Philip Vancil, “part of the exam development team”, posted the “TSHOOT Exam Topology” on The Cisco Learning Network website last Tuesday. He notes that “… what am [sic] about to reveal is not part of some secret NDA”, so it seems safe to assume it can be freely shared.

To be honest, I haven’t spent much time looking into the new exams (ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT), as the amount of studying I have done in the last few months has went downhill significantly. In other words, I haven’t studied a bit. The motivation has, for some reason, mostly disappeared, but I’m hoping to convince myself real soon now to get back into “study mode”.

From looking at the topology, however, I can say that I’m quite impressed. I did not expect the topology to be as extensive as it is. If you’re reading this, you likely already know that there are some issues with cheating on the Cisco exams and a hands on troubleshooting exam is, in my opinion, a great way to help combat that. I welcome the troubleshooting exam — though I’m not sure I quite agree with the removal of security and QoS topics from the CCNP curriculum — as I am much better with hands on/implementation than I am with simply learning theory. When I was teaching, there was, of course, lots of theory, but I always tried to supplement that as much as possible with hands on work. While I can learn a lot just from the theory, seeing it in action helps me to fully understand a technology.

There are three parts to the topology:

• IPv4 Layer 3 Topology
• IPv6 Layer 3 Topology
• Layer 2/3 Topology

Here are images of the three parts, from the PDF detailing the topology:

For those interested who aren’t already aware, the CCNP TSHOOT certification exam is available as a beta exam. You can register and take it (#643-832) at any Pearson VUE test center from now through March 26th, 2010 for the price of $50 (USD). A passing score on the beta counts toward the certification requirement just like the final release of the exam, however, your score will not be available until April 30th. Assuming I get back into study mode before the beta is over, I’ll likely take it myself just to experience it. My goal is to pass both the BSCI and ONT exams (the two I have left for CCNP certification) prior to the July 31st deadline.

What do you think about the topology? The hands on requirement? Will you or have you taken the TSHOOT beta? If so, what were your thoughts on it (remember to abide by the NDA if you post on this subject!)?

Thanks to Greg Ferro for the heads up.