What is the CCIE Exam Like? Is the CCIE Certification Worth It?

In 2001 after studying and working really hard on knowing the material (not just memorizing it) for years, I went to get my CCIE. The test was difficult, and it really is very extensive. In this video I share my story of how I got my certification and what it was like to go through the exam.
I believe that anyone can change their station in life, by including the habits and actions (some small, and some big), that lead them in the direction of their desires. I am living proof. Anyone can do it.
Find me on social media:
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[@tonyHern865]

your enthusiasm make my grandma want to try the CCIE certification

[@GG_TradeJourney]

Lol 😂

[@richdroid247]

Lolz! great youtube comment

[@mes2009]

If u fail u can make joke abuot it

[@JonathanB00K3R]

You look like a crazy scientist Keith. I am studying CCNA and feel tired of studying, so this is good inspiration. Thanks again!

[@KeithBarker]

Crazy scientist indeed. Love that networking! Best wishes to you in your CCNA studies, and thank you for your comments.

[@davidt5158]

@@KeithBarker That look you have going on now works well for you! You look Tony Hawk crossed with Tony Stark.

[@KeithBarker]

@@davidt5158 Love it!!!! Thanks David.

[@KeithBarker]

Based on a lot of people asking for it, I am going to make some additional videos to assist people who are studying for the CCENT or CCNA R&S. Is there a specific topic or two that you feel would be useful for me to create a short video about? Am also considering doing a live stream for CCNA related Q&A once or twice a month. If we do that, I would record them, and make them available for later viewing as well. I would appreciate your thoughts on this Jonathan. -Keith

[@KeithBarker]

@ZnGear What topics on the blueprint, if I created a few videos about them, would help you the most in CCNA??? I am jumping in to assist learners in the world of CCENT and CCNA R/S, and am eager to pay back a little bit, and help where I can. Let me know.

[@jaronepaul66]

I'm going to have my CCNA exam tomorrow. And this gave me extra motivation to study more so I wont have any regrets if ever fail though I'm not looking forward to fail. Thanks for the motivtion Keith! UPDATE: I passed! Yay!

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for the comments Ebud, and best wishes on your exam!

[@benjaminmusasizi3777]

congrats sanchez. I tried mine last october and failed. Looking forward to repeating it again

[@jaronepaul66]

@@benjaminmusasizi3777 im sure you can do it! Always seek for extra motivation and go for the extra efforts. Be fullfilled but never be satisfied when learning. Goodluck!

[@KeithBarker]

Sooooo Great Ebud!!!! Congratulations on passing. Way to go. Thanks for posting.

[@benjaminmusasizi3777]

Thanks a bunch Ebud :)

[@hcetc]

Thanks Keith! These stories of your experiences go a long way in encouraging many of us. Honored to have you as a mentor.

[@mjgritli]

I've enjoyed living your experience, I'm now 2x CCNP (R&S, Sec) ,,,, on my way to studying CCIE Sec, Thank you for everything

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure Mohammed. Thank you for your comments, and congratulations on your success!

[@Alireza-zc3kc]

You are awesome Keith! Happy to know you through CBT Nuggets and KZbin

[@dbrowng1]

Keith, your closing remarks were especially inspirational. I continue to try to build skills both in music and technology. This year I have decided to celebrate the small wins. In 2022, I have sung in five operas and I completed four IT certifications so far (ITF+, Cloud Essentials+, Security+, LPI Linux Essentials). I take the ISC2 pilot entry level security exam tomorrow, and I plan to take Network+ and Python PCEP in the next few weeks. With certifications, at least I can pat myself on the back and point to verifiable accomplishments, milestones along the journey. The certification path can become very clear even when everything else seems to be a blur. But you are right. The greater your skills, the more that you can contribute to the world.

[@A_shock5]

Sir how can i connect with you i need your help please..i want to build my skill on both music and Technology till now i am noob i need some guidence please 🙏

[@securenc1]

Great story, awesome that you passed first attempt. I took the CCIE written portion last week and failed. Like you mentioned, it all comes down to preparedness. I obviously wasn't prepared as I should've been. I'm not giving up though. I'm not letting this test beat me, but a word to the wise for those who are planning to sit for the exam - know your stuff! I was told the exam has algorithms that feed on your weaknesses, meaning if you get a question wrong, it generates more similar questions trying to further trip you up.

[@KeithBarker]

Hi Michael, sorry to hear about the written last week. Sounds like you have a good attitude and plan of attack. Not sure if it has the algorithms or not, but either way, you can do this! Thank you for your comments.

