CCNA Blog

# 01 nikalex

I am currently planning to start studying for my CCNA certification.

Is self study the best one or attending classes? Which books are most recommended for CCNA Routing and Switching?

Is it better to take CCNA once or start from ICND1 and ICND2?

# 02 Kailen Harper

I have allways felt the two exam option and self study is the best way to move forward with a CCNA. The Cisco press books by Wendel Odom for ICND1&2 are an excelent choice. Most importantly though is to get a couple of routers or Dynamips and practice. Learning it in a book and actually doing it are very different things. Watch all of the videos on the site here and play the binary game A LOT. Subnetting is the most important thing to learn since without it the tests will take significantly longer to complete. And time is a valuable resource on the test.

Get the first book, watch the videos, ask a lot of questions in the forums and just keep working at it. Remember even the CCIE’s had to start somewhere.

# 03 Ryan Helton

Yup, I agree with the poster above. I just passed the ICND1 exam and I felt very prepared having used the ICND1 study guide by Wendell Odom and the CCNA study guide from sybex. I also practiced ios commands using GS3.

# 04 nikalex

Thank you so much for this valuable advice.I heard Cisco has many versions of routers and switches.

Which ones would you most recommend me for practice? I would move those ones cheap and which can be used for CCNP preparation as well.

# 05 Garry Richardson

Hi there, i also agree with all comments above! i passed CCENT 8 weeks ago and nearly read ICND2. I used Cisco Press materials and CBT nuggets, these 2 products go together a treat!

In regards to lab equipmment, a lot of people say you dont need any equipment to get pass CCENT / CCNA but i purchased for CCENT, 2 2500’s and 1 2950 CAT Switch I found it helped a lot, plus its fun playing with live Cisco IOS.

For ICND2 i’ve purchased another CAT 2950, another 2500 and a 2600. The ICND2 explorers into STP, VTP, Inter-Vlan-Routing and much more. The kit i have now, allows me to setup a network, working with all CCNA layer 2/3 protocols and much more.

I would advise anyone to spend between £100-£200 on some Cisco Kit when working through the Certs.

# 06 Mike Keedy

I’m following the self study track too, I find the Cisco Press books excellent, use the Boson simulator software and have a few 2nd hand routers and switches for practice.

Good luck in your certification, I’m planning to go straight for the CCNA exam, I hope I’ve made the right descision

# 07 Ryan Helton

Hey Mike, I’d say you’re making the right choice just going for the CCNA exam all at once. To tell you the truth I wish I had just done that becuase I feel like I was almost overprepared for the ICND1 and with a little more study of the ICND2 concepts I could have just knocked out the whole thing in one test.

# 08 Kerry LeBlanc

I agree with all the good advice here. I decided to go the one exam path myself. For resources I am using the Cisco Press set by Wendell Odem. I also have Todd Lammle’s book (Sybex Study Gude) which is excellent. I bought the Boson Exam simulator and the NetSim as well. I think the Boson exam environment is the most accurate for feel and look.

I also purchsed some equipment from CiscoKits.com. The books and simulators are great, but nothing compares to laying your hands on the real deal. I got two routers, one switch and a great lab book for about 250.00. Plus the equipment will be what I need as I move on to the CCNP.

Another good resource is the Brynat Advantage. Fairly inexpensive.

Robin Lee :: Oct.28.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

I figured this was going to be a short post, but the more I think about it, the longer it gets, LOL. So I am just going to throw out a couple questions I am confused about, and if you can answer ANY of them, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Hope everyone’s work-week is going well!

1. I am planning for my CCVP due to work requirements. I’m extremely excited. However, I have to get my CCNA or CCNA Voice cert. first. Which do you recommend? Pro/cons?
2. If I go for the CCNA, I either take the CCNA exam or take the ICND1 and ICND2, correct? Recommendations?
3. When I look up the CCVP, it says the prerequisites are “CCNA (until June 24, 2009)”. Why is there a deadline? Is the exam being retired or changed?

