How much preparation

flares2

Hey guys,
I'm a newbie to the forum so let me start by apologizing for the annoying questions coming your way.

Let me start with a little background on myself:
I'm a US Marine working in the Data Platoon of a Communications Company. I have received basic training regarding switch and router configs, VLANs, LANs and WANs, etc. My work section has given me access to 3750 Cisco Switches, Cisco Routers (not sure of model) Dell 1850 and 2850 Servers, as well as a few workstations. Our Platoon library also has the Sybex CCNA book and the Cisco CCNA book by W. Odom which I have access to as well.

What I'm here to ask, is how long on average does it take to prepare for the CCNA? I know everyone says it depends on the person, but with my access to hardware as well as study materials, and my brief experience, how long is a good goal? I will most likely be deploying over seas this Oct. I'd like to test for my CCNA before I leave and then study for a CCDP or MCSE while I'm deployed. Is this goal possible?

Thanks in advance.

Humper

You could do your CCNA in a month or two if you have a reasonable amount of time to study.

mikej412

Disclaimer: I was Army Infantry, so of course I have to post a joke response.....

<joke>
Hum, since you weren't smart enough to go Air Force.... I'd give it at least 2 months.
</joke>

Hey, I think it was funny! I even tried to convice my godson to join the Air Force, rather than the Infantry (guess where he is now -- hint: lots of sand).

Okay -- real answer

Motivation, dedication, and the time to study. I don't think you'll have a problem with the first 2. If its important for your job and you have the slack time to study -- yep, it can be done in a month. You can set the target, but then honestly evaluate your progress. If you're not ready then, reschedule (unless you think its worth the money to do a recon exam).


Hey.... I've had hardware techs that were Marine Reserve.... Programmers that were former Marines....

The only other Infantryman I've met at work was in Berlin the same time I was -- but in the wrong army and on the other side of The Wall.

Oh, and one Field Artillery 'Nam Vet.

flares2

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys.

And Mike, it wasn't that I'm not smart enough for the Air Force, just not fast enough. My dad was in the Air Force so I figured I'd join too. When I went to see the recruiter, the Marine Recruiter was standing outside his office and grabbed me up before I ever made it to the Air Force office.

I'll be sure to keep reading up on the forum and let you know how I'm doing.