[@NetworkBruh]

Man such a great story Keith!! Also its great to put a face to your voice from all those tutorials I have watched. Also thanks for the signed hat and notebook you sent me for being a CBT Nuggets subscriber!

[@tonioyendis4464]

Great story! I got my CCNP back around that same time, so i remember all those legacy protocols i.e. token-ring, FDDI, SNA, X.25, IPX/SPX, DLSW, ETC. It was so much to know, not to mention all the different frame-types! When TCP/IP became the industry standard, i did my happy dance!

[@MrFooSteven]

I was about to study CCNA CCNP back in college, and those protocols rang a bell. Does the current CCNA CCNP courses cover those now that TCP/IP is the industry standard??

[@lalinhg]

I have been learning so much from your CBT Nuggets CCNA and CCNP Series - Your explanation is awesome and love every single chapter you taught in the video. Now I have passed CCNP Route and I am learning more and more from your videos and other sources to attempt CCNP Switch & CCNP T-SHOOT within this year. Thanks for the great sharing of knowledge.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Lalin! Appreciate you both watching, and for your comments. Happy continued studies to you!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Lalin! Appreciate you both watching, and for your comments. Happy continued studies to you!

[@henriquespedro7552]

Keith keep going like this, I love watching this videos

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Henriques. More to come!

[@henriquespedro7552]

Keith Barker I’ll be active

[@crazypaul]

I absolutely love your style in your videos. You are so knowledgeable and easy to watch. Thanks for all you do.

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@compupage5735]

Keith I love the way you explain, my name is George Ugalde from COMPU-PAGE LLC in Miami Florida, and I learned a lot with your 55 videos of VMware 6.0 and also the 74 Videos of VMware 6.5 of CBT Nuggets, and now that I see this video of you I take the opportunity to congratulate you for that fantastic work

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure, and thanks for letting me know. Thank yo for watching!

[@bangurowned]

Hey Keith, worst test taker in the world here. Your CBT Nuggets for sec+ was a godsend and I couldnt of done it without you. Passed with a 777, but I passed. On to CCNA next. Thanks man!

[@KeithBarker]

Congratulations Bangurowned! Way to get it done!

[@ctsnctechnologychannel6342]

This video is one of the best I have ever seen on hits subject. It really helps to jumpstart the CCIE Certification process if you like to by pass the CCNA and CCNP certs !!!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Patrick OBryant

[@hornbaker]

Ah, back in the day... ;-) Token-Ring, DECNET, AppleTalk, SNA... before switching. The “study materials” was reading the entire IOS manual set from left to right, then trying them all. 2 shelves worth. You could order the whole set in print for free. The format in 1997 was still very close to what you describe. It was a solid 500 hours of intense studying and hands-on labs to prep, on top of doing it for a living. That upside-down serial cable was a good trick; it looked connected, but all kind of impossible signal combinations.

[@htoontm]

Great inspiration. I learn a lot from you. I get my CCNA, CCNP, VCP mainly because of your tutorial videos. Thank you sir. I want to say you are changing many people's lives including me. I will see you in the next video.

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for the comments, and for watching!

[@rsmmartins]

You are them man...your way of teaching is incredible!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Rafael!

[@morganstepp]

Keith is one of the top network resources available. I was fortunate to attend Keith's CCIE Security course and passed lab on first attempt.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Morg Stepp!

[@tiffanyyork9549]

This was so wonderful to watch. Your excitement is so energizing! I can't wait until I am on that end and get to tell people my story.

[@KeithBarker]

Looking forward to hearing your story! Thanks for your comments, and happy studies.

[@InsanexBrain]

great videos!will love to hear more stories from you.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Jorge! Stay tuned.

[@ChasedWheels]

Thanks for sharing it! Physically I have no peer friends to study with but thanks to the technology I have many awesome online trainers like you! What energy and enthusiasm!!!

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to help!

[@Steve_K2]

I only worked layer 1 and some 2, studied a little CCNA, achieved CompTIA Network+ (no snickering, please), so couldn't appreciate this video as much as many others. Still, enough to be glad guys like you exist. And a reminder how much brain power goes into networking that hardly anyone is aware of. Looking forward to your other videos. On anything.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Steve K!

[@imransyed8766]

Have grown up watching your videos and they are amazing ..Even more amazing is your energy level after so many years in the industry..keep going Keith !!!!

