So let me get this right... (640-8XX Questions)

zrockstar

So if I understand this correctly, I can take ICND1 for 40-50 questions, then ICND2 for 40-50 questions, for a total of 80-100 questions -OR- I can take 640-802 for a grand total of 45-55 questions and both result in a CCNA cert? If this is truly the case, why wouldn't everyone just do the 640-802? I mean aren't you in theory going to end up with half the amount of difficult questions (ICND2 material)? For those who have taken the 640-802, what did you feel the spread between ICND1 and ICND2 material was. Was it 50/50? 60/40? Thanks.

Slowhand

The idea is that you will get a much wider array of topics in one exam, as opposed to focusing on networking fundamentals on ICND1 exam and more Cisco-specific routing and switching with ICND2. The 640-802 is notoriously difficult in large part due to the sheer number to topics covered, so when Cisco decided to split it into two separate exams as an optional path, a lot of people jumped on the chance.

While it's true that you end up having to answer a total number of questions correctly across the two exams than you would for the single CCNA exam, most people would agree that being able to focus on a few interwoven topics at a time is a little less harrowing than running the full gauntlet. When I took the predecessor to the current CCNA, (the 640-801 exam,) I sat for it several times with near-passing scores because it went into a fair deal of depth on everything from subnetting, TCP/IP basics, all the way up through STP and the various routing protocols. There was a lot to keep track of, and I have no doubt I would have probably fared better splitting it up into two exams rather than continuing to slog away at the one until I passed.

KPLC

^^^ What he said.

xbuzz

On CBTnuggets video Jeremy says, he thought ICND1 was the hardest of the 3 exams (ICND1, ICND2, CCNA).

From what I have read from different sources, it seems CCNA is considered hard because you need to be FAST at doing most stuff, particularly subnetting.

ICND1 & 2 are hard because they go much more indepth and have more questions on each topic, but it is considered the easier route because you can study for one at a time.

The good thing about the ICND1 and 2 approach too, is it forces you to have a solid basing in the ICND1 stuff before you move onto the more advanced stuff in ICND2, which is a good thing.

Most univerisities now have moved away from the traditional 1-2 exams per year now, to an ongoing modular learning and testing process for these very reasons. Overall 1 big test like the CCNA might seem harder, but what is actually better for the student, their knowledge retention and further career and studies is to be tested more on an ongoing basis, which ICND1 and 2 supports.

fsanyee

It's cheaper to fail on ICND1/2. This is one of the reasons I choosed the two exam way.

martell1000

i guess its a good thing to take the 2 exam path when you are new to the field. takes out a lot of pressure and gives you a more solid base to build on. and you get a nice CCENT cert for no extra cost

now i would just take the composite exam since stuff like subnetting and basic routing protocol stuff dont scare me at all anymore... but a year ago before taking ICND1 exam i was in a permanent mix of fear and despair...

bermovick

fsanyee wrote: »

It's cheaper to fail on ICND1/2. This is one of the reasons I choosed the two exam way.

This. I'd far rather have failed a $125 exam than a $250 exam.

MAC_Addy

Now it's $150 for ICND1/2 and $295 for CCNA.

just_in_time

I took the 640-802 exam last month. I thought it was an even split between the ICND1 and ICND2. I was an academy grad so I focused my studies with the intention of taking the one exam. I didn't find the exam to be extremely difficult as I passed with a 933, just make sure you know your stuff. Make sure you know subnetting good and you are able to figure out the problem quick. I thought I was running out of time so I started to hurry and ended up with 30 minutes left at the end. If I had to do it again, I would take the one exam again.

zrockstar

Geez, I don't know what to do. I am currently in ICND2 material on my college program, EGIRP, OSPF, etc., and I was planning on starting my 31 Days Until CCENT book today, but I'm still confused if I should just wait and do the whole thing at the end of my program? I'm not phased by subnetting at all anymore, I think my fundamental skills are pretty good, but I would definitely still need to deep study before sitting for ICND1, but would it be worth it at the end of next term when I am done with my academy based program to lock myself in my room all summer and try to knock out the 640-802? I have all 4 Cisco Press books in the CCNA Exploration series, I have LLammel's book, I have ICND1/2 CBT Nuggets, 31 Days until CCENT, and I already told my wife I have to buy Bosons. I think that's enough to get me through any of the 3 tests, I JUST CAN'T CHOOSE ARRRRRG!!!!

MAC_Addy

You don't have to buy any practice exams. The kind of discourage me quite a bit. I just use the CD's that come with Lammle's books, they're very good practice.

And a plus, if you take the two exam route you get 2 certifications - CCENT and CCNA.

Aman_saini

fsanyee wrote: »

It's cheaper to fail on ICND1/2. This is one of the reasons I choosed the two exam way.

