For the last week and a bit I have been doing what I consider preparing for the OEQ. My method of attack consist of reading a topic on the blueprint and then labbing up what ever I read. Again a simple approach. After reading the first feedback regarding the OEQ on the SP lab, my initial thought was that they will be relatively easy if one is prepared well for the lab. Putting more emphasis on the practical rather than theory seemed the appropriate next step. Now with further feedback from another candidate, I am not so sure.
Some comments from the two candidates to think about:
Most positive thing about them was that they really were core things. And you can really answer with one single word, maybe 2-4, but that’s it.
If you are able to pass the lab, you certainly are able to answer those four questions!
I passed the lab configuration today. If I would have taken my test 2 weeks earlier, I would be a CCIE now. BEWARE of the OEQs. They threw me for a loop. One was a stupid mistake. The others were just crazy. None of the simulator questions even came close! It was just not what I would consider core material. Look in all the nooks and crannies of all the books you have – there you may find some OEQ study material. I have not touched any lab configuration for the past month prior to my lab attempt yesterday. All I did was reread books and bone back up on the theory.
I am a bit puzzled.
See also Swapnendu’s feedback: http://eminent-ccie.blogspot.com/2010/01/failed-ccie-sp-lab-and-oeq-mystery.html
I wrote that 2nd comment. I wrote this when I was still bitter – about an hour after I found out I failed exclusively because of the OEQs. They were on the blueprint, but I would not consider most of them them core how/why questions. You better know specifics. The things I was asked on at least two questions were things I never had to do in ANY of the IP Expert or Internetwork Expert labs. That is no excuse, I’m just trying to set expectations for you. I think I just got unlucky. There is probably a huge bank of questions to draw from. They just asked things I was personally weak on. You may have found them easy, but I did not. Don’t let my experience stop you. It’s not going to stop me. I’ve been in the field over 12 years now and have been studying for this cert for 2 years now. This past time was my 2nd attempt. I nailed the configuration section, so I feel good about that. I just need to play Cisco’s game and keep going. It will be worth it in the end. Stay positive! That is the most important thing.
Comment by Adam — January 12, 2010 @ 11:34 pm
Hello Antonie,
I spoke to 2 of my friends who attempted SP lab. They said the OEQs covers entire blueprint. They said they got questions starting from MPLS topics to security topics. They asked me to read cisco documentation of all the topics listed in the blueprint.
Regards,
Vignesh
Comment by Vignesh — January 13, 2010 @ 6:00 am
Adam, thanks for all the feedback. They have been invaluable. I think I will spend the remainder of the time preparing for the OEQ. While I am glad the OEQ are also stopping the fakes, at the same time I am not ecstatic about having to spend another month studying theory since I worked hard to pass the SP written and had to fail that as well. If Cisco just had their house in order and kept developing creative new questions for the written and practical, it would not be necessary to memorize bit sizes for each field in every packet encountered in the books for the lab as well. I am sure they wont be able to resist to ask some ridiculous bit question. With that said I believe Cisco would/should ask questions that are considered to be fair for someone that have been doing a substantial amount of practical preparation. But I also know that the words ‘Cisco’ and ‘fair’ are rarely used in the same sentence, that is what makes the CCIE challenging for someone doing it the hard way.
Asking OEQ on topics not covered in the reputable vendor workbooks tell me that Cisco is not only trying to filter the guys that worked hard at preparing for the lab. That is below the belt. I guess focusing on topics not in the vendor workbooks but on the blueprint will yield a higher probability of a hit. Perhaps the topics on the blueprint that is not possible on the IOS is also a high probability. Just speculation, the interface could pull random questions and I might get 4 bit questions.
Vignesh, thanks old friend, I intend to do the same. Any recommended hotels in Bangalore?
Comment by 21500 — January 13, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Antonie,
I stayed in shanthi residency in Marthalli but i would recommend Hotel Belair which got nice internet connection and great food. Most of the CCIE candidates stay at Belair and they arrange pick up and drop to Cisco office.Check the following link where Zayphoe has given an good feedback about that hotel and the contact person in Hotel Belair. http://iehunt.blogspot.com/2009/06/1-day-to-go-again-update.html
Please let me know if you need anything.
Thanks,
Vignesh
Comment by Vignesh — January 14, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
Antonie,
This is phone number 080 41625555 and contact person is Murali.
HTH,
Vignesh
Comment by Vignesh — January 14, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Hey guys – good posts on the OEQ’s. My approach is to read the usual SP books / CCO docs and develop my own OEQ’s. While reading, I approach the book as if I were writing an exam for it. It’s great to reference my own list of test questions in final prep. This has been very useful for me and I highly recommend this to others. I take the SP lab soon and will drop you guys a line on how things go.
Good luck to all! Remember, you’re not beaten until you stop fighting!!
Morgan Stepp
morganstepp @ yahoo
#12603
Comment by Morgan Stepp — January 20, 2010 @ 11:05 pm
Hello all – OEQ’s are tough! Though it has been fun learning more behind theory.
Comment by Tony — January 20, 2010 @ 11:28 pm
All the best Morgan!
Comment by 21500 — January 21, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Hi all
i have posted this questions and now i am updating my experience , although i have failed because of the OEQ , but i can say it was manageable if you have a time to study , in my case it was introduced a month prior to my exam , i have focused on the new tech and then got 2 questions in the new tech which i answered and 2 old tech questions which i missed . so please study all the blue print topics , READ , READ and READ
it is worth 4 points only and if you fail / fail
you can go back and front before the 30 min elapse or submit your questions
the remaining time you can invest in your lab
thx
dayaa
Comment by Dayaa — January 25, 2010 @ 10:41 pm
its good to see the discussion on OEQs. I myself preparing for the SP lab scheduled in few months.
will start reading the theory along with the labs.
@vignesh
when is your date? i too stay near marathahalli. drop a reply back here
Comment by ramchandra — January 28, 2010 @ 1:31 pm