More of a story, not really a question: Not even knowing there was a “CCNA Voice” certification, I bought a book yesterday from Barnes and Noble. I couldn’t understand how it was possible, but listen to this: I can either buy the CCNA Cert. Library for $95 that trains you on JUST the CCNA. OR I could buy a CCNA cert. Library for $60 that trains you on the CCNA, ICND1, and ICND2, along with a 1-hour training DVD, and 2 CD’s with the books on PDF, and 400 practice questions. Anyone see anything wrong with that picture?!? They were both made by Cisco, but the $60 one was a “Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition”. Needless to say, I got the $60 one.

Helpful answer form Timothy Walsh:

You’ll need to do it in the following order:

1. CCNA (Note that you can break this into two tests, ICND1 which gets you the CCENT certification followed by the ICND2 which then makes you a CCNA)
2. CCNA-Voice (This certification requires you to first be a CCNA, hence step 1. This is a new cert which is why the CCVP has the deadline you spoke of, basically Cisco is allowing those of us already working on the CCVP to finish it before requiring the CCNA-Voice cert.)
3. CCVP (Currently only requires the CCNA, but after 6/24/09 will require the CCNA-Voice cert)

Robin Lee :: Oct.22.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

# 01 Araza

Dear All, I am thinking in registering for NETCAD and wanted some advice. It says that after the first 2 modules in the CCNA Discovery 4.0 you will have all the material to sit for the CCENT certification exam, is this true? Not calling Cisco liars but has anyone who has studied the first 2 modules of the CCNA Discovery 4.0 set the CCENT exam? If yes, can you advise if the first 2 modules are sufficient.

# 02 Chetan

Hi Araza, I completed CCNA Exploration 4.0 course from NETACAD, India in august this year. Contentwise, Cisco says that Exploration track is more advanced than the Discovery Track.

The course curriculum is good.

First two modules of Discovery 4.0 track are meant for the CCENT certification. And they cover all the necessary topics in sufficient detail. But my personal advice is that not to rely on First two Modules completely although they cover the required syllabus.

Keeping in mind the long term goal of obtaining CCNA certificate after CCENT, I personally think that one should Also go for CCENT / CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide by Wendell Odom.

Cisco NetAcad Material + Cisco Press Books are a great combination. The online tests at the academy are also of good quality.

# 03 Araza

Hi Chetan, Thanks man,that makes a lot of sense. I have purchased the Wendell Odom ICND1 book as well. I am thinking of buying the CBT videos. I am very new to networking so i need all the info that i can get. I don’t want to buy too much as this will confuse me so i thought one book and one video should do. Once again thanks for your advice.

# 04 Chetan

Hi Araza, I just wanted to share some information about CBT videos. I haven’t used those videos, but on the following link I found some information that might be of some use to you.

Please go through both of the following links, and not just one.

• https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/message/3662#3662
• https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/message/4575#4575

Robin Lee :: Oct.16.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

#01 Liam King

I have just started wading through the necessary reading for passing the CCNA. My question is in too parts:

Question1, Does anyone know of time extensions being allowed for dyslexic students? I’m not wanting any special treatment as such but it does take me longer to process questions. You may be thinking who would higher a dyslexic network engineer …. well it hasn’t held me back so far.

Question2, Having not had to take an exam or study for one in ten years does anyone have any recommendations wether I should be looking at the two part or single exam? If I do take the two part exam route is this soley limited to the ICND1 sylabus and then when taking the second part would this be soley limited to ICND2 (or would the second part be the same exam as if I had taken the single exam)?

I’d welcome all advice (constuctive of course).

#02 Mark Harding

1) It depends on the severity but usually it is time and a half. I would suggest you call Pearson VUE www.vue.com who will explain the procedure to you and provide you with a code which needs to be entered when the exam is taken.

2) I always use the rule based on experience. If you have been working in a Cisco network environment for a while then the single exam should be fine for you. As I’m based in sales I would probably go for the 2 part! I know that with Global Knowledge in the UK there is a free resit policy if you fail the exam after taking their training. It also depends on whether you would like to break the content down then the two part is for you. They do split the course content in to each exam so ICND1 content for the ICND1 exam and so forth. If you are after self testing CD’s etc please let me know.

Robin Lee :: Oct.13.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

#01 vladmin00

I would like your recommendations on the best (self paced) learning resources for the CCNA 640-802 single exam. I’m particularly interested in learning Cisco’s philosophy on the technology and subject matter covered.

