I promised an update on my CCDE journey last week on Twitter, so here we go…

I’ve been preparing for the practical for about 4 months and finally took it for the first time on 5.30.18. So, here’s my story…

In preparation for the practical, I attended a CCDE bootcamp by Jeremy Filliben and it was awesome. Several of my study buddies from Cisco also attended, so we were able to collaborate during and after the bootcamp which was cool. I used Cisco press books, my own personal notebooks and experience from over the years (18+), and all the practice scenarios I could get my hands on. Also a few real life RFP responses for good measure. <grin>

Needless to say, nothing could have prepared me for the logistics of this exam as it’s unlike anything I’ve taken before.

Allow me elaborate… My appointment at the Pearson Professional Center in Allentown, PA was 8am. I left my house around 6:15a, knowing it’s only about 1 hour away. Needless to say, I got caught up in accident traffic TWICE (RT 222 and 61). Luckily, my buddy Jason was taking the exam at the same test center and he let them know I was running behind. I finally arrived at 8:05a which was better than I expected. I walk into the test facility and right away I’m grilled about the 8a start time. The test admin informed me I’d lose the 5-10 minutes which I was OK with since this is an 9 hour marathon.

Time to “check-in”…

Test Admin: “Sir, please remove your glasses and place them on this pad. We need to inspect them for cameras.”

Me: Wait, what!?

Test Admin: “Now turn your pockets inside out, roll up your sleeves, pat down your back pockets, and spit out your gum”.

I couldn’t make this stuff up. No gum, water, nothing for 4 hours. I have ADHD and chewing gum calms my nerves while giving me a semblance of focus. No gum, no problem! Coffee or water help too. But, I get none of that. Just me, my little cube and a pathetic excuse for a dry erase board. Forget about bio breaks, because you have to go through that entire “check-in” process all over heaven forbid you need to allow nature to run it’s course. BIG mistake on my part since I had a double espresso venti latte before I got to the testing center.

Now, it’s all not doom and gloom. This is just my personal experience and my personality coming out here, so bear with me because the plot thickens…

Part 1 (3.25 hours): 

So, far so good! I’m really digging the format and amount of work that goes into the CCDE practical. This exam and the test engine is really good. It’s not like that sad flash excuse for a simulation at all, the real experience is MUCH better! Critical thinking, reading comprehension, and filter out the noise. This was my methodology during the exam. I really enjoyed the morning platforms/scenarios and even got done with almost an hour to spare. That additional time was ADDED to my lunch break which is really awesome. I didn’t plan to take all that time, but perhaps I should have…

I’m a visual guy, so this was me at the end of the first 4 hour module.
Happy, excited, pleased with my answers and design solutions/recommendations.

Then it was time for lunch…

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch (1.25 hours):

Nothing too exciting, a quick drive down the road for a burrito at Chipotle and then a refill of espresso at Starbucks. Made it back in 1.25 hours and still had close to 30min left on the clock. Nothing stopping me from picking up and trying to get done at a reasonable time (possibly early).

Part 2 (3.25 hours): 

Time to “check-in” AGAIN…

Test Admin: “Sir you still have 30mins left, did you want to start back up?”

Me: Sure, let’s do this…

About 20 minutes into the first platform, I’m thinking I should have taken that extra time to get ready for the mind games that would ensue for the next 3.25 hours. Needless to say, the last two modules kicked my a$$. Not only did they serve me a fresh slice of humble pie, it exposed the areas of weaknesses that I knew I had, but tricked myself into believing I was prepared for. I just don’t want to talk about the afternoon anymore because it completely deflated me and the wound is still fresh.

Let’s just say that around 3:30p I completed the last platform and it was time to leave.

Again, as a visual representation this was how I felt in the afternoon.

The CCDE exam in the afternoon was “butthead” and I was the “coach”. It was painful, but I kept coming back and asking for MORE. Instead of relief, I just received a fresh dose of pain. It felt like perpetual torture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary:

I left the testing center feeling defeated, however I can’t help but think about my actual results. It will be 10-12 weeks before I get the official pass/failure report which makes it even more painful. While I don’t feel like I passed (due to the 2nd half), I curious what the grade report will look like and how much or how little insight will be provided.  I drove home and took plenty of notes on the areas I know I could’ve done better on. I have a feeling I’ll be taking the exam again in November…

Until then, it’s back to the books and mock scenarios. Also, need to condition myself for the possibility of 4 hour stints in total isolation without the comforts/consumables of the world. 😉

 

UPDATE (9.25.2018):

Well I received the official grading transcript and I did not pass my first attempt. Next attempt will be November 27th. Wish me luck!