The Journey to CCDE, a Private Story by David Peñaloza Seijas- Cisco Blogs

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 fascinating. I grew up being the nosy child, or “preguntón,” in Spanish. I used to be virtually all the time asking “why?” each time I obtained 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 e book referred to as “El porqué de las cosas,” which roughly interprets to English as “The why of the issues.”

I may spend hours studying and asking much more questions. It was an countless loop I loved as a (un)naturally curious child. To my shock, the e book 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 at this time’s parlance.

Years later I thank my mother for such an excellent transfer; I picked up studying in my early years and continued to develop keen on it. Encyclopedias (do any of you bear in mind Microsoft Encarta?), novels (Potterhead right here!), tales, newspapers, and my profession subject: IT.

I began tweaking my very own pc when it felt gradual, as I wished to play the cool video games different youngsters had been taking part in. Over time, it morphed into cracking video games, modifying registry keys, disabling/enabling providers, troubleshooting issues, and working a shared LAN (Hamachi) to play with my pals — the chances had been countless!

Touching and troubleshooting programs, putting in units, and connecting cables and printers (units from hell!) grew to become pure, and I began making a residing out of it once 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 grew to become a community engineer, the urge to know the way issues labored simply made it fulfilling and compelling. There was an invisible world to us beneath cables, numbers, and blinking lights. I discovered an countless curiosity effectively (or hose) I may drink from daily.

Why CCDE?

Round 2016, after a number of years as a community help engineer, I made a decision to review community design. However why? By that point, I labored with many engineers and will see a distinction between them. Some had been joyful to implement issues and see them working, generally with out them being fully clear to them. And another engineers, although, knew very effectively how issues labored and why the modifications had been being launched. They’d a unique perspective.

That instantly caught my consideration; I wished to know the explanations behind issues. I was curious! At the moment, the CCDE neighborhood was rising and everyone was so vibrant and welcoming that I obtained lured into it. I made a decision that despite the fact that it could be a tough factor to do, I wished to review community design.

You’re normally informed that CCDE is a certification for skilled engineers and, given the quantity of data required, you need to have not less than one CCIE earlier than making an attempt it. It initially discouraged me—till I spoke with individuals like Elaine Lopes, Daniel Dib, Jeremy Filiben, Mark Holm, and Andre Azevedo. They assured me you that don’t want a CCIE to try the examination, however you do want the data that comes with it. (Notice that each one of them have not less than one CCIE!)

Like my good pal, Peter Palúch, informed me a number of instances: “You have to be on the similar stage. Make expertise your second nature, and perceive issues all the way down to the bone.”

That yr, I began learning 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 lined not solely fundamentals but in addition greatest practices; what was really useful given sure circumstances. After passing, I bear in mind feeling energized and prepared for extra.

Again then, I believed: “What if I attempt the CCDEv2 written examination?”

Narrator: “And with out realizing, David was setting himself up for a candy and skin-scorching lesson.”

My Cisco certification examination journey

It took me three makes an attempt and loads of learning to cross the CCDE written examination. The primary one was my means of gauging myself, whereas the second failure felt excruciatingly shut. Lastly, my third try was a candy cross.

CCDE Success Story

The CCDEv2 written examination was a beast. It primarily mixed Enterprise and Service Supplier subjects, whereas additionally including some safety as effectively, making it a mighty difficult examination by itself.

Was all my learning sufficient to cross the written examination? Sure. Barely.

Was I able to take the CCDE sensible examination? Not likely. Not emotionally… and much much less technically. However that was a lesson I realized over time after incomes myself a few scars.

From August 2017 till Could 2018, I studied extra, I mentioned extra, and I believed it was time. I had heard so many issues concerning the examination; the type of the check, the quantity of knowledge, the studying and highlighting. It appeared doable.

Then, my examination day got here! There I used to be in Madrid on Could 30, 2018, arriving sooner than anyone else! The testing middle wasn’t opened till 10:00, despite the fact that the examination was supposed to start out at 09:00. Don’t ever ask a Spaniard to get up early, or you’re setting your self up for failure! 😀

It was precisely like I had heard—however on steroids! The knowledge, the emails, the diagrams, the questions. I believed I used to be prepared for it, however I wasn’t. The examination made me notice that rather more was wanted; extra data, extra studying, extra expertise.

Typically, that meant that I didn’t perceive a specific expertise effectively sufficient. Different instances, that meant I had missed said necessities or constraints or was not in a position to focus for the complete time of the check (8 hours).

This occurred twice in 2018, in Could and November. On each events, it was a FAIL for me.

CCDE Success Story

After getting overwhelmed twice, I continued attempting. Out and in, it was robust to get on my ft 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.