[@kevinF1ph]

Hey Keith you’re one of the best Cisco instructors. Working on my CCIE and hope to get it in 2 years.

[@KeithBarker]

Awesome Kevin. Thanks for watching and for your comments. Best wishes in your studies!

[@zakaryaenassiri4673]

I'm not following you ..or I was not following before I watch this video, I think youtube is using some advanced AI and decided that this exactly the sort of inspiration I need, Instantly and a huge fan. Can't thank you enough

[@KeithBarker]

Glad you are here, and thank you for watching!

[@chiefQUEEF69]

Kieth is the GOAT

[@arpan9985]

Definitely motivational. These facts helped me in achieving my number in 2013 (10 yrs post your security certification :-)). I always encourage people to know the technologies rather than just learn it for exam sake. If you are reading about vlans, try to configure it, know the value of it, master it. Also want to thank you for the mpls nuggets of ccip days which really helped me in my job, but I have never tried for any service provider exam.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Arpan for your comments and insights! And congratulations on your CCIE!

[@davidha7096]

You overcoming your failures confirms my belief that your are a true network god. Not only that, your story has motivated me to continue my studies. Thank you Keith.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you David Ha!

[@davidha7096]

@@KeithBarker I took the CCNA test yesterday. Passed! Studied for 5 months straight and I can't tell you how your Quizzes, labs, and good nature-humored videos were VERY instrumental in helping me understand network concepts, especially during my last two weeks of review. You da man!

[@bassman87]

I am currently on the path to getting my first CCIE, Route switch. Been studying every single day from 3pm till 10pm for the last two months. I still have a long way to go (expecting about another 6 to 8 months of study and labbing) but I already realized how much sharper I am. At work (I'm a project delivery engineer at a Cisco Partner) I've already pointed out some design flaws in a customers network that I previously was oblivious to. And not only did I realize the flaw I was able to intelligently explain why the flaw is a flaw.

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to hear about your studies and experiences. Thank you for posting Trevor, and enjoy the journey!

[@noshut]

Man if only weezer could play again at cisco live this year! BTW going for my second attempt at CCIE security next month, wish me luck! Very inspirational video

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you @noshut! Good luck on the CCIE. This year, it is Elton John performing. :)

[@inaholmatihaashkaiidhiib.8634]

Do not memorize, learn to know it sensational motivation. Thanks, Keith.

[@FriendlySniper]

Working on getting my CCNA and I'll do my best to ensure that my foundation is solid. Thanks Keith!

[@NajeeCanlas]

Nice story bro! Very inspirational

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you!

[@Ramms23]

Great story and great advices like always Keith. You are a star

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks Jorge!!! Have a great week.

[@Brute750]

Congrats on your achievements, thanks for sharing your story.

[@jiillescas]

Great Video Keith, I did yesterday my SP written, I didn't pass but I continue studying, I realized I need to learn more about some subjects.

[@KeithBarker]

Hi Jesus, thanks for posting and for sharing your experience. There is a lot of work involved, but each step can be beneficial, even the ones that don't turn out the way we thought they would. Best wishes in your continued studies and journey!

[@jiillescas]

@@KeithBarker Wow!, thanks for taking the time to read my comment and replied. By the way you videos helped me a lot starting on networking. Thanks again.

[@bumpthecrypto3059]

I passed my ccna last week. Im starting my ccnp enterprise this week. Thank you for being such a great teacher.

[@KeithBarker]

Congratulations Jose Nuno❗ So great to hear, way to get it done. Best wishes on your continued success.

[@jyk011609]

Thank you Keith, for sharing this with us. I always like to hear people's first hand experiences with the CCIE Lab exam, since I'm planning on going for it myself and there's this huge air of mystery surrounding it. I feel like I can relate a lot to your story. This inspired me to go for it even more. Thanks again for sharing! I like the new Logo by the way. 👍

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure. It has changed over the years, but just as challenging as ever. Thank you for watching, and best wishes in your studies!

[@jyk011609]

@@KeithBarker Thanks Keith!

[@Odim65]

I got my CCNA about 3 month ago and my ccnp switch yesterday !! both in my first attempt. I am very Excited !!! I am hoping to increase further to CCIE. guys get encouraged. Failure is not an option!!!!

[@KeithBarker]

Congratulations Negatu!!!! That is awesome. Thank you for watching, and for your comments. Continued success to you in your studies.