I’ve got Lammle’s Sybex book and am disappointed by all the technical and grammatical errors it contains. I thought that I could get by using it and this site’s resources alone, but such has not been the case.

I’ve failed the exam twice so far (749 and 801). The amount of memorization required along with the question ambiguity is making the test environment difficult for me. I’m looking for something to really drill in the concept details (as Cisco sees them) as well as provide me with practical test examples/questions.

Any advice is appreciated; thanks for your help. I’d like to pass the next time.

#02 Rickey

I’d recommend testout for simulations and cisco press for the material books. I found both to be great resources, and I will purchase CCNP book library when I try to strive for that in the upcomming year.

#03 Thomas Lee

I bought both Lammle’s book, plus the Cisco Press ICND1, and ICND2 books by Wendell Odom.

I like Odom’s books and as there are two (smaller) ones, I can carry one and read on the train/plane. I prefer the style to Lammle’s book, but I’m sure mileage varies.

You should also consider doing a CCNA course or bootcamp. I recently attende one (see my blog for a description). In the interest of fair disclosure, I work for Global Knowledge!

#04 shah.meet

I will be sitting my exam soon as well so i got all the objectives for the exam and then started making notes according to what they mean, i have to run around on lot of chapter but then i am getting all the write stuff you are reading and writing notes in your own manner so thats one of the best ways to learn, you can look for cram sheet online to get real basic notes.

Get a few simulators, boston is quite good. But try practising all aspects not just sims and theory, try setting up topologies and ask someone to sabatoage something and try to figure it out. Thats all i can suggest for now.

#05 Jordan Mazurke

I think the best advice I can give you regarding the 640-802 is to subnet, subnet and then subnet some more. Only when you have a true grasp on the complexities of subnetting and general IP addressing schemes can you really begin to appreciate other topics.

The CISCO press books are a little dry but they are packed with the information required. I would probably then plump for a ExamCram volume as a reference point in the last few weeks before the exam. These books will not teach you the topics in any great depth but they can act as good benchmarks.

You are right in saying that there is a lot of memorising involved with this exam but if you persevere it will eventually stick - by actually dedicating yourself to this study path you have shown you possess the correct attitude to succeed and I wish you all the best.

#06 Christopher Church

I agree with one of the other posters, the ability to subnet quickly and accurately is very important.

Lammlee’s book is a good resource. I also used the Transender practice exams and purchased a couple of routers and switches off ebay to practice on. I was able to pass the ICND1 on the first attempt using only these resources. (I decided to go the two-exam route)

The ICND2 exam is a little tougher IMO. Make sure you understand spanning tree, OSPF, NAT/PAT.

If you have access to the Cisco Partner Education Connection web site, there is some great material there, including a few simulations.

There’s also some free videos availiable at here. The advanced switching series is worth a look.

#07 TX858

I agree with Thomas Lee - Odom’s (Cisco Press) ICND1 and ICND2 and both are excellent.

I used Odom’s ICND1 to prepare for the 1st exam. I followed his study plan recommendations and did very well on the exam.

I’m using Odom’s ICND2 now to prepare for next exam and my studies appear to be going well. Below is a summary of what I’m doing.

1. I’m using both the ICND1 and ICND2 texts to prepare as if I’m studying for the composite (640-802) exam. I’ve found this helps me better understand topics covered in ICND2 text.
2. After I read a topic in ICND2, I go back through the material and practice the commands and configurations on my home lab. I go over and over the ’show’ commands used.
3. I spend 3-4 hours a week getting more hands-on to drill in what I’ve covered to date.

I tend to recall commands and show output much better from hands-on than from the text. I may be wrong but it seems that way to me.

I purchased Lammle’s text for the composite (640-802) exam thinking I would read it in conjunction with the Odom texts. Again, maybe it’s just me, but that didn’t work well for me. In fact, I pulled Lammle’s text off the shelf tonight to read his section trunking, vtp, etc. I had already covered the material in Odom’s text and I thought Lammle’s would help me catch anything I missed. Didn’t work. In fact, I stopped and put it back on the shelf because I didn’t want it to confuse me. (It also appears to me that Lammle doesn’t devote as much time as I need to some topics.)