CCDE Success Story

I used to be in a position to cross the CCIE R&S** and Service Supplier exams whereas making 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. Each instances, 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 yr and considered taking a break earlier than dealing with the examination once more. I didn’t know, nonetheless, that my break can be all that lengthy.

Taking a break

Between 2019 and 2022, quite a bit occurred in my life. (And doubtless 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. However I wasn’t in a position to see it. I used to be too proud to confess it and too cussed to cease attempting. 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 centered all through the complete examination.
I introduced preconceived notions into the examination.
No one does that in the actual world!
I mustn’t have second-guessed myself…
God, I hate tables!

Every a kind of makes an attempt teaches you one thing, however it’s important to listen. In any other case, it goes over your head, and you find yourself bumping into the identical stone once more. Every lesson burns your pores and skin within the course of, or not less than, that was the sensation for me. Taking the examination was akin to being a meteorite getting nearer to the earth: the extra you method 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. Though it sounds humorous, it was the case. I used to be taking a look at an issue as an alternative of zooming out and looking out on the massive image with all the transferring items.

What else occurred throughout my break? Effectively, CCDEv2 was revamped to CCDEv3, and subjects had been adjusted, together with the exam-taking expertise. Much less Service Supplier, and extra Enterprise, extra Safety, extra Knowledge Heart, extra enterprise, extra Cloud, and extra Wi-fi!

Earlier than persevering with with my story after the break, we may discuss which issues are essential on your CCDE journey. Don’t fear. We will likely be shedding some tears in a bit.

What do that you must cross the examination?

Research group and pals – AKA neighborhood

Your research group may very well be the important thing useful resource that you must cross. The extra views you get, the higher your technical arsenal will likely be when dealing with the examination.

Throughout my CCDE journey, I had the luxurious of learning with individuals like Mike McPhee, Jason Beltrame, Bruno Wollman, Fareed Fakoor, Remington Unfastened, Ronald Lopez, Anti Sourdi, Freerk Terpstra, Nicolas Vallet and Fabian Beck. All of them are sensible engineers/architects, they usually all taught me one thing alongside the best way. We shared ideas and data, had classes to show others about what we had been good at, and naturally, made stunning bonds within the course of.

On prime of that, I had great pals who weren’t learning to take the CCDE examination however had been supporting me and educating me issues (train me your secrets and techniques, grasp!) or supporting me as an individual, as a pal: individuals 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, individuals to debate with, individuals keen to hear, a ground that might help me… a neighborhood. With out them, I might not have handed it. This late success was due to them for his or her unwavering help and motivation. It’s as a lot mine as it’s theirs.

Each time I felt like quitting (particularly the final two makes an attempt) I used to be supported by them. (Particular point out to Peter, Daniel, Kurt, and Mark!) By individuals who, not less than at that second, believed in me greater than I did. They saved me on observe, pulled my ears when wanted, and hugged me onerous sufficient to drag my items collectively once more once I couldn’t do it myself.

Know your self

One other 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 not less than it was for me.

The CCDE examination is totally different from some other CCIE examination. It doesn’t depend on muscle reminiscence or quick typing. You could take into account every possibility, learn each doc, and consider each alternative. It’s an 8-hour-long studying comprehension examination with technical and enterprise subjects. Your psychological state is paramount.

Are you aware if you research one of the best? Is it through the morning, afternoon, or evening?
How briskly are you able to learn?
How a lot of that may you keep?
Are you able to deal with eight hours of learning?
What about 4-hour or 2-hour blocks?
How good is your focus? (I get distracted simply.)
How do you deal with nervousness?
How do you calm your nerves?
Are you into meditation? Or do you do a fast sequence of 20 pushups and really feel like new and centered?
What about your emotions concerning the examination?
How do you’re feeling when coming into, leaving, and through the examination?
Anxious?
Nervous?
Scared?
Relaxed?

All these items had been essential for me, and I want I might have considered them beforehand. I needed to be taught to contemplate them after each failed try.

Initially, my drivers once I began all this had been: ambition, satisfaction (fairly hubris), and concern. I wished to get as excessive as doable, to be actually good at one thing, to be acknowledged, to close up each mouth that stated (there have been many) that I couldn’t make it or it was too onerous and I used to be going to fail, and likewise, my concern of lacking out (FOMO).

An exquisite tune about that is Vienna, by Billy Joel.

Through the years I realized (due to my expensive 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? Discovering constructive motivation!

I did my greatest to cease evaluating myself with others and solely evaluate myself with David from the previous. All of us have failures, everyone knows one thing someone else doesn’t, and all of us can be taught one thing from others. Even the individuals we don’t like can train us one thing.

I began wanting on the journey in addition to the purpose. 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 pondering, “I gained’t have sufficient time in my life to do all of the issues I wish to do; I have to go quicker.”

