I passed the lab in March of 2003. I could only suggest the book to those just starting their studies. For those just about ready to go to the lab, let's say with 3 months to go before lab date, this won't be of much help. Practice labs need to be HARDER than the CCIE Lab.If you are going to spend your time going for the CCIE, you MAY (I repeat MAY) want to start with this one, but review it to make sure they have changed the technologies! As of the last writing which I own, it's outdated.Out of all of the time I spent on the CCIE preperation, I used this about 1% of my total study time. I guess that sums it up.