Well thinking of failure before starting studies hmm not a good idea.

zrockstar

MAC_Addy wrote: »

You don't have to buy any practice exams. The kind of discourage me quite a bit. I just use the CD's that come with Lammle's books, they're very good practice.

And a plus, if you take the two exam route you get 2 certifications - CCENT and CCNA.

Got it on the Kindle, no CD for me I did just order the Odem cert kit though (the books and CD not simulator). Got it on physical book this time, so I would get the CD, I'll see how that stuff goes.

zrockstar

Aman_saini wrote: »

Well thinking of failure before starting studies hmm not a good idea.

Truer words couldn't have been written

fsanyee

Aman_saini wrote: »

Well thinking of failure before starting studies hmm not a good idea.

Considering all of the possibilities before making the money fly is a good idea.

Aman_saini

But accepting challenges and performing better under pressure is the way you dominate.

xbuzz

The possibility of failure does indeed need to be recognised and accounted for.

I don't work in the field yet, but from what i'm learning a huge proportion of the job entails reacting to failure, failure of networks etc. If you refuse to recognise that failure cannot happen, then you will not be prepared for what you need to do, when it does happen. There's whole electives of cisco courses just preparing engineers for the failure of networks (tshoot etc).

If you don't have unlimited funds, it is very wise to consider how 2 exams could be better than 1 if you do fail one. That's not bowing to failure, it's just being responsible and using your common sense.

I've set myself the challenge of doing icnd1 from start to finish and testing in a 2 week window. I started last week and my test is next wednesday. I'm confident I can do it (the proper way), but at the same time, I do recognise there is a chance I might not pass for whatever reasons, some within my control, some outside.

MrXpert

In my humble opinion doing the 2 exam path is more rewarding and I think when exam day comes and you pass both, you walk away with the feeling of satisfaction knowing that you have two certs, CCENT and CCNA, as well as having passed two specialist/focussed exams. As opposed to just one which will have some questions from CCENT and some topics from CCNA which is an easier way to pass as you may strike lucky and only have to deal with one question or access lists and one question on WANs with no requirement to configure these.

If you prefer to study for the whole thing rather than break it down then this is designed to suit whatever study pattern or method suits you best.

Aman_saini

xbuzz wrote: »

The possibility of failure does indeed need to be recognised and accounted for.

I don't work in the field yet, but from what i'm learning a huge proportion of the job entails reacting to failure, failure of networks etc. If you refuse to recognise that failure cannot happen, then you will not be prepared for what you need to do, when it does happen. There's whole electives of cisco courses just preparing engineers for the failure of networks (tshoot etc).

If you don't have unlimited funds, it is very wise to consider how 2 exams could be better than 1 if you do fail one. That's not bowing to failure, it's just being responsible and using your common sense.

I've set myself the challenge of doing icnd1 from start to finish and testing in a 2 week window. I started last week and my test is next wednesday. I'm confident I can do it (the proper way), but at the same time, I do recognise there is a chance I might not pass for whatever reasons, some within my control, some outside.

I am speechless greatly explained

networker050184

I've never been a fan of going the two test route. Prepare yourself and go take the single exam and get it over with. You don't get the CCENT, but there is nothing the CCENT is going to help you with that the CCNA won't be just as, if not more helpful.

More tests = more chance for failure to those that are talking about failing.

Todd Burrell

I've always been a huge fan of just taking the one test route with this discussion. Unless you are completely new to networking then I would see no reason to go the 2 test route - it's just an extra exam to prepare for and you get nothing for it except the CCENT - which is pretty much worthless once you get the CCNA (think MCP).

My reasoning is simply this - would you rather take 2 exams of 50 questions apiece with one on Algebra and one on Calculus - or would you rather take one 50 question exam with 25 questions from Algebra and 25 from Calculus? I would always take the second option and just take one exam.

And I have heard that the ICND1 is not a piece of cake, also...

martell1000

the thing is that most people that are doing CCENT/CCNA are rather new to the cisco/neworking world. if you are already on a CCNA or higher level and just want to collect the cert the one exam is way better. but from my own experience i guess i wouldnt have passed CCNA composite in the first attempt.

if you are new in the cisco world ICND1 itself is no piece of cake at all, and ICND2 comes with stuff like access lists, NAT, OSPF, EIGRP, spanning tree etc. these two combined can make it very hard to pass the composite exam.

zrockstar

Thanks, Networker, Todd, Martell, these last 3 posts have been very insightful. I am new to networking work wise, but I am enrolled in a Cisco track at my school that is an academy certified program. Networking clicks for me, nothing really goes over my head, and I think I have a pretty good work and study ethic. Despite being new to networking, I think I will just go for the combo test. I have a lot of resources, Odom, Lammel, Discovery Series, CBT Nuggets, PT, so I think I will just buckle down over the summer and do it to it.