I passed the 642-533 exam today. The hardest part of this test was filtering out the different versions of IPS I work with.  I read a book and have an old appliance running version 5. My ASA IPS module runs version 6.2 and the test is over version 6.0.  This put me at a disadvantage.

Now on to the SNRS 642-504 test.  For this I am reading material on Safari Books Online, which includes the CCSP Self-Study: CCSP SNRS Exam Certification Guide for version 642-502. Yuck, a four year old book for a test 2 versions back.  I am also reading CCSP SNRS Quick Reference and CCSP SNRS Quick Reference Sheets "Shortcuts".  I will also crank up GNS3 and hopefully finds some labs to practice.

I am finishing up my studying for the 642-533 exam. I finished reading the Cisco Press CCSP IPS Exam Certification Guide (642-532). I have also read the Quick Reference Guide and configuration documents on Cisco's website. Luckily I have an ASA 5520 with an AIP SSM installed running version 6.0, and an old 4215 running version 5.0. I have attemped multiple times to upgrade the 4215, called TAC and have not been able to get this thing to version 6.

Hopefully the following resources will be enough to pass the exam.  I plan on scheduleing this exam on Friday.