[@Odim65]

@@KeithBarker Thank you for your reply

[@adiabuissa]

Thanks for sharing this Keith. I’m really enjoying all your videos. Keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for watching. I will continue to make more videos. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@AtlBlkTechie]

Learning to KNOW vs learning to memorize long enough to pass the exam. Big difference and a lesson I learned the hard way. Studying for my IE RS now.

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for the comments and insight!

[@ignatiuskamunda2868]

You are my inspiration Keith.Was almost giving up on my Cisco journey

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for the feedback Ignatius.

[@nasirsahak]

Great story , thanks Keith after listening to you , i have decided iam going for CCIE EI

[@KeithBarker]

Sounds Awesome Nasir Khan!

[@mitrhitesh84]

Thanks Kieth for such inspirational video, really had a bad time last night with my SUP card replacement and IOS upgradation activity on cisco 4500 in production network and it failed due to license issue. Really got demotivated from last night but you have motivated me again. Thanks a lot,and would really like to hear from you, suggestions and guidance in future.

[@positiveside786]

thank you so much for this video Sir...seriously this is very inspirational for me to go for CCNA & NP & for CCIE.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you for posting Aamir! Appreciate the kind words. Best wishes to you!

[@cyberlord34]

Thanks for sharing your journey Keith :)

[@orleydoss3171]

Awesome story... Hard work pays off 👍

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for the comments Orley, and yes I agree, hard work pays off.

[@josephk6373]

What a great story! Currently deep in CCNP learning to know it:)

[@NetworkBruh]

Same here! I'm studying ROUTE exam. Which exam are you studying for??

[@MrCesariito1]

Thanks for this amazing story. It has encouraged to pursue my CCIE Security.

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure Cesar.

[@uriel4292]

Wow, I have been following you since 2012 for CCNA, CCNA Sec videos. Man you look different now, you're like an ultra marathon runner.

[@KeithBarker]

Working on getting to 15% (max) body fat. Thanks for the comments!

[@il4eto]

Thank you for sharing this story Keith! I really enjoyed the video!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you for watching, and for your comments! Best wishes.

[@julcesar8449]

Love your story and hope it will help me and other peuple here to go ahead.

[@ragayclark]

damn bro, i needed to hear this. CCNP encor is booked for a week from now, i've done nothing but study for the last 3 months even while working. Wish me luck, going through some of your multicast material from CBTnugs to fill in some gaps. Thanks chief!

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to do it, thanks for the feedback Clark Ragay. Best wishes next week!

[@masoudramezani8610]

I definitely wanna thank the person who told you that you can be a teacher. If it wasn't for that guy/gal you would've never get into the instructing world. I am more than happy to be one of your audiences cause your elaboration skills are more than amazing.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Masoud Ramezani!

[@mbratchie1]

That spinning thing on the table behind you is mesmerizing. Anyway, great video.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you mbratchie1! Glad you are here.

[@jastorino]

Great story, Keith!

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks Joe!

[@matthewwalters117]

Damnit man you have convinced me to go for it. I was happy to stop at NP, i should have not clicked.

[@KeithBarker]

Growth and improvement is better than the alternative! Thanks for your comments and for watching.

[@sudarshanbabu70]

Thanks for sharing your experience it was awesome

[@Ahmed-ITPro]

Welcome back, I am fun of you and Jeremy (Back in the day).. :-)

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Ahmed!

[@darshanaher1274]

Thank you Keith, You just answered biggest question in my mind "Is certification is required??". As I am working in networking from past 3 years I have never asked whether I've certification or not. They just asked me questions and concepts in interview and i can say i have knowledge up to CCNP level so i answered all correctly, Hence it was very confusing for me that why we need certification. Your video and those last lines answered a 3 year long question. Thanks again I've learned a lot from you. Keep rocking!!!!!

[@KeithBarker]

Awesome! Thank you for your comments and for letting me know. I appreciate it. Be well, and continued success in your career.

[@wasambamuyengu9640]

Thanks for the video Keith. Loved it.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Wasamba. Have a great day!

[@RickyCCNP]

Very inspiring, Thank you Keith for sharing your experience

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure!

[@SuperheroKaif]

This was an awesome video. Thank you for taking out time to bring this video to us. I am learning a lot of things currently being a cloud engineer, AWS, Linux, Python :P . However no matter what job role you are in, in an IT Infra sector, networking is like at the core of it and one gets a strong feeling oh I wish I knew about this. Which is why I want to do at least the basic certification of CCNA but not sure how to make time for it with job and other courses I am studying, but stories like these keeps the motivation up to keep learning :)

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks for watching and for the comments! I am going to re-set the CCNA R/S level exams, and host some Q and A sessions online about those certifications. Will record and post them as well when they happen. Stay tuned for those, and if you decide to allocate some time towards the CCNA, the live and recorded CCNA discussions can help with direction, focus, and understanding of the concepts. Thanks again!

