Ironic to say there is hope on passing the new v4 lab. I say ironic b/c I did not pass but I know that is simply b/c I had not studied for over a year. So why would I take it w/o any preperation you might ask; the answer is simple Im crazy and do things spontaneously at times. Actually the real reason is b/c I had a half price voucher from Cisco and if I did not take it by Jan 21st I would have had to retake the written which I did not want to do, so I swallowed my spit and hopped on a plane to SJC and made an attempt. Below is how I fared on each section and my opinion on those sections and their dificulty level.
1. Core Knowledge (Passed) Difficulty level = Easy
There was one question I did not know the answer to but it was a very easy one word answer that I should have known the answer to and I am sure you all know the answer to it. It was not obscure in any way, the questions were as straight forword as can be and I would say maybe easier then the written exam questions. Nevertheless dont let your gaurd down and study for them.
2. Troublshooting (Failed 59%) Difficulty level = Moderate
I have to say I would have passed this section if I did not have to go to the bathroom during that part. I passed all the ones I did answer for sure cause I can tell by my score. Since I was not really prepared I was a little slow as well but the issues that issues that were presented are not unlike anything you have not already encountered either in real life or during your standard lab prep. I cant compare the real test against the Troubleshooting workbook since I have not laid eyes on that WB. Needless to say I trust any/all material INE offers and if you have used the TB WB then Im almost certain you will be ready for the TB section of the lab. Really when it comes down to it, it's all about speed and how quickly you can find the problem.
3. Configuration (Failed) Difficulty level = Moderate
Again it came down to speed here, there is significantly less to configure than RSv3 and it's all relatively easy stuff if you have done WB2 which in my opinion the labs in WB2 are more difficult labs than the real deal. I would love to go into more detail but I dont want to give out too much and break NDA.
Case in point, I will prepare myself again this time and retake it again real soon, I have a lot of confidence that you all, myself included can pass. Dont believe all the negative hype out there, it is definately doable I even think more doable than v3, but that is my own experience and opinion.
regards,
CT