How long did you review for your CCNA Exam? (from scratch)

davsp

Starting from 0 knowledge.

...Maybe I'm just looking for inspiration/courage to schedule my exam date correctly

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porengo

davsp wrote:

Starting from 0 knowledge.

...Maybe I'm just looking for inspiration/courage to schedule my exam date correctly

If you're starting from zero knowledge, then perhaps you should consider taking the two exam approach. The Intro exam will be less difficult than the ICND, and will give you a feel for what the ICND will be like. It will also help you to build your confidence. You'll need it for the ICND.

Don't rush to take any of the exams. Wait until you feel that you are ready. And most importantly, get your hands-on time in!

Study hard!

davsp

Thanks.

I recently purchased the CCNA Fast Pass book, in addition to the Sybex CCNA Study Guide (Tom Lammle). Since I could not afford to setup my own lab, i'm thinking of getting the CCNA Virtual Lab. ($150) Are these review materials sufficient?

With regards to taking the INTRO exam first... Hmmm, that never crossed my mind (yet). I'll think that over.

Anyway, I'd basically like to understand how everyone (those who passed) prepared for the exam. How much time studying per day, your thoughts while studying, what review materials you recommend.

Here are mine so far:
Cisco Press INTRO Cert Guide
Cisco Press ICND Cert Guide
CCNA Study Guide 4th Ed (Tom Lammle, Sybex Pub)
CCNA Fast Pass (Tom Lammle, Sybex Pub)
...and maybe, purchase the Virtual Lab.

Hope to hear more feedback

keenon

i think that you should get a lab a real one.. most of the sims don't offer the real functionality of a true router. besides u can use it or sell it if u don't plan to go any further in cisco studies. also from scratch ... took me about 3 years total ( most of which i actually worked with cisco equipment the entire time but never read a book) after taking the time to set down a read a book it took me about 3 months off and on but 1 month solid before the test. which i was trying to decifer 2 tests or 1 test .. i chose 1 test i figure to be less questions and less of a cost

hc2ab

Only formal material I use is the sybex text book.

I strongly suggest saving all the money and buy a used router and use it at a regular basis.

It's not for passing the exam. It's for making sure you won't forget it.

Else one book is enough and there are alot of free online technotes and exams.

porengo

I'm a Cisco Networking Academy Alumni. So it took me about 6 months to prepare for the 1 exam option.

I used the following material:

CCNA 1 and 2, Third Edition (Cisco Press)
CCNA 3 and 4, Third Edition (Cisco Press)
CCNA Study Guide by Tom Lammle (Sybex)
Technotes
Cisco Web site (has tons of information)

I had actual hands-on at the Academy. In addition, I purchased several routers and switches from eBay. Working on the actual equipment really does have its advantages. I've used simulators in the past, but when something doesn't work you're not sure if it's your fault or a bug in the sim.

Whatever you decide to use, whether it be a sim or actual equipment, make sure that you spend a lot of time on it. It really comes in handy during the sim portion of your exam.

There's a old joke, it goes something like this..."How do you get to Carngie Hall? Practice...practice...practice." Well, the same applies towards getting your CCNA. Practice...practice...practice.

Longbow

Porengo is right. I use the Boson Netsim and it works great. However, when I'm having trouble with some configuration I begin to doubt the simulator (although it always turns out to be something I am doing wrong). Having the real thing would remove these doubts.

Bosons Netsim (v5.25) has been great for me. If I were to do it again I might get the real stuff though.

xetrev

one month, never touched cisco equipment before

shadown7

I'm in the Cisco Networking Academy now. I'm just about to finish up CCNA 2. After that class I'm going to take my Intro exam. Then I'll continue with the program. I'm using the Cisco Academy Press books and the CCNA Cram Exam 2. I like both books and I feel I'm learning quite a bit from them.

At first I bought the Boson Net Sim for around 150.00 and I think it is a great program but I also bought the real stuff. I bought 2 2507's router and a 1924 switch. I think the real stuff is better because you actually have to plug it up. I am glad I got the sim because I can do sims of setups I don't have here like ISDN. So, I spend some money to get all my stuff but I think it will be worth it. I just considered it an investment for the future.

Bottom line, if you can save up get the real stuff.

Keith

Longbow

To answer the original question of this thread. I've been working on CCNA for almost a year, with many interuptions presented by the normal events of life such as changing jobs, moving, raising my kids and last of all, failing the stupid exam.

rubbadubba

Took a course for 1 week - never used cisco stuff before that - about 2 weeks ago, 2 weeks of revision - including today plan to take the exam tommorrow! Good Luck