I hope this helps you in some way. Best of luck to you!

#08 Thomas Lee

There are a number of resources, Mirza - to some degree it depends on how you learn best.

I’ve posted above two sets of books (Lamie and Odom) that for me are very good. I guess these are a great starting point.

In addition to this, you might consider taking a training course. I’m biased because I work there, but take a look at Global Knowledge’s classes (www.globalknowledge.com, or www.globalknowledge.net). Depending on how much you can do youself, consider the CCNA bootcamp vs the ICND1/ICND2 classes.

Getting some real hardware or a good simulator is also important. Boson’s product looks pretty good, and there’a an open souce product (but that needs actual IOS images that may not be readily available to you). But picking up a couple of switches and a router should not be too expensive (ebay to the rescue).

Finally, Google is your friend.

#09 Doug Ingersoll

If you go to www.ciscopress.com/ccna you can find out about all the Cisco Press CCNA resources, including not only books but videos, quick references, portable command guides, flash cards, etc.

#10 Thomas Lee

Thanks for the pointer Doug - these sound like great resources.

Another idea: get the manuals for some common switches - these are available on cisco.com. The 2960 switch reference manual is a mere 790 some odd pages, but it contains some good information. Of course, some of the info there is way beyond CCNA standard, but the background is still useful and (for me at least) helpful.

Robin Lee :: Oct.10.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

#01 Tarun Vyas

Now CCNA has incresed certification amount so I can not afford second attemp.

I have made compleate prepration for ccna exam and study all but still unable to solve the question.

Please any one can help me how can I clear the CCNA certification in first attemp.

#02 Travis Newshott

Study hard, lab it out, learn the technologies, understand the concepts. Once you are confident in your comprehension, relax and go knock it out. Don’t worry about failing, failure should be the last thing to cross your mind. Remember, you’re just answering some questions on stuff you should know. If you’ve studied hard, you’re just a few dozen mouseclicks away from certification.

I know this sounds generic and vague, but in my opinion, that is how it should be. You’re getting tested from the same pool of questions everyone else is, and the onus is on you to show up and pass. There is no guarantee for anyone…..

#03 bytesnagger@CLN

Excellent response. Here’s some more information from the website. Note the date restrictions.

Here’s how to redeem your Cisco “Second Chance” Exam:

Register for an exam at full price. If you fail the exam, you may schedule a free retake of the same exam by entering the promotion code: SECONDCHANCE at the time of registration.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both the full-price exam and free Second Chance retake must be scheduled and taken between April 15, 2008 and October 15, 2008, to qualify for this special promotion. Free exams may only be scheduled via the web.

Robin Lee :: Oct.06.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

Robert J Stowell’s Question:

Hello, does anyone have experience with Todd Lammel’s CCNA study guide? I have heard it is good. Also does anyone have any recommendations as a self study routine using Todd’s book to take the exam with about a month of studying? Thanks!

List of helpful answers:

#01 Ryan 

I’m currently studying under Lammle’s 640-802 CCNA study guide 6th Edition book. I’ve also taken cisco netacad and read one of those books. Lammle’s is deff better in comparison between the two of those. For selfstudy I would reccomend it as he does tend to be less flat (makes for easier reading).

I have not however taken the CCNA exam yet, (taking the one exam). So I do not know how it compares to the actual test.

As far as studying or self-studying.. I currently combine Lammle’s book + Cbt Nuggets Video for review + dynamips for an emulated hands on approach. I did recieve classroom training for the catalyst switches. There are simulators out there that can emulate the CLI interface for you though such as Boson.

#02 Andrew

otherwise affiliated with, any content provided by unauthorized third-party training companies. We recommend that certification candidates train with Cisco Learning Partners for authorized course offerings that align with current Cisco exam topics. A current list of Cisco Learning Partners can be accessed at here.

Cisco Press products are the only authorized self-study publications that align with Cisco learning paths. To see the catalog of publications and other resources visit http://www.ciscopress.com.

For more information on Authorized Cisco training and self-study material, please visit here.

