Failed CCNA...

nplan.ca

I found this forum while searching for 'failed ccna' on Google. It helps a little to see that I am not alone. I have 13 years of experience in IT, but most of it is as a consultant for local businesses, so I had trouble with some routing protocols and VTP questions. What killed my chances were the simulation questions. The software they use for simulation is frustrating to use, too much scrolling, and the time flies while you are stuck trying to troubleshoot with it.

I know what to do for next time (in 3 weeks) - I have to do a lot of simulation practices in Packet Tracer (much better than boson) with ACLs, VTP, STP, routing protocols, and troubleshooting of them.

paul78

Welcome to TE. Good luck next time.

alxx

Could try some real lab time on stab lab or packet life ?
Free CCNA Workbook » Free Cisco CCNA Lab Access via Online

More labbing!!!

Few links

Yet Another Cisco Blog: Free CCNA Resources

Software Upgrade Procedure - Cisco Systems

CCNA Portable Command Guide
CCNA Portable Command Guide, 2nd Edition

show commands
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/70191-show-commands-icnd1.html

debug commands
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/41217-debug-ip-routing-route.html
Cisco IOS Debug Command Reference, Release 12.2* [Cisco IOS Software Releases 12.2 Mainline] - Cisco Systems
Important Information on Debug Commands - Cisco Systems

understanding ping and traceroute commands
Understanding the Ping and Traceroute Commands - Cisco Systems

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/12_2/switch/command/reference/xrf_bk.pdf

Get IT Done: 10 ways to mitigate problems using Cisco IOS debug | TechRepublic
Troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches using the debug commands | TechRepublic
mini-Howto: Cisco Router Debugging

Layer by Layer Troubleshooting with a Cisco Router
Layer by Layer Troubleshooting with a Cisco Router

INE CCNA vids - free to stream
http://www.ine.com/self-paced/ccna/bootcamps.htm

elderkai

Not sure if you've heard of it, but GNS3 is an absolutely WONDERFUL Cisco(they have a Juniper, too) router emulator. Being an emulator, it uses an actual copy of a Cisco IOS to boot from virtually.

For the CCNA, they didn't really miss too many commands you need to worry about in Packet Tracer, but it's still a nice alternative that feels a little more hands-on, if you know what I mean.

wbosher

Good luck mate. A LOT of people fail the 1st attempt.

EV42TMAN

are you trying to do the 2 test method or 1 test method? because if the single shot method isn't working you might want to back down and do the 2 test method.

nplan.ca

Sorry for responding so late to the thread, been busy studying for CCNA. Failing the first time was really depressing for the first few days. Then I realized that I was not at all ready.

I could not configure access lists or NAT properly, nor was I able to configure routing protocols the right way. I understood the theory, not the practice. So I reviewed all my notes, and this time, I also put in practice *every* single concept using packet tracer. I made sure I could configure, troubleshoot all of the topics, from STP to Access lists to frame relay, etc.

Today was the exam. I succeeded. 920 / 1000. Not bad. Some questions were really tricky, but overall it was fairly easy. I am now Cisco Certified!!