CCNA Info

Blackout

How many folks in here pursued their CCNA successfully and never had any experience? And how long did you study for prior to taking the exams?

advanex1

Experience in cisco systems or IT experience? I had very little experience on cisco systems ahead of time, just what they teach you in AIT for the Army and it really wasn't alot. However, I studied for 3 weeks for the CCENT and 2 1/2 weeks for the ICND2/CCNA. Passed both successfully.

Blackout

Im a parachute Rigger for the navy, I have 0 IT experience. Im learning for more quickly than expected, just wanted to gauge how others faired in similar situations.

advanex1

Ah, well I'm Airborne - appreciate the chutes being packed.

Blackout

You go through benning or bragg?

advanex1

In Iraq right now, but I'm stationed at Bragg.

Monkerz

0.1% networking experience prior to completing CCNA. Studied for 6ish months for ICND1. Studied for 7 months for ICND2. Landed a network gig 1 week before sitting for ICND2. Got the job based on who I knew, not experience or knowledge. Still sitting in that roll today and have learned a TON!!

Version4

The first CCNA I achieved was while being a student in college and a part of the Cisco Networking Academy. Back then, I had 0 hands on experience with Cisco equipment. Of course being a part of the Cisco Networking Academy, you did have access to the lab. The lab was my first way of touching physical hardware. So I guess I had 0 hands on experience "on the job" with Cisco equipment, but hands on experience in the lab

I'm not sure if that helps answer your question, but it is totally possible to self study and pass the CCNA with 0 hands on experience with Cisco equipment. It is recommended that you get some sort of simulator at the very least, such as Packet Tracer, GNS3, or a number of other manufacturers like Boson NetSim to follow along with your book studies. My personal experience is with Packet Tracer and GNS3, I like them and would recommend them to you.

Of course, ideally you want to get yourself a little lab going, but not everyone can do that. You can search the FAQ at the top of this forum for a lot of recommendations on what sort of lab hardware you need or what sim software is best.

HTH

alan2308

I had 0 experience with networking outside of the classroom when I started on Cisco. After taking the CCNA Exploration classes and about a week to review, I passed the 640-802 on my first try. I went through the 4 classes over 2 college semesters (so roughly 6 months). But if i would have self studied, it wouldn't have taken me even half of that amount of time.