[@SuperheroKaif]

@@KeithBarker We cannot thank enough for the effort people like you put in providing us the much needed guidance! I will be looking forward to those videos! Keep up!

[@OurPlayTime]

Love the sound effects! :-D

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks Ramo!

[@OurPlayTime]

@@KeithBarker Genuinely though you and Jeremy.C got me through my CCNP's and you were both great inspirations and teachers. Huge Thanks XD

[@stu4rt2003]

Nice one keith. Thanks for sharing. Really such an encouragement :).

[@acidtrip3309]

YOU'RE AWESOME MAN !!!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you!

[@rutilioarevalo2162]

Thanks, so much for sharing your story. It thought it is very helpful for me..

[@KeithBarker]

You are so welcome!

[@alk3myst]

I had a friend (a triple CCIE) that one of his troubleshooting issues was an obscure KRON job that did a configuration change every few mins. I figured that out with minutes to spare. He was a newer CCIE. My brother is in the 8K range of numbers.

[@ks313-g8o]

Doing my CCNP route exam tomorrow. Great inspiration! Tnx

[@KeithBarker]

...and how did it go???

[@ks313-g8o]

@@KeithBarker no pass :(...72 points from

[@KeithBarker]

@@ks313-g8o Let me know if there are specific points or concepts in the blueprint that you would like assistance with, and I can create a short video to assist. The time and study and practice is worth it. You can do this.

[@ks313-g8o]

@@KeithBarker Think many of oss is struggling with the frame relay, DMVPN and pppoe just because it's kinda boring, much to take in and( at least for me) the one thing i study last :/. Got a lot of in-depth questions.

[@ks313-g8o]

@@KeithBarker oooh.. plz make the OSPF LSA stub, NSSA etc easy to understand :D

[@qwerty6789x]

Hope you have your own Training tutorial Services. I could watch you all day on different lessons in technologies . I can imaging you doing reviews on Tech, gadgets, mobiles and Games too.

[@titus9895]

He’s great, little bit pricey but well worth it CBT nuggets training, he help me get my Compta network +

[@gussta1]

This was a great vid man...thanks for sharing.

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jbaezhernandez]

Love your videos. BTW, you look like a good/nice version of Rick from Rick&Morti cartoon.

[@Shubhampatki1994]

I don't understand how does this guy does not age. I am looking at his videos for last 6 years and I thought he is like in his thirties. Just mind blowing. We need to know what is this guy eating !!!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Shubham Patki!

[@philman6494]

just booked my flight. See you in San Diego!

[@KeithBarker]

Awesome Phil! See you there. I have some OGIT shirts ordered. They just came in, and I will bring a few to Cisco Live. They looks and feel great. If you would like one, let me know your size and I will bring one to give you in San Diego!

[@philman6494]

@@KeithBarker hey which booth r u in again? Leaving today but luv to stop by to say hi

[@m.imraniqbaal6912]

:) So thrilling story. Hey keith, would you mind having a Q&A?? In general??

[@cpat7065]

That was a pretty intense story. I work with four CCIEs. Hoping to pass the ICND 2 in a few months. Then do the security exam. I passed the ICND 1 last month but it was not easy. I cruised through three or four practice tests but I got hung up early on a few questions and probably spent 20 minutes between them. It was so dumb. I was pinned against the clock the rest of the time.

[@KeithBarker]

Good luck on the ICND2! All the study, learning, and resulting skills are worth it.

[@Victor-yw1jz]

I appreciate you Keith Barker, you along with Jeremy Ciaora have helped me get my CCNA (I tell my wife, you guys are the Iron Man and Captain America of the IT world.) I am now trying to get my CCNP Route/Switch watching your videos on CBTNuggets. -But one thing that is hard to find amongst network engineers, (in their videos) is how and what to use to find a network engineering job. I am currently in that situation, I have applied for over 50+ jobs using , zip recruiter, career builders, Dice, and linked in no luck thus far, but maybe I’m doing something wrong, could you possibly make a video on how you built your resume and how you found that first job? (Just a little info about me) My name is Victor I am 29 years old, and have been married for 5 years, I’ve had my CCNA for over a year, I want to land a network engineering job before we have our first kid, I want to be stable in a networking job for my wife and future family. I know your a busy man, I appreciate you Keith, I hope to see more videos of you, your an inspiration to me. God Bless you and your family! Thank you Mentor/Teacher/Leader!!

