Once again, the folks at Exam Cram do an admirable job with their CCSP CSVPN Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram 642-511), ISBN 078973026X. The book layout follows the same tried-and-true format of the entire Exam Cram series: a "filler" chapter on taking certification exams; succinct chapters presenting the material you need to know to pass the exam without all the fluff; end of chapter quizzes on the chapter topics; two practice exams; a tear-out "cram sheet"; and a test engine on CDROM.



I found the Appendix on the VPN 3000 Concentrator Menu hierarchy extremely helpful in my studies. The Appendix diagrams the Concentrator Menu options from the three root levels: Configuration, Administration, and Monitoring. The questions throughout the end of chapter quizzes and the full tests are difficult enough to help prepare you for the actual 642-511 CSVPN exam.



As always, there are a couple of drawbacks, which aren't necessarily Exam Cram's fault, per se. The book was published in November 2003. Obviously, Cisco has released code updates since the initial publication. One area in particular that is outdated is the chapter on the VPN Software Client. The chapter focuses primarily on the older version on the client and barely covers the 4.0 release, which has an entirely new GUI interface. One suggestion to the folks at Exam Cram / Que Publishing is to release interim updates on their website between major revisions of their texts. As always, it is the responsibility of the potential test taker to review the latest exam blueprint on Cisco's website and download any necessary new product information to fill in the gaps missed since the original book publication date.



All in all, I strongly recommend the book for anyone planning to pursue the CCSP and the CSVPN Exam. The book certainly helped me pass the CSVPN Exam with a 934/1000 score.