Haven't started studying: Old ICND1 (Deadline) or New ICND1 (100-101)

newb

So I've been studying CCNA basics since I was in high school. Did the CCNA Discovery/Exploration thing and didn't get too far. Few years passed and I did a half semester course in college about ICND1 as an elective. Passed it fine. The following semester would have been ICND2 but I didn't take it.

I tried studying for the A+ again at the beginning of this year but it has been off and on. I read the A+ book in high school on my own, took a class on it, and then took another class on it in college. It is boring, I personally don't think it's worth the money, and you could try to convince me (I tried reading this forum to get psyched for it) but I just cannot get motivated about it.

I went through a couple of the new 100-101 ICND1 CBT Nuggets videos and needless to say, I'd rather be studying this stuff. I have heard the new test is harder, but by how much?. So I need advice on what to take. Obviously I need a refresher on all the ICND1 topics, but considering that I have some previous familiarity with it, would it be better to take the old test?

My concern is the deadline. I already "failed" at studying for the A+ and am worried I might take long to study. I'm sure I could blast through studying like I could back in the days, but having a job is a huge distraction that tires me out.

NetworkVeteran

newb wrote: »

I went through a couple of the new 100-101 ICND1 CBT Nuggets videos and needless to say, I'd rather be studying this stuff. I have heard the new test is harder, but by how much?

It's not hard, per se, but it covers more material than a video series will typically cover. You're not going to just watch a video and pass. It will take elbow grease! The usual route is the Odom or Lammle text plus ample practice.

My concern is the deadline. I already "failed" at studying for the A+ and am worried I might take long to study.

If you want to take things slowly, I'd opt for the new track. It's more up-to-date and relevant, 80% of your previous knowledge will transfer over, the ICND1 books are already released, and the ICND2 books are due out in October. I'd have suggested the older track if you planned to go job shopping soon or otherwise needed to finish your certification a.s.a.p.

Z3-Masterd

NetworkVeteran is right. With the deadline for 640-xxx approaching fast (Sept. 30), one would be wise to just focus on the new material. Besides, with a full-time job, you must be realistic about your actual time available for studying.

On the other hand, if you feel like you're pretty knowledgeable in ICND1, you could always shoot for just taking 640-822 before the deadline.

JeanM

Start with the new ones so that you aren't cutting it short.... other than that, you are pretty much covering the same material either way, the core doesn't really change, plus you'll learn more about IPV6 and licensing...two bigger differences if you compare the topics old vs. new.

newb

Thanks for the advice. I'll stick to the new test. I figure that even if it's harder, at least it's more relevant and might prepare me for a job better.

I also know that the CBT nuggets is not enough but from previous experience, it seems they are more hands on with certain topics like actually working with routers. In my ICND1 class for example, we just memorized a few commands for the quizzes but nothing was done on an emulator or the like. I understand the videos are supplementary.

And Z3, I don't feel as confident in myself even though I passed the class. If you asked me anything about ICND1 at this point I'd probably stare at you blankly. And this class was just 1-2 years ago! I do think I'll be able to pick it up quicker this time around though.

NetworkVeteran

newb wrote: »

I also know that the CBT nuggets is not enough but from previous experience, it seems they are more hands on with certain topics like actually working with routers.

It's definitely a good supplement! I often buy their 24-hour cram nugget just before taking a test. As you say, I also enjoy how "hands-on" they are in illustrating how things work.. as long as it's running at 2x speed.

DoubleNNs

I say you take the new CCENT.

You've started and stopped studying too many times in the past. A deadline will put a fire under your arse and force you to be more motivated. And once you get your first cert, you'll have gone thru the entire process from beginning to end once, which would give you momentum to finish other certs in the future.

If you take the old one and go slow, there's a chance you might end up putting it down again, only to pick it up in 2016 contemplating the same thing - whether you should take the old 100-101 or the newest iteration of the CCNA that's coming out.

Just my .02.

(Besides, if you miss the deadline, it's not like all the studying you already did goes out the window. I'm sure the 2 tests aren't THAT different.)