[@headinthekloudz]

Try bowmanWilliams.com

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you for your post and question. As you prepare, it isn't always clear where your "start" will be in the IT field, but I do know this, the harder you study, learn, and prepare, the more lucky you will be when an opportunity presents itself.

[@Victor-yw1jz]

@@headinthekloudz Thank you very much, I greatly appreciate it.

[@Victor-yw1jz]

@@KeithBarker Thank you very much Keith for replying back. I will keep on studying and putting in the work, keep those videos coming, i'm watching. God Bless you and your family!

[@GilbertKingAispuro]

Great story. Thanks for sharing!

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure Gilbert! Have a great day.

[@dangrissom7791]

Keith you look fit man. great video again :)

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks Dan. Working towards 15% body fat max.

[@pratiknilugal]

Highly Informative, Thanks.

[@nigelwilliamson8024]

Great words Kieth. Finding an edu system that tolerates moments of less clarity is very hard to come by👍 but this is where the extra mile is provided by personal drive.. do you want it? A question I ask myself frequently. Have been up through the CCNP route am now specialising in Cyber and attempting a Masters Degree at 58 years and post full military career, problem solving is still high on the interests list. Thanks Kieth for the years of motivation and simple learning techniques👍👍

[@maheshwar2012]

awesome stuff Keith

[@lunhamegenogueira1969]

I loved the story!

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Lunhamege!

[@navarachi095]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@rikstar81]

Thanks Keith. Absolutely great video!! It's definitely been informative....and you are welcome ;-)

[@kund_n1]

love your energy. im going to get ccie next year...xD.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you for the comments! Glad you are here.

[@rehanjj]

Having learned networking in the late 90s CCIE is still the gold standard for me. Sadly it's no longer fairly valued in the marketplace. You can earn considerably more with public cloud and devops qualifications. Considering the amount of effort that goes into obtaining CCIE it's difficult to justify now.

[@nikamalapatiya]

Although I knew already, the best thing you said here is "don't do something for the sake of doing, but for the love of it"

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you Buddhika Balasuriya!

[@BlindPigBluesBand]

Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@clarklk]

What is the interesting looking twirling thing in the background?

[@KeithBarker]

The Swinging Sticks Kinetic Energy Sculpture - Desktop Toy Version

[@atdhezyhranaj6135]

Inspirational and amazing. Thank you Keith!

[@KeithBarker]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching.

[@m.aharoun6682]

you are the best @Keith Barker

[@ezpot6684]

Great instructor ever !

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to do it, thanks for the feedback EZ Pot.

[@jiizzyy01]

Awesome clock by the way!

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks!

[@reedlinares]

Thanks for sharing... Excellent video.

[@KeithBarker]

Thanks James!

[@uniquechannelnames]

Two tips for learning: -After your learning/study session, do your best to recall off the top of your head everything you just learned about. This is how you think during an exam so it's good practice and great for memory retention. Do this everytime. - Split your learning/study sessions into 25-30 minute chunks, and at the end have a 10 minute break to completely relax before going back to studying or wrapping up. This balances your focused mode of thinking with your diffused mode of thinking, which are essential for long term memory and grasping concepts. (You can take a course on this at Coursera.com for free called "Learning How to Learn" by Dr. Barbara Oakley.

[@KeithBarker]

Thank you D.S Tice!

[@hawaiiankickboxer]

that was moving, thanks for sharing

[@KeithBarker]

Happy to do it, thanks for the feedback Kalei.

[@wasifsaleemch]

Thank you Keith, once again a grate motivational and mentoring video. 22 min well spent. Wondering if you can touch base what career path a person should adopt after CCNP (R&S). Please if you can share your experience that would be grate.

[@KeithBarker]

After CCNP in route/switch, many people go into some type of Security. There are several security options with Cisco at the CCNA level, and they are all pretty good foundations. CompTIA also has some foundation certs in Security and Cyber Security that teach useful skills as well. Thank you for your comments Wasif, and best wishes in your studies!

[@wasifsaleemch]

Keith Barker thank you Keith for the reply really appreciate that. Just please one more question, considering your experience would you recommend also doing the CCDA. Because employers ask for design and secure the networks you know what I mean.