Study material to CCNA Security?

nickelito

Hello everyone!

I'm thinking of taking this cert but I've heard terrible things about the OCG and I'm not really sure what other sources for material is available.
Could someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance!

PCTechLinc

The two most effective study materials that worked for me (aside from labbing, of course), were CBTNuggets and the Boson practice exam. I found Keith Barker's evaluation of the exam, as well as his Parka Document, to be very accurate. In his CCNA Security videos, he does reference his previous course for 640-554, as well as a LOT of CCNP videos from different areas. Altogether it equals roughly 70 videos, and take quite a while to watch. I must have spent about 6 months studying, and relied on the Boson practice exams exclusively for the last 2 weeks of my studying. I got a fairly decent score, even though the first lab sim on the exam didn't work at all, and I had to take a zero on that group of questions. I've done a little research, and the issues with lab sims are getting better.

Best of luck with studying!

Note: I did buy the OCG, the official lab book, the "31 Days Before Your CCNA Security Exam," and "CCNA Security Portable Command Guide," but the two resources I mentioned earlier, along with GNS3 and Packet Tracer allow me to practice almost every objective on the exam. Also, pay special attention to FirePOWER on the ASA, and the WSA/ESA products. Keith's Parka Document and the Boson practice exam cover what you need to know.