Number of Questions: 77

Required Passing Score: 790

Time Allotted: 2 hours

Question Types: Single Response-Multiple Choice, Multiple Response-Multiple Choice, Drag and Drop, Scenario (Flash Based)

Overall Level of Difficulty: Easy

Exam Sections:

• Evaluate proposed changes to a network
• Implement Layer 2 technologies
• Implement Layer 3 Technologies
• Implement IP Multicast
• Implement Advanced Services
• Troubleshoot a Network
• Optimize the Network

Overview:

Compared to the previous versions of this exam, Cisco has solved one of the major issues with it - time. The previous version featured 105 questions that were to be solved in 2 hours. This was quite difficult. Knowing the material as well as I do, I had about 4 minutes to spare in one of my visits to the old exam.

Notice the new exam allows students to breathe a bit as they are sitting the exam. I did not find time to be nearly as much of a pressure with this exam. I completed all questions in 1 hour and 10 minutes. I believe that most students will have no problems finishing the exam in 1 hour and a half.

In addition to the shorter length, I found there were many more questions of CCNA-level and CCNP-level in this exam compared to past exams. Now of course, there are still a fair share of really tough CCIE-level questions, so you actually feel a bit off-balance taking the exam. When you click next, you just never know what you are going to get. :-)

Also, as advertised, there is no longer a BACK button. Be real sure of your answer before you click NEXT. Twice I realized I answered something wrong once it was too late. Remember, time should not be an issue now, so avoid the typical response of rushing. Incidentally, one reason Cisco is not allowing the BACK button any longer is that it would make the exam MUCH easier. Several times I learned of a correct response from a later question but I was prohibited from going back and changing my initial reponse.

What I Loved:

• Shorter exam
• Troubleshooting questions

What I Disliked:

• Exhibits that were completely illegible
• Only one new Scenario style question in my exam
• Over-emphasis in certain areas, with no coverage, or limited coverage, of other areas

Topic Domains Most Emphasized (In My Question Pool):

• OSPF and EIGRP for IPv6
• IP SLA
• Layer 2 Troubleshooting
• Layer 3 Troubleshooting
• QoS
• PIM Sparse Mode
• MPLS
• Services

As you know, updates have begun to our top-rated CCIE Written R&S Bootcamp product. I am creating the new lessons in an order that reflects exam emphasis. I am also adding a second Practice Exam to the course. It will be available (In Progress) tomorrow, so you do not need to wait to try your skills on new questions immediately.