Cisco 640-875 Self Test Training — Pass the Exam with ConfidencePassing the Cisco 640-875 exam requires focused study, realistic practice, and a clear plan. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively using self-test training: what the exam covers, study strategies, how to build realistic practice tests, common pitfalls, and a 12-week study plan you can adapt to your schedule.
What is the Cisco 640-875 exam?
The Cisco 640-875 exam assesses knowledge and skills related to driving implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of service provider and large enterprise networks using Cisco technologies. It focuses on advanced routing, MPLS, QoS, VPNs, multicast, and network design considerations relevant to service-provider environments.
Key fact: The exam emphasizes real-world operational tasks and problem-solving, not just memorization.
Exam blueprint — main topic areas
- Advanced IP Routing (OSPF, BGP) and route control
- MPLS technologies: LSPs, traffic engineering, LDP vs. RSVP-TE
- Quality of Service (QoS): classification, marking, queuing, policing, shaping
- VPN technologies: MPLS VPNs, DMVPN, GRE, IPsec basics for service providers
- Multicast: PIM sparse/dense modes, RP, SSM, MSDP basics
- Network management and troubleshooting methodologies
- Network design principles for resilience and scalability
Why self-test training works
Self-testing (active recall) is one of the most effective study techniques. It forces retrieval of knowledge, strengthens memory, and highlights gaps. Combining self-tests with spaced repetition and realistic simulation of exam conditions dramatically increases retention and exam confidence.
Short fact: Active recall + spaced repetition beats passive reading for long-term retention.
Building effective self-tests
- Create question categories aligned to the blueprint above.
- For each category, design three difficulty levels: fundamental, applied, and scenario-based troubleshooting.
- Use multiple formats: single best answer, drag-and-drop/network diagram labeling, configuration-completion, and lab-style simulation tasks.
- Add detailed answer explanations that show the reasoning, sample CLI commands, and references to configuration examples.
- Track performance by category and question — focus repeat testing on weak areas.
Example question formats:
- Multiple-choice: “Given BGP AS paths and route-maps, which route will be selected?”
- Lab task: “Configure MPLS TE tunnel between PE1 and PE2 to carry traffic with bandwidth reservation X.” (Provide sample configs and expected verification commands.)
- Troubleshooting scenario: “Customers A and B report intermittent packet loss over an MPLS VPN. Show steps to identify and resolve the issue.”
Recommended study materials and tools
- Official Cisco documentation and configuration examples (tech notes, configuration guides).
- RFCs relevant to MPLS, BGP, and QoS for conceptual depth.
- Lab environment: Cisco VIRL/CML, GNS3, EVE-NG, or physical routers where possible.
- Practice question banks and simulated exams (use them to supplement, not replace labs).
- Note-taking and spaced-repetition tools (Anki for flashcards).
Hands-on lab focus areas
- Build a multi-site MPLS VPN lab (PE-CE routing, MPLS label distribution, VRF).
- Practice LDP and RSVP-TE tunnel configuration and verification.
- Configure QoS policies for congestion management and policy-based routing.
- Implement BGP features: route reflection, AS-path manipulation, communities, route-maps.
- Multicast lab: PIM-SM, RP configuration, and verification with ip mroute and show commands.
Commands to practice (examples):
show ip route show ip bgp summary show mpls ldp neighbors show policy-map interface show ip cef show ip route vrf <VRF_NAME> Study strategies and schedule
- Use spaced repetition: review flashcards and key concepts regularly, increasing intervals.
- Mix study modes: reading, watching configuration walkthroughs, hands-on labs, and self-testing.
- Simulate exam conditions for at least two full-length timed practice tests.
- Review mistakes immediately—understand why an answer is wrong and create corrected notes or flashcards.
12-week sample plan (adapt as needed):
- Weeks 1–3: Core theory — routing, BGP, MPLS basics; create baseline flashcards.
- Weeks 4–6: QoS and VPN technologies; start lab builds and small configs.
- Weeks 7–9: Multicast, advanced MPLS (TE), complex BGP features; scenario labs.
- Weeks 10–11: Full practice exams, focused remediation on weak topics.
- Week 12: Final review, light study, and two timed mock exams.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Relying solely on practice questions without hands-on labs — fix: allocate at least 40% of study time to labs.
- Memorizing commands without understanding underlying behavior — fix: always verify effects with show/debug.
- Ignoring exam simulation — fix: take timed mocks to build pacing and stamina.
- Not tracking weak topics — fix: maintain a performance log and prioritize retesting weak areas.
Measuring readiness
- Consistently score above target passing threshold on timed practice tests (allow margin — aim for 75–80%).
- Can reproduce and verify key lab scenarios without step-by-step instructions.
- Comfortable explaining why a configuration works, what alternatives exist, and trade-offs.
Short fact: If you can troubleshoot common failure scenarios in your lab within 10–20 minutes consistently, you’re likely ready.
Quick checklist before exam day
- Review core command references and your own “troubleshooting cheat sheet.”
- Run through one timed practice exam and one lab verification.
- Rest well the night before; avoid last-minute cramming.
- Confirm exam logistics: time, location (or remote-proctor setup), required ID and environment.
Final tips to build confidence
- Teach a topic to a peer or record yourself explaining a lab — teaching reveals weak spots.
- Use real network problems (from forums, bug reports, or operational notes) as scenario practice.
- Keep short, focused study sessions (25–50 minutes) with quick active-recall reviews between.
Passing Cisco 640-875 is a combination of disciplined practice, targeted self-testing, and regular hands-on labs. With a structured plan, realistic simulations, and focused remediation on weak areas, you can approach the exam with confidence and the skills to perform in real-world networks.
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