Robin Lee :: Oct.04.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »

Krishna Kumar A:

Could any body tell me what is the minnimum time gap for CCNP after competing CCNA. Because today only i had completed CCNA.

Jim Woodward:

Congratulations Krishna, on completing your CCNA today! I don’t believe there is any minimum time gap, but I am just saying what I know (as a fellow student, not as a Cisco employee or moderater, etc). I know there is a minimum of 5 days (I believe) to re-take a test that you have just failed, but . . . to go from CCNA to CCNP - I don’t think there is a minimum required delay.

As far as the CCNP goes - I think that probably your brain will have a minimum delay - lol. I passed my CCNA in 2005 and did not really do anything with it (various circumstances, none real important as far as this discussion/venue goes) and have only begun in the past year studying for my CCNP. I have a decent home lab and am self-studying (I took courses for the CCNA, but didn’t find myself stimulated more in the classes than in my own studies), and will sit for my BSCI later in July. And I’m nervous as ****, to be honest. And the rest of the exams make me nervous as well.

There is a lot of material covered in the 4 CCNP exams. BSCI will seem very familiar to you, since it covers Subnetting, CIDR, DHCP, EIGRP, OSPF, RIP (a bit), etc. And BCMSN will also seem familiar to you as well. But the breadth and depth of material covered in the CCNP material makes the CCNA seem a small pond. As I’m sure the breadth and depth of material covered for the CCIE seems an ocean compared to that of the CCNP.

So . . . congratulations on your CCNA. It is a truly awesome, awesome thing to walk out of the exam room and think “Wow, I just did it!!”. So enjoy . . . study, prepare, practice, learn, discuss, grow . . . and don’t worry about racing to get your CCNP. Your mind deserves a break. It will be challenged by the CCNP and accompanying material more than you may anticipate. And it will thank you for the brief respite you give it now, as you bask in the glory of your achievement.

btw - wait till you get the little wallet card. See how many times you take that out and flash it to your friends - lol.

Congrats again!

Robin Lee :: Sep.27.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

Job in Cisco, is a dream for everyone…..share ur exp.

I know that its not only me but thousand’s of networking guy’s/gal’s out there always wanted to know …….that how can we get into Cisco……?

Share your valuable experiance all those lucky guy’s/gal’s who are working for cisco….

To get into Cisco u must have:

1) Technical knowledge of ur field
2) Quantitative aptitude skills to pass the written exam
3) good interpersonal skills to pass interview

What else please share your valuable Tips to get into Cisco……..

————– Posted by praveen

Hi Praveen,

I am not working for Cisco but I have delivered tremendous number of Cisco training classes for Cisco employees around the globe starting from CCNA and ending by CCIE in almost all the specializations.

I can simply tell you that if you really keen to be a Cisco employee, you have to achieve 2 important points:

1- Usually thinks in how you could add to the team that you would like to join. Big companies like Cisco are usually looking for people that will add a value not for people that will get a value.

2- Build very strong communications with Cisco’s employees in the area that you are willing to join. The majority of Cisco’s employees that I have met were referred from their friends or their connections due to their potential skills that they may add to the company.

————– Replied by Ramy Sisy

Robin Lee :: Sep.02.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

#01 Nicholas Ong

Like the subject says it, I find it weird that there is no mention of the renewal of the basic CCNA when upgrading to the new concentration which sounds quite weird since the new CCNA concentrations can be renewed by taking same level exams - other CCNA concentrations, CCNA or CCDA.

#02 Andrew

Individuals passing any current CCNA concentration exam (wireless, security, voice) will automatically recertify their expiring CCNA concentration, CCNA or CCENT certification. Passing any 642 professional level exam or written CCDE or CCIE exam will also recertify a CCNA Concentration.

#03 Nicholas Ong

Hi Andrew, Do you know if taking the CCDA exam will renew the CCNA as well?

#04 Cisco Moderator

Sorry, the CCDA will not recert the CCNA. Please review the recertification policy listed below. This is also listed on the CCNA syllabus page.

https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/community/certifications/ccna/syllabus?view=overview

CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, either pass the current CCNA exam, or pass the ICND2 exam, or pass any 642 professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE written exam.

Robin Lee :: Sep.01.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »