Calculator Allowed in CCNA?

filkenjitsu

Is a calculator allowed in CCNA?

I am slower at math in my head. I guess I will practice SPEED adding and subtracting on paper for a week or so before the test if not. It is sad, but I have not had to do simple mathematics on paper in years...

Kaminsky

Nope nor is there a software calc available on the test machine. If it's for subnetting etc, write down the different powers of two repeatedly until you know them off by heart. They will form one of the basics of your networking career anyway.

darkzone

Kaminsky wrote:

Nope nor is there a software calc available on the test machine. If it's for subnetting etc, write down the different powers of two repeatedly until you know them off by heart. They will form one of the basics of your networking career anyway.

But dont they provide you with dry earse board or some thing which u can use for computations and all...?

Slowhand

You're never allowed to bring anything with you into the testing room. They do give you a felt-tip pen and a dry-erase, laminated page to write notes on. Some tests build a calculator into the testing engine, (such as Microsoft with their MCSA/MCSE exams,) but I believe Cisco does not include a calculator.

As for 'just using the one on the testing computer', I'd recommend against it. Messing with the computer you've been given for testing is generally against the code of conduct for the testing centers, and it can also crash your test, since these machines aren't super-powerful, and can't always run more than one program at a time. Another consideration is that the testing center might think you're attempting to use Google to find your answers, so I definitely recommend staying within the confines of the testing application that's pre-set for you when you sit down at the station.

In the end, it's just like Yoda said, "there is only what you take with you". The tests are designed to test the knowledge you have in your head and the experience you carry with you. If you know your stuff, what they give you is plenty to pass the exams.

SRTMCSE

unless you guess the key stroke and password to pause and minimize the test or hack the PC you won't be able to gain access to any PC applications. trust me, I worked in a testing center and the software locked the pc down.

Inc

For tasks given in CCNA, you can do well without calculator. If you can't - you are not ready.

GeorgeMcFly22

No calculator allowed, but when you start the test, take one minute and write down the powers of 2, and the CIDR's with their subnet-mask. It only takes one minute, and afterwards, you don't need to calculate them anymore.
Off-course its always better to know them by the head, but i know some people have difficulties with it.
Succes on the Cisco road.