Cisco certifications

rapz

Hello all...just joined the forum and found it to be very helpful. My brief introduction: I have no background in networking what so ever but have been always eager to join this field. I did some research on cisco website about different types of certifications and I guess gotta start with CCNA. I am planning to do my CCNA in the near future (haven't fixed a date yet) so any information on how to proceed and in which direction to head to from you guys will be much appreciated. Also any advice will be great as well. And like I said I have no networking background just the basic computer literate.

Thank you in advance!

alxx

Hi

Get a book or two, some videos - cbt nuggets and or train signal ccna , packet tracer, gsn3
and start from there.

Do ccent(ICND1) and CCNA(ICND2) there is also a one exam route.
Pass them, make sure you like/enjoy networking then go for ccnp or ccna security or wireless or voice.

If you have no or little computer experiance you could look at comptia network+ or A+ or similar first but
most people should be able to handle self studying for ccna. Just as long as you are prepared to put the time in reading , notetaking ,labbing/packet tracer/gsn3

I'm slowly studying ccna -will get stuck into it once I've finished my undergrad capstone/thesis(due in three weeks)

few links to some good threads to have a read of
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71361-looking-some-study-advice.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71348-hello-everyone.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71051-study-note-taking.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71116-advice-where-should-i-start.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71045-can-i-start-just-2-routers.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/70405-how-did-they-get-answer-what-last-valid-ip-address.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/38772-subnetting-made-easy.html


hardware
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/70206-newbie-question-do-i-even-need-switch-if-i-just-want-pass-ccna.html


free podcasts etc
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71397-ccna-audio-books.html

SharkDiver

I know this is a Cisco forum, but if you have no networking experience, I think the best place to start would be the CompTIA Net+. I learned so much studying for that. I would suggest the Exam Cram book. I read through that, took the practice questions on the disc that came with it, and went and passed the exam in about a month.

From there, it will just be one step up to the CCENT and then one more step up to the CCNA.

You can do it, and you'll have a CCNA before you know it.

Good luck!

SharkDiver

rapz,

This might be something worth looking into. I just saw this advertised in an email.

Networking Bundle

From Pearsonvue.

bomber456

hey rapc :P get studying on those books i've lent you

nel

Try reading the FAQ. It has all your general questions in there re materials, labs etc http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/6434-ccna-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

Any additional Q's just ask in the CCNA forum

The N+ would be a good start for foundational knowledge. If your based in the UK its rarely asked for so dont expect much career wise if your on this side of the pond.

Good luck with your studies mate!

MAC_Addy

I agree with everyone else on here. Read the forums and listen to the responses. You will learn a lot from what people say on here.

I'd start with CompTIA Network+, this will give you an absolute foundation level into networking and will help you learn topics such as, cabling, length, types of cabling, types of topology and various other networking facts. If you got straight into Cisco you'll come around these types of networking standards in which they expect you to know already.

After passing Network+ definitely go with CCENT ICND 1 and then ICND 2. Taking the composite exam will be tough for someone with no networking experience.