Hi, I'd like to thank everyone who posted to this site. I've been checking this Newsgroup for about 1 month and it really helped. I took the 640-801 and failed (by 5 points) the 1st time. I just took it again today and passed with 922/1000. It feels really really good to pass! I studied for about 2 months (about 4 hrs per day), and it's finally over (I still can't believe it). Here's my two cents on how to pass the exam:
(1) Purchase the router/switch simulation software (if you don't have a good lab). I purchased a used copy of RouterSim NetVis4.1 from a guy in Missouri for $100.00, and that was the key to passing the sim question.
(2) Purchase the 640-801 sample tests from
(3) Purchase the Sybex 640-801 and the Cisco press book.
(4) Know NATing well.
(5) Study for 4 hrs a day for 1 month.
I almost had a meltdown during the exam (2nd time), but I kept it together. Visualize success and you will conquer it!
Best of luck, Calvin