Lastly, and the toughest one: I did my greatest to cease worrying concerning the examination’s end result. In spite of everything, I had already failed a number of instances. Will it burn extra? Perhaps a bit. Will or not it’s a disaster? Not likely. Simply decide up your items, regroup, and sort out it once more. The examination is already demanding sufficient, and worrying about failing earlier than taking it’ll solely make me really feel extra anxious.

Don’t beat your self up beforehand. Give your self an opportunity, forgive your self, and be sort to your self. All of us make errors. Belief me, you’re sufficient. You are able to do it. You could have it in you.

Throughout my final try, I used to be centered on the examination itself, and the evening earlier than I believed: Well, no matter occurs, I’ll give my greatest through the examination. Cross or fail, will probably be one of the best of me.

I didn’t know if I handed, and I used to be about to test the subsequent obtainable date for the examination. Little did I do know that I might cross this time, however extra on that later.

Narrator: “After which David ugly cried for hours as a result of he was a llorón when he knew he handed.”

Again 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 likelihood 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 not lie about this: it was wonderful.

I earned the fitting to take the sensible examination once more, nevertheless it was a brand new model. The examination subjects had been step one to take. I had new issues to be taught: Wi-fi, Cloud, and Safety. And likewise others to brush up and at last be taught effectively: QoS, and multicast.

Now, the examination was provided in Brussels like some other CCIE examination, so I didn’t should juggle balls to e book an examination in a Pearson Skilled Heart in Frankfurt or Madrid. I may go to the Cisco workplace in Brussels like everyone else!

Additionally, a number of pals work there, so it’s a acquainted place for me.

CCDE Success Story

In the middle of ten months, I visited Brussels 4 instances. Each time, I used to be welcomed by my expensive 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 totally different: the brand new engine, the brand new situations, the type, the expertise. And, God, I did.

I got here out of the examination wanting like a fish in a fridge: eyes and mouth broad 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 thing was adverse!)

I spent loads of time studying about Wi-fi, 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 state of affairs and defined it to us intimately.

I went once more in February with loads of hopes, nonetheless, it wasn’t but my time. 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 abilities, and extra focus. It was an countless checklist!

I saved a listing of subjects I felt not sure 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 learning. My Cisco Dwell 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 a number of other classes about design.

There I used to be within the CCDE Techtorial: “Dude, don’t inform me this bull****, I already took the examination!” (I’m sorry, Mark.)

I wasn’t making any pals throughout that session. Seems that some discussions aren’t about absolutes or sides, they fairly fall right into a grey space proper within the center, and there are a number of shades of grey to take care of. Some assumptions are honest, 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 greatest and felt prepared for the examination. Proper after Cisco Dwell 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 people 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 virtually positive.

I got here out hoping for one of the best 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 purpose after so lengthy. My scores had 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 once I was about to throw the towel, my pals had been there for me. As soon as 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 individuals on the practice from an imminent crash. However 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 totally different for the October try.

Was it about data? What else was I doing through the examination? Sooner or later, when you take care of the data gaps (otherwise you assume you probably did), it’s important to fear about your exam-taking expertise and technique.

I labored extra on my focus and on workout routines to maintain myself lively. I introduced loads of sweets, caffeine, and water and did many, many pushups through the check.

Each 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.

Throughout the examination, I used to be consuming vitality drinks, water, espresso, sourworms, and Nutella biscuits. I used to be glad I may carry these items to the testing room!

I additionally provided from my arsenal to all of the individuals taking the examination with me. Most of them responded to my proposal with incredulous seems to be and awkward silence. However a few them did get nearer. They obtained Nutella crackers and an vitality drink, some candies.

This time my perspective wasn’t about passing the examination. It was about having fun with the journey, doing my greatest, and feeling pleased with how far I’ve come.

This time I didn’t really feel nervousness crawling over my shoulder through the examination, worrying concerning the outcome. I used to be centered, entertained, and constructive, all about having fun with myself whereas it occurred.

This time the nervousness wasn’t within the driver’s seat. I felt wonderful, 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 positive if I handed, however I did my greatest, and I used to be pleased with it. I checked the outcomes someday after whereas sitting subsequent to my pals. At first, I couldn’t imagine it, I believed the web site was damaged, and I couldn’t see the everyday “FAIL” I used to be anticipating.

I believed: “That is kaput, the place is my fail?”

I continued to look the underside proper facet of the display.

And there it was, on the prime left of the display. It wasn’t damaged. It wasn’t improper. I actually handed, every thing was all proper.

It was the tip of an period, the closure I a lot craved for. I couldn’t do anything however cry. I used to be all the time sufficient, I used to be all the time prepared, and the journey lastly made sense.

CCDE was and will likely be, for me, probably the most profitable set of failures I’ve ever encountered. And I’m pleased with it, just like the quote attributed to Thomas A. Edison: