Were you ever stuck in 2nd gear and redlined your engine? (this isn't a car post....)

Legacy User

I understand for your own curiousity but the experience would be different especially in your case going from ccna- ccna sec- ccna composite or 2 test route. It would be much easier for you since you should have more then a general idea on the blueprint. Then in comparison someone that wants to just get into cisco which has no experience would have to overcome several obstacles with learning the material whether its 1 test route or 2 test route.

For it to be successful you would have to set up a case study with 2 people learning with the same material, studying for the same amount of time, and using the same equipment. They each would take a different test one would take the composite and the other the 2 exams. Then document their experiences.

YFZblu

I disagree that it wouldn't give me any more perspective, or that I wouldn't be able to share that perspective. In the CBT Nuggets ICND1 material there is an entire video related to Cisco paths - One test or two? It also discusses taking the CCNP before specializing even at the CCNA level, and why. This is done without violating the NDA.

We often see posts suggesting the composite exam because it will have 50% easy questions, 50% more difficult questions - To be able to verify or dismiss that sentiment could be valuable information to people here.

networker050184

Of course it would be valuable to know what's on the exam before you take it! That's a big no no though.

Roguetadhg

Scientifically, we won't ever know. Ever. Because of how the exams are setup. Im pretty sure the pool is fairly large both ways, probably larger for CCNA.

All you could say: Based on what I remember. X was Easier/Equal to/harder than Y, for Z reasons. Even "Reasons" may be too much.

All you could get is a feel for the exam. You couldn't give away specifics because it wouldn't be helpful anyways (Pool)

We know what's on the test, just look at the exam topics - which are public :P

YFZblu

networker050184 wrote: »

Of course it would be valuable to know what's on the exam before you take it! That's a big no no though.

Well you did say the composite exam is 50% 'easy' questions, and 50% more difficult questions, correct? So if I had taken both exams, and said "no, that's incorrect?" or "Yes, that is correct" would I be violating NDA in your eyes? If so, I would argue that simply making your statement to begin with was a violation of NDA as well.

networker050184

You don't see the difference between the two? One is a hypothesis and the other is giving information that you gained from taking the exam.

YFZblu

I definitely recognize the difference, that isn't lost on me. The point is, I'm assuming you took the composite exam. In that case this is information you gathered during a first hand account; you would be able to decipher an 'easy' CCENT question from a more difficult ICND2-level question. In which case I feel my point stands.

If you did not take the composite exam and are truly theorizing about its contents, then I suppose I'm confused as to why you ask people to take an exam and reap certain benefits that you are not aware even exist.

2URGSE

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. It is quite possible that my version of "knowing something" isn't the CCNA version.

Whoever said I was frustrated/emtional was correct. It's just not fun going home after this and spending 2 years on it either.

Here's the report (minus some personal info), I know how to configure FR and PPP, if you notice, my WAN score is 0%.

Subnetting wasn't that brilliant either, I need to compare it to the 2nd test and see if there was any improvement.

P.S: the score was 696. (I tend to round off #'s)


Please don't grill me too hard, but here it is:

696.pdf

2URGSE

I'm not fully decided on what I want to try next, but I'm starting to gravitate towards to the 2 test avenue, unless someone can offer me another way. I don't want to keep blowing $$$$$ on this if it doesn't work.

lantech

Only you can decide what method is right for you. If the current method you are using isn't working then try another. Maybe try a different way of studying. There are lots of study methods out there.

While I like real equipment programs like packet tracer and GNS3 do have their place. If you can't afford all the equipment you need then they can pick up where the real equipment left off. I can build bigger labs with GNS3 and packet tracer than I could with the equipment I have on hand and get a better feel for some concepts that I wouldn't otherwise.

The key to all this is to not give up. A lot of people fail the test multiple times. But they do get certified because they don't give up and keep trying until they do. These tests are meant to be hard to test your knowledge. Especially the composite exam. So it's not necessarily a bad thing that you've failed. It would be bad however if you just gave up.

drkat

@ risk of breaking the NDA - I reviewed ICND1/ICDN2 tests prior to taking the composite and I decided composite. For me it was the fact that I could take a 50 question test or 2 x whatever the amount on the 2 parter is?? i dont remember. I took the exam twice before passing on the third.. now was this due to preparation or study ? NO - it had to do with being hit with questions that werent in the books I studied.

You need to look at your score sheet and determine where you were weak. I then specifically studied those topics. Make sure you get your sims spot on - they weigh the most. I remember my score sheet was so close I could taste it.. 775,815 so 715 is ALMOST there, you're probably just weak in a certain area.

LOL and to add insult to injury.. I did terrible on wireless but the last time I scored 100% - no extra study, different questions.

jamesleecoleman

I understand where you're coming from 2URGSE. I've came so close and failed the ICND2 by like 14 points.

I just started to study the ICND2 stuff again after a few months. I forgot a lot of stuff but I remember most of it when I read things.

Don't give up. Maybe you won't be motivated but keep going. I've had very similar scores that you've had.

Most people are telling you the right thing by going over the weakest parts. There are a lot of weak parts on the domains. I would suggest that you go to Practice Subnet Skills: A Place to Practice Your Subnetting Skills and do the "design" portion of the website. You'll really improve on subnetting for sure.

The WAN portion of the exam is very difficult. Doing frame relay is a pain in the butt but it seems like its the easiest at times.

I would honestly suggest doing the ICND1 because it's easier to work on and there's less information that you'll need to go over.

Anyways, you can pass this test! A lot of people fail this test and then pass it later on.

