO).
An exquisite music about that is Vienna, by Billy Joel.
Over the years I realized (because of my pricey pal Peter Palúch, my psychologist, and a ridiculous quantity of introspection) that though my earlier drivers helped me to remain motivated and depart the nation, I used to be not going to make it any additional with adverse feelings, they’d chew me up ultimately. What can be higher? Finding optimistic motivation!
I did my finest to cease evaluating myself with others and solely evaluate myself with David from the previous. We all have failures, everyone knows one thing any individual else doesn’t, and all of us can study one thing from others. Even the folks we don’t like can educate us one thing.
I began trying on the journey in addition to the aim. 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 won’t have enough time in my life to do all the things I want to do; I must go faster.”
Lastly, and the toughest one: I did my finest to cease worrying concerning the examination’s final result. After all, I had already failed a number of occasions. Will it burn extra? Maybe a bit. Will it’s a disaster? Not actually. Just decide up your items, regroup, and deal with it once more. The examination is already demanding sufficient, and worrying about failing earlier than taking it would solely make me really feel extra anxious.
Don’t beat your self up beforehand. Give your self an opportunity, forgive your self, and be form to your self. We all make errors. Trust me, you might be sufficient. You can do it. You have it in you.
During my final try, I used to be targeted on the examination itself, and the night time earlier than I assumed: Well, no matter occurs, I’ll give my finest through the examination. Pass or fail, it is going to be the most effective of me.
I didn’t know if I handed, and I used to be about to examine the subsequent obtainable date for the examination. Little did I do know that I might cross this time, however extra on that later.
Narrator: “And then David ugly cried for hours because he was a llorón when he knew he passed.”
Back on observe
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 probability earlier than the CCDEv2 written examination can be retired on November 1, 2021.
I brushed up on all of the subjects 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 wonderful.
I earned the correct to take the sensible examination once more, but it surely was a brand new model. The examination subjects have been step one to take. I had new issues to study: Wireless, Cloud, and Security. And additionally others to brush up and at last study properly: QoS, and multicast.
Now, the examination was supplied in Brussels like every other CCIE examination, so I didn’t need to juggle balls to guide an examination in a Pearson Professional Center in Frankfurt or Madrid. I may go to the Cisco workplace in Brussels like all people else!
Also, a number of pals work there, so it’s a acquainted place for me.
In the course of ten months, I visited Brussels 4 occasions. Every time, I used to be welcomed by my pricey pal 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 completely different: the brand new engine, the brand new eventualities, the type, the expertise. And, God, I did.
I got here out of the examination trying like a fish in a fridge: eyes and mouth large 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 every part was adverse!)
I spent loads of time studying about Wireless, 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. Even although I felt higher, extra assured, and happier with my efficiency, it wasn’t sufficient. I noticed I wanted extra cloud, extra migrations, extra enterprise acumen, extra studying expertise, and extra focus. It was an infinite checklist!
I saved an inventory of subjects I felt uncertain about and added extra after each try. The checklist began large and continued to shrink over time whereas I addressed extra subjects—till the final try.
For the June try, I put loads of effort into finding out. My Cisco Live 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 several other periods about design.
There I used to be within the CCDE Techtorial: “Dude, don’t tell me this bull****, I already took the exam!” (I’m sorry, Mark.)
I wasn’t making any pals throughout that session. Turns out 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. Right after Cisco Live US, I headed again to Brussels for my third try at CCDEv3.
I labored on my data, note-taking, studying, and focus and mentioned with the already-certified CCDE of us 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 nearly certain.
I got here out hoping for the most effective and was shot down by a FAIL. It was, by far, probably 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 in a position to conquer such a titanic aim after so lengthy. My scores have been displaying 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 after I was about to throw the towel, my pals have been there for me. Once once more, they held me up, they assured me I used to be shut, they usually gave me extra encouragement than I may have requested for.
I felt like Spiderman (Tobey Maguire) getting carried over their heads after saving the folks on the prepare from an imminent crash. But 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 completely different for the October try.
Was it about data? What else was I doing through the examination? At some level, when you cope with the data gaps (otherwise you assume you probably did), you need to fear about your exam-taking expertise and technique.
I labored extra on my focus and on workouts to maintain myself lively. I introduced loads of sweets, caffeine, and water and did many, many pushups through the take a look at.
Every 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.
During the examination, I used to be consuming vitality drinks, water, espresso, sourworms, and Nutella biscuits. I used to be glad I may deliver these items to the testing room!
I additionally supplied from my arsenal to all of the folks taking the examination with me. Most of them responded to my proposal with incredulous seems and awkward silence. But a few them did get nearer. They bought Nutella crackers and an vitality drink, some goodies.
This time my angle 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 through the examination, worrying concerning the consequence. I used to be targeted, entertained, and optimistic, all about having fun with myself whereas it occurred.
This time the anxiousness wasn’t within the driver’s seat. I felt high-quality, 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 certain 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 pals. In the start, I couldn’t consider it, I assumed the web site was damaged, and I couldn’t see the everyday “FAIL” I used to be anticipating.
I assumed: “This is kaput, where is my fail?”
I continued to go looking 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, every part was all proper.
It was the top of an period, the closure I a lot craved for. I couldn’t do the rest 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 shall be, for me, probably 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
Resources
*The Cisco Certified Design Professional (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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