So how does Cisco ensure that its certifications are among the best? The short answer is by taking many precautions to ensure that our certifications are useful to hiring managers.

To that end, one important step is job-role and task analysis; research processes that we use to ensure that Cisco certifications are aligned with in-demand networking roles, and the associated tasks and skills. This 3-part effort involves many networking experts drawn from Cisco customer, partner and internal organizations to identify workplace demands and related Cisco skill requirements via structured interviews, focus groups and surveys. The output of all this activity is the “exam blueprint” – a high-level outline of minimum-competence certification standards which guide the exam creation process, which is published in the certification materials to tell candidates how to prepare. (See this blog post about a recent discussion of routing and switching certification design.)

When we are ready to create a certification exam, more experts are assembled to write exam questions, including labs, simulations, and other performance-based items. Their expertise is used to directly evaluate the most important skills candidates will need in the real-world. The creation of exam questions is a highly structured process with numerous checks on the accuracy of the technical content, and further checks on the quality of the questioning, language and answer options.

Once an exam is initially developed, we refine it through an extensive beta testing process; we recruit qualified candidates to take the beta exam and provide further input on the clarity and accuracy of the questions. Beta exam results, including comments, are then analyzed by the exam team to assess the validity and reliability of each question. On the basis of this analysis, we determine which exam questions should be kept, revised, or removed from the final version of the exam. Once an exam is live, we check the quality of our exam items on an ongoing basis by reviewing item performance and reviewing candidate comments.

The final step in exam creation is to determine an appropriate passing score. Again, to ensure that passing scores reflect real-world expectations of competence, we turn to experts in customer, partner and internal organizations to evaluate the difficulty and relevance of each question against workplace requirements.

At Cisco, we know that the creation of trusted certification exams requires inclusiveness as well as science and creativity. Demand for Cisco certifications is strong and growing because hiring managers value alignment with real-world job responsibilities, demonstration of highly-important skilled tasks, and the judgment of experts and peers regarding standards of competence.

From the Learning@Cisco Certification Exam Design and Development Team

• How important is having CCNA certification to IT professionals? Why should they pursue it?
• Have there been any recent changes to the CCNA exam, to adapt to changing technologies?
• What do you think is the best way to prepare for the CCNA exam?
• Are there any particularly tricky or difficult sections of the exam? How would you advise test takers to tackle these areas?
• From your extensive work experience with network management, what advice would you have for aspiring network managers looking to succeed with Cisco certification?
• Are there any supplementary resources that you would recommend to test takers and IT professionals looking for more information on the Cisco Security certification?

You can read the whole article on searchnetworkingchannel.com.

However, there’s one major frustration I have with working in the systems environment and that is the scope of the job.  I’m constantly asked if I can write a program, create a new object oriented database, create web page graphics, configure several different brands of switches and routers, etc.  Well I’m sure you get my point; the Network Administrator position in most company’s eyes is that an around everything IT related job.

Although it’s fun to have something different everyday it doesn’t allow me to develop a very unique skill set that’s worth a lot (I want to start a side IT consulting company for a supplemental income).  Because of this I decided that my general Bachelors degree in computer science isn’t enough. I needed a certification but I wanted one that’d change my roll from that all to general network administrator.  I had a few choices, but I decided the best would be networking.  I’m not talking about getting two computers to play well together.  I’m referring to the links that you see going from businesses to ISP’s or B2B, etc.  This is a very technical field and requires a very specialized skill set.  It was exactly what I wanted, something that I could learn and then update once a year rather than once every 3 months.  This field also put me in a great place to have alternate career paths later on when I’m ready for a change.   I could easily add a few things and become a network design professional, a security professional, or a specialized project manager.

So what’s the plan now?  Well first things first, I need to get my certifications.  I’ll start off with my CCNA and probably late this year or early next year move toward my CCNP.  I’ll probably stay in that general Network Administrator’s job for another 2-3 years while I gain actual experience taking side projects at night or weekends.

Article From ehazen’s Blog

Interviewer: Rachel Medanic
Download: CCNAWireless_Podcastfinal3.mp3 (4.7 MB)

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.

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)

Kristen Cianci

Job Title and Responsibilities: Network Specialist for the State of Connecticut University System

Certifications Held: Cisco CCNA®

Up Next: Kristen plans on obtaining her CCIE R&S® is currently in the process of recertifying for the CCNP.

Quote: “I truly enjoy the troubleshooting aspect of networking. The challenge of finding a problem and fixing it is a thrill to me…I love technology, it’s a passion.”

Back when hardware upgrades meant adding a CD-ROM drive, soldering new circuits onto motherboards or installing a mouse, Kristen Cianci could be found doing just that. She was a single mom with three little ones, working in her father’s computer shop as a secretary. When the shop got behind, she was shown how to do simple upgrades and repairs. She found herself troubleshooting Windows workgroups, supporting small networks and soon moved into field service work. It was 1993, and her IT career was off and running.

Kristen first became aware of Cisco while working for a local municipality doing WAN upgrades on Cisco routers. She was a full time professional and active mother, and had no time left for formal classroom training. As a personal challenge, she earned her CCNA and CCNP through diligent self-study, peer mentorship, and practice, practice, practice.

“I truly enjoy the troubleshooting aspect of networking,” Kristen explained. “The challenge of finding a problem and fixing it is a thrill to me. I pursued a Cisco certification because they are the industry leader and all the gear I was upgrading to was Cisco equipment.”

Almost 15 years later, Kristen is a Network Specialist for the Connecticut State University System. She is responsible for fixing network outages, daily monitoring and maintenance, as well as a spearheading assigned networking projects.

“Working for the state government in higher education is different from a corporate environment,” she said. “I enjoy the fact that keeping the network up and trouble free directly benefits the students working on their education.”

While she has worked along side other Cisco professionals in the past, she is the only certified individual she is aware of amongst her peers or at work. “I have worked with CCIE’s on large projects in the past. Their presence is a huge benefit to any company. I learned a lot working alongside some great engineers.”

Kristen is a lifetime learner, always looking ahead and seeking self-improvement through education. “I would love to become a CCIE R&S,” she continued, “and to work for a large support company on larger networks. In addition to troubleshooting, I find security and forensics especially interesting. I love technology, it’s a passion.”

Infomation From: https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/docs/DOC-3236

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

According to Dawn Tesar, Director of Marketing for CCBOOTCAMP, the release of the new iCOD™ - Class on Demand, which contains training for the Cisco CCNA Security course, will meet many of the needs these engineers have. ‘Engineers today need a product that is portable, convenient and affordable,’ says Tesar. She also noted that engineers at all levels of training and experience are looking for better options.

The first Cisco authorized training course to be released on the iPod™ is CCNA Security, Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security. This Cisco authorized training covers over 40 hours of classroom instruction using lecture and labs in this convenient iPod™ format. It is specifically designed to prepare the engineer for the CCNA Security IINS exam. Students also have 40 hours of virtual rack time where they can work through scenarios and homework assignments to get practical experience. An engineer from a local technology company said that this course is innovative and remarkable for several reasons. First, the portability of the product is unmatched. Engineers can access the lessons while commuting, at home or at work without the need of a laptop. Second, students are able to put into practice what they’re learning as they’re learning it by using the virtual racks. They also receive dedicated instructor mentoring via www.securityie.com to ensure all concepts are completely understood. Finally, the course is affordable for almost all individuals and companies. Companies can actually save money because they don’t have to pay for travel and lodging or loose employee productivity.

Additional Cisco courses are expected to be released in this iCOD™ format in the coming months to cover all levels of Cisco certifications from the CCENT level through the CCIE level.

CCBOOTCAMP, a division of Network Learning, Inc. was founded in 1998 to provide authorized Cisco and CompTIA training courses for IT engineers at every level of expertise. The company offers training solutions to individuals as well as companies who employ engineers to maintain their networks.

Infomation from: www.pr-inside.com

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.