CCENT Difficulty ?

Ciaranp

Hi Guys,

I'm considering taking the CCENT and just wondering how difficult I would find it, I have experience in helpdesk support but very little in networking, I am out of work at the moment and I'm spending time studying exams, I passed the N+ this week which took me about 2 months, I had planned on taking the 70-680 next but I'm now considering the CCENT, could anybody give me an idea on the difficulty level compared to the N+ and 70-680(I realise that they are different areas) if the N+ took me 2 months, or the time frame it might take me to pass it? People say there is some overlap with the N+ ?

Thanks

RouteMyPacket

What does it matter? Even asking such a question tells me a lot about you and that's not a good thing. You need to change that attitude quick if you want the most out of your career.

Start studying and labbing as you go..you have to start somewhere. If you are looking for shortcuts, by all means go for it as they are out there but when it's time to land that "awesome" job...you will walk away obliterated because you couldn't come close to passing the technical interview.

I just don't understand cert chasers, if you put it on your resume I am hitting you with that content and I will know very quickly if you are legit or not. That's precisely why you should supplement your experience with proper certification.

So let's get started, do you want to be a Network Engineer or System Administrator?

instant000

Hrm.

I would consider the CCENT more difficult than the Network+, but I took the Network+ when it was only multiple-choice.

If you've passed the newer Network+, you're a lot more prepared for CCENT than someone who took the old test. Since you're used to doing performance-based questions, you'll be more prepared for the simulations.

My best advice is to "lab it up".

Be able to draw a picture, that explains how the technology works.
Be able to configure the technology, as required.
Know what to check to confirm that everything is working as required.

The new CCENT curriculum looks awesome, and has some good stuff in it.

Hope this helps.

NovaHax

There's not really any marginal benefit to having Net+ and CCENT. The only reason you should consider CCENT is if you are going to follow it up immediately with CCNA

NovaHax

instant000 wrote: »

Hrm.

I would consider the CCENT more difficult than the Network+, but I took the Network+ when it was only multiple-choice.

Net+ is no longer multiple choice??? Are there simulations now?

SteveFT

NovaHax wrote: »

Net+ is no longer multiple choice??? Are there simulations now?

The test is no longer only multiple choice. Simulation questions are now included in the test. The majority of the test is still multiple choice, however.

CoolAsAFan

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

What does it matter? Even asking such a question tells me a lot about you and that's not a good thing. You need to change that attitude quick if you want the most out of your career.

Start studying and labbing as you go..you have to start somewhere. If you are looking for shortcuts, by all means go for it as they are out there but when it's time to land that "awesome" job...you will walk away obliterated because you couldn't come close to passing the technical interview.

I just don't understand cert chasers, if you put it on your resume I am hitting you with that content and I will know very quickly if you are legit or not. That's precisely why you should supplement your experience with proper certification.

So let's get started, do you want to be a Network Engineer or System Administrator?

Dude...wow...a little overly presumptuous and a bit harsh don't ya think? Where in the OP do you get that he is trying to take shortcuts or that he is what you called a "cert chaser"? It seems to me that he is simply just wondering how difficult the exam is...whats so horrible about that?

Ciaranp

NovaHax wrote: »

There's not really any marginal benefit to having Net+ and CCENT. The only reason you should consider CCENT is if you are going to follow it up immediately with CCNA

Yes, thats something else I was wondering, would there be much benefit in first off and having both CCENT & N+ and 2nd , a CCENT without a CCNA.

Thanks for your help

tprice5

CoolAsAFan wrote: »

Dude...wow...a little overly presumptuous and a bit harsh don't ya think? Where in the OP do you get that he is trying to take shortcuts or that he is what you called a "cert chaser"? It seems to me that he is simply just wondering how difficult the exam is...whats so horrible about that?

Yeah, I second this. I'd downvote him but with the Bill Murray avi .... I just can't.

Ciaranp

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

What does it matter? Even asking such a question tells me a lot about you and that's not a good thing. You need to change that attitude quick if you want the most out of your career.

Start studying and labbing as you go..you have to start somewhere. If you are looking for shortcuts, by all means go for it as they are out there but when it's time to land that "awesome" job...you will walk away obliterated because you couldn't come close to passing the technical interview.

I just don't understand cert chasers, if you put it on your resume I am hitting you with that content and I will know very quickly if you are legit or not. That's precisely why you should supplement your experience with proper certification.

So let's get started, do you want to be a Network Engineer or System Administrator?

Certainly not looking for shortcuts, just a better idea of the exam difficulty in relation to something I've done to get a better idea

DoubleNNs

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

What does it matter? Even asking such a question tells me a lot about you and that's not a good thing. You need to change that attitude quick if you want the most out of your career.

I don't see anythign wrong with asking how difficult the exam is. We all have to start somewhere, but there's a progression to things. Which is why people start w/ CCENT/CCNA instead of going straight for the CCIE lab. On top of that, there's the whole idea of looking after short-term ROI - esp if he doesn't have a job now.

I think the CCENT would be very easy for you coming straight from the Net+. I won't think it'd do much benefit for you, tbh, but if you follow it up directly after w/ the CCNA it would. On top of that, the the momentum of the 3 networking exams back-to-back would make it all easier to grasp.

Maybe a 3rd of the CCENT material is just what you already learned in the Net+. Then you just have to learn the Cisco IOS command line, lab, and learn some troubleshooting tips. Combine Packet tracer, GNS3, and/or physical equipment, a good CCENt book or 2 (I recommend "CCENT for Dummies" followed by the Wendell Odom Official Guide since you're starting out), w/ your Net+ notes and you'll be surprised how you fly thru the material.

If you have access to the CBT Nugget series, it helps to get an overview of the material. (I liked watching the videos in 1.5x to 2x speed and writing minimal notes - saving the note taking for the book studies.) But, if you don't have access, it's no big deal.

Good luck on the studies. Keep us updated.

Edit - for short term ROI, I'd go w/ the MCTS Win 7 IF you have no intention of following up w/ the ICND2 directly after the CCENT. The CCENT by itself won't really do anything for you.
(41 results for CCENT on dice.com vs 1308 for CCNA.
Neither of the interviews I've been to have been by anyone who even knew what the CCENT was, so it didn't really help my resume other than being able to put the word "Cisco" on it.)

SephStorm

NovaHax wrote: »

There's not really any marginal benefit to having Net+ and CCENT. The only reason you should consider CCENT is if you are going to follow it up immediately with CCNA

Or the people who want to demonstrate a proficiency with Cisco equipment but don't need a full blown CCNA, or people going down the Security, Voice or wireless tracks, or people who want a baseof knowledge with Cisco but will be primarily working with equipment from another vendor...

Part of the reason the CCENT exists is because of the industry recognizing that everyone doesn't need a CCNA.

NovaHax

SephStorm wrote: »

Part of the reason the CCENT exists is because of the industry recognizing that everyone doesn't need a CCNA.

1. Its not the industry recognizing anything. This is a vendor cert...not an industry cert (not that industry certs necessarily imply industry acknowledgement of something...but vendor certs certainly don't).

2. CCENT doesn't "demonstrate