Wow, I haven't posted a new thread here in a while (let alone even respond to one). I have been lurking around though for the past 2 months. Anyway, its been a really long time since I got to say I passed an exam, but today I passed ICND 1. I am elated!
A little back story, I originally came from the MS side of the house, mainly doing Server admin related roles, with a bit of networking (5 years or so). The past 5 years I have been strictly in a network and PBX/VOIP role. My job change 2 years ago really accelerated that
I took 640-802 back in mid-December. I failed, and pretty bad too. It was probably THE worst time for me to have taken it, but I am a glutton for punishment and I tried anyway (I was working between 60-90 hours a week). A few major projects later, I made time and decided to split up the exams so I can focus more on less subject matter. THAT, and I have kid #1 due in about 6 weeks or so, so I had a finite amount of time to knock it out. My goal is to complete 640-816 before the bambino arrives. If I don't, then I can't imagine being able to retake it before the deadline. I will focus on the new exam in Oct/Nov if need be.
As for the test, its what I expected. Overall advice; Read, lab, subnet. I was able to supplement my studies with on the job experience which was helpful. I find it much easier to understand when you can correlate it with what you do at work.
Resources used:
-Train Signal (Chris Bryant)
-Odom's ICND 1 Book (This book will fill any gaps in knowledge, very detailed)
-Lammele's CCNA book (left over from previous studies, good supplement if Odom makes you sleepy)
-Boson ex-sim (THIS was very helpful, gives you a good idea of cisco test format and presentation)
-CCNA in 60 Days (This is probably the most important piece for me, because it gave me structure and direction. On the topics in this book I felt were light, I supplemented with trainsignal, other books, etc. This guide hasn't let me down yet)
-My lab (3 1760 routers, 3 2950 switches)
Next up, I am going to take a day or two off. I just turned 30 yesterday so I should probably celebrate. Sunday or Monday I dive right back in and hit up ICND 2 material.
As always, thanks to the members at TE for indirectly answering questions I had or sharing their own experiences!
Now, on to the victory whiskey!
