My CCENT/CCNA material review, secret and Tips!
Lol, not really secret but tricks and strategy that i used to pass the CCENT and CCNA. First a little about myself; before being CCNA certified, i had no knowledge about networks except for what was an IP address (lol). I search and asked around for what was the best materials to use to get certified and everyone said the todd lammle books and cisco press books. I started to use videos such as CBT nuggets and train signal, but they leave out stuff that you have to know for the exam. I used the Todd Lammle book (fantastic book) to study for the CCENT and smoked the exam. I have to admit it, reading books is long and tedious and can really overload your brain with information. For my ccna i took another route. I used a video series called CCNA INE (best out there) and cisco documentation (surprise, surprise, surprise!!!). Studied this for 2 months and smoked the ICND2 exam. Now here my reviews:
CBT Nuggets:
This video series is taught by Jeremy Cioara. He is very enthusiastic, and he really makes the material not boring. The style that the video uses is a white board where the instructor writes stuff. Content wise, it is pretty good but he does leave out important stuff for the exam. The CBT package doesn't come with extras such as practice exams or labs (you can download some at the web site).
Verdict:
Presentation: 8/10
Teaching methods: 10/10
Extras: 3/10
Content: 8/10
Train Signal:
Train Signal CCNA is taught by Chris Bryant. His voice is very bland and doesn't sound too exciting about teaching. The style that the video uses is a power point presentation with some live labs. Content wise, he does a really good job in explaining the material and he covers all the material you need to know to pass the CCNA. The Train Signal CCNA package comes with a lot of extras!! It comes with a transcender practice exam, pdf notes, media videos for on the go.
Verdict:
Presentation: 7/10
Teaching Method: 8/10
Extras: 10/10
Content: 9/10 (-1 for having errors)
CCNA INE:
This video series is taught by a guy named Brian McGahan, 3x CCIE. Now this is best of both worlds; He is easy to listen to and actually covers everything you need to know to pass the CCNA and even goes beyond. The style used to present data is a mixture of live lecture, power point, live labs and white board. Content wise, again he goes into detail about everything you need to learn. He also explains things so easily, that a 6 year old could understand it. One thing that i didn't like about this package was that it doesn't come with no practice material. Also, it is a steaming service. Other than that with this video series alone, you CAN pass the CCENT/CCNA.
Verdict:
Presentation: 10/10
Teaching Method: 10/10
Extras: 1/10
Content: 10/10
CISCO Press Book:
It wouldn't be fair for me to rate this book because i did not finish the book. So i am only going to comment on the parts that i read. This book covers everything and beyond the scope of the CCNA. It is very reliable since it is endorsed by CISCO. Also, since it is endorse by CISCO, you are confident that it covers everything you need to know. Now for the ugly part. This book will OVERLOAD your brain. I personally do not like the writing style the author uses, because he takes pages just take explain things. This book comes with a test engine, that has some practice questions.
SYBEX Book:
In my opinion this is the best book out there for the CCNA and CCENT. It is loaded with practice questions, labs and even more practice questions on the CD. It even comes with flash cards!!!. I was very surprise, that some question were very similar to the real exam!! The author uses a writing style that is casual and laid back. So if you get board easily or dose off, this book is for you. One thing that i didn't like is that there were a couple of errors in the book. Other than that i give this product a 10/10.
NOW MY SECRETS!!!!!!
Every one says that you can't "rush" (notice i put rush in quotes) and have to read a book to pass the exam. And i disagree with those people. Here is the easiest way and fastest way to pass the exam:
Easiest:
Watch the CCNA INE video series, download packet tracer or GNS3 and lab it up!!!! Buy the Boson exam engine and you are good to go. Total spent: $220. Cheaper than CBT nuggets and Train Signal.
Fastest:
Go to cisco.com and download the ICND1/ICND2 syllabus. Then go to the documentation section of cisco.com and search the topics based off the ICND1/ICND2 syllabus. Use some youtube videos if you are a visual learner. Download packet tracer or GNS3 and lab it up! Purchase Boson CCNA practice exam and go ahead and pass the exam! Total spent: $200 or $119 (ICND1/2 or CCNA composite). Cheapest and fastest method!!
