BSCI, ROUTE, or CCNA 1

[iolair]

I'm getting close to time when my CCNA will expire. I've been struggling with the BSCI, but haven't passed it yet. I don't want to lose my CCNA certification, as I'm also in the process of looking for a new job.

Should I retake the CCNA exam, or study harder and retake the BSCI exam (I've failed it twice now), or should I try the new ROUTE exam.

I seem to know the material, and I've been working with BSCI router labs for over a year now, but when I take the test, the way Cisco words the questions throws me. Any thoughts or helpful advice? Thanks.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[ISPKing]

Twice? I think you may have to re examine your study techniques. The bsci is not overly difficult. The route looks even less difficult. Just get some equip to practice, makes a world of difference.

CCNP

 

[Cluebird]

You've seen the BSCI twice. You should be able to pass that one if you're studying correctly.

While the Route might look easier at first, it isn't although you don't have to worry about ISIS. There is a lot more depth on the routing stuff as well as a significant amount of e-learning covering various topics in more detail than the ILT.

 

[iolair]

So I should not retake the CCNA, continue onward with the BSCI? I have been working with real routers, and successfully setup a BGP network, OSPF network, and am now going to do an ISIS network.

I did not think the material was overly difficult, but I was not able to translate the questions into facts I knew. It's not the material, but they way Cisco asks it that throws me. Maybe that's on purpose, or maybe it's just me.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[lerdalt]

What material are you using for the BSCI? I struggled with it at first, but then when I got my hands on a different set of books, it made a world of difference.

 

[iolair]

I'm using Brent D. Stewart's CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, and the Catherine Pacquet Cisco Book on BSCI. One drawback might be that I only have five routers, two switches, and a PIX to play with. Luckily, I'm running a new enough version of IOS to allow IPv6. But most of the interfaces are older serial interfaces, although there are a couple with ethernet interfaces, and believe it or not, two with old token ring interfaces. (2513's). I'm also using the testing software that came with the Cisco Books and I also purchased the Self Test Software package, which helped me pass my Novell CNE years ago, and also helped me pass Sun's Solaris SCSA. I've been looking for a Todd Lammle book on BSCI, but I don't think he's written one. His CCNA book really helped me out tremendously.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[lerdalt]

I tried out some of the selftest software for Cisco since it helped greatly for my CNE, but it wasn't as good for Cisco. Just my opinion.

One thing I found with the BSCI was to use the Pacquet book first, then go through the exam cert guide. The order of the books became very necessary since the exam cert guide seemed to have an expectation that you already had a background.

 

[iolair]

Thanks for the tips. I think you're correct on the selftest software - it's good, but not great. It covers the basics, but doesn't get into more involved issues.

I did not read the Pacquet book first, so maybe I should go back and do that, then re-read the Official Guide.

Thanks for your help.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[burtsbees]

Depends on the expire date---if nit is too close, go with what you know. Then again, if it expires, you'd have to take the CCNA again anyway, which is the SAME as recerting...go for the BSCI or another NP exam. I liked ISCW mah-self...

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!

 

[iolair]

Thanks, burtsbees. Good point, having to retake the CCNA anyway. I'm going to really work hard for the next month, and then retake the BSCI before it's defunct.

Just curious - your title says you're a programmer, what language do you use most? I'm interested in learning to program. Not sure what language to start with.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[burtsbees]

Cisco IOS---I'm not any of the other choices...lol

I messed up when I first signed up a few years ago...I'm actually a network support engineer.

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!

 

[iolair]

I see. I was curious, since you're always so helpful with your answers on this forum. Thanks.

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[burtsbees]

Why thank you for the compliment. Another good way to show this is a pink star (HINT HINT)...

I collect them as a hobby...

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!

 

[iolair]

Oops, I forgot that....................

Iolair MacWalter
Network Engineer

 

[burtsbees]

Why, grazie!!!

/

tim@tim-laptop ~ $ sudo apt-get install windows
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
E: Couldn't find package windows...Thank Goodness!