2URGSE

jamesleecoleman wrote: »

I understand where you're coming from 2URGSE. I've came so close and failed the ICND2 by like 14 points.

I just started to study the ICND2 stuff again after a few months. I forgot a lot of stuff but I remember most of it when I read things.

Don't give up. Maybe you won't be motivated but keep going. I've had very similar scores that you've had.

Most people are telling you the right thing by going over the weakest parts. There are a lot of weak parts on the domains. I would suggest that you go to Practice Subnet Skills: A Place to Practice Your Subnetting Skills and do the "design" portion of the website. You'll really improve on subnetting for sure.

The WAN portion of the exam is very difficult. Doing frame relay is a pain in the butt but it seems like its the easiest at times.

I would honestly suggest doing the ICND1 because it's easier to work on and there's less information that you'll need to go over.

Anyways, you can pass this test! A lot of people fail this test and then pass it later on.

++++1, not going to give up on this.

I keep reminding myself that "I've not come this far, to stop now" (Bloodsport).

I think my weakest points were ACL's, NAT, and all sorts of "crazy" (I call them crazy, because they just seem crazy) subnetting questions involving auto-summary and VLSM.

I can tell you that since last year, my NAT is much better. I did play with the auto-summary in my lab and saw how it affects 3 routers.

I did Frame-Relay on my lab's multiple times and I'm pretty comfortable with configuring it. Of course I will have to practice more questions that are related to it. Gosh, I think I would keep doing labs even after I pass this exam just to keep the momentum high.

The ACL and VLSM are coming together very slowly for me. It's like my brain has to be at 130% duty cycle to be able to put it together. When they tell me, please allow this host to do this, but block all these guys from doing that and block the rest, that's when I really start spinning wheels. I have to write it down first, and piece it together.

I'm going out of town for business for a week, but taking my study materials with me, at least the plane ride won't be boring.

I will give it all I've got for about a month, and then go try the ICND 1.

2URGSE

drkat wrote: »

You need to look at your score sheet and determine where you were weak. I then specifically studied those topics. Make sure you get your sims spot on - they weigh the most. I remember my score sheet was so close I could taste it.. 775,815 so 715 is ALMOST there, you're probably just weak in a certain area.

LOL and to add insult to injury.. I did terrible on wireless but the last time I scored 100% - no extra study, different questions.

The wireless isn't too bad, it's mostly knowing the different 802.11 protocols, what encryption goes with that, speeds, and what causes RFI, I've got that nailed, thank god.

I will work on the weak spots.

2URGSE

Just for kicks, I compared my scores from last time, here's the breakdown:

• Describe how networks work:

2011 score: 63%, 2012 score: 50%

• Configure, verify and troubleshoot switch with VLANS:

2011 score: 69%, 2012 score: 64%

• Implement an IP addressing scheme and meet network requirements:

2011 score: 33%, 2012 score: 50%

• Configure, verify and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing:

2011 score: 62%, 2012 score: 69%

• Explain administrative tasks require for WLAN:

2011 score: 67%, 2012 score: 100%

• Identify security threats and describe general methods to mitigate them:

2011 score: 100%, 2012 score: 67%

• Implement, verify and troubleshoot NAT & ACL:

2011 score: 25%, 2012 score: 40%

• Implement and verify WAN links:

2011 score: 33%, 2012 score: 0%

al3kt.R***

hello m8.

Allow me an analysis, if you please, I am no specialist but feel sympathy for your effort, so forgive me if I am too upfront:

The best thing IMHO you should try is doing lots of labs especially NAT, Frame-relay, PPP and L2 switching. It is like you didn't manage to gain enough points in sims, testlets etc on these subjects.
Moreover you should pay attention to the first requirement "Describe how networks work"; that's the basics bro, you MUST aim higher and score above 90% there in order to have more points to spend on more difficult subjects. So keep and and till you are confident enough on this topic.
Same goes to IP addressing requirements, that's a MUST-own topic for more points.
These 2 topics should be treated as your foundation knowledge towards this certification. Without them the cert loses significant value!!!
Btw you did excellent on wireless topics, so stand on this achievement to rejoice and leap further ahead. Eventually and after giving enough attention to your weakest points of understanding and hands-on practice on some basic sets of CCNA®-level labs I am sure you WILL nail the exam.

Good luck bro and have faith!!!

PS: Effective Time management can come also from being more confident about and answering some foundation topics more quickly. This will allow you to spend time and points on more demanding topics.

JustFred

I think the one exam route is good for him, why go all the way back? Good luck with your studies and do not give up.

2URGSE

I decided to take the 2 exam path, since I blew the CCNA 3 times in 2 years.

I've been practicing on the ICND1 Boson simulator, my initial scores were 770 to 820, but now I'm scoring 880 to 960.

I still do some labs on my rack as well, but most of the hardware knowledge is there.

I do notice they want you to know some commands that are more advanced, but it is what it is. I found a few that I actually used at work.

I should be ready to take the ICND1 very soon, will probably give it a few more weeks.

2URGSE

Passed the ICND1 today, 925/1000!!!!

2 job interviews tomorrow.

When it rains, it pours.

txraider09

Congrats!

atorven

well done and good luck with the interviews.

2URGSE

Thank you. Looking at a potential job of implementing FDDI, I saw their test lab today and my jaw dropped. Would be a perfect place to obtain a CCDA and CCNP/CCDP. One of their Engineers is studying for his CCIE now.

I listed the fact that I have plenty of hours on my home lab, and they really liked that.