CCNA for beginners assistance

What is the best way for a beginner to begin the ccna r&s cert? The best route seems to be to take the thests one at a time instead of the composite. Just wanted to see what you guys think. Also is there a series of videos that goes through the ccent syllabus exactly? I 'assume' the Cisco library video does but I was looking for another source pay or free.. thanks!

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NetworkNewb

Grab a CCNA book, maybe some videos online, download Packet Tracer (its free, just need to Google it, easy to find), and go to work!

I like CBT nuggets for videos and will go through CCENT topics. That will cost money though. (believe there is a free trial you could try...) Youtube is always good resource for free videos though.

Best of luck!

koz24

Best way to start imo is to pick up the Odom book and start reading. Once you get the theory down then move on to do some labs. There are a lot of lab resources for CCNA R&S.

As far as 1 tests vs 2 tests--well it's been beaten to death here and you will get mixed opinions.

jofas88

Labbing was critical for me, so it really depends on your learning style. I have personally never read a certification book cover to cover, I tend to learn more organically and learn the material from multiple sources (videos, rfc's, tech white papers, GOOGLE). All the material is reinforced while labbing. As far as the 1 or 2 test route, I personally took the composite. My reasoning was that if you do the 2 test route, you will have around 100 questions total to answer between the two test, but the info is spread out. With the 1 test, its around 50 questions on the same material, just all at once, BUT i figured they have to have some easy questions and hard ones, the entire composite exam is not going to be all difficult questions. I also had a lot of networking exposure before I even started studying, so my viewpoint is skewed.

liz4rd

I've just passed the composite. I hear it's easier to take in 2 tests though.

Danscourses on Youtube and CybraryIT offer great courses (free) which you can follow along with Packet Tracer.
Paid course: Laz and Chris Bryant on Udemy also the Cisco learning network monthly subscription is reasonable. $11 I think...

jperry3974

you guys are awesome, great specific advice! I was just going to go for the ccent because my goal is the ccna security, but I think I will go the extra mile and go ahead and get the ccna r&s cert with one test. Packet tracer seems to be exactly what I need (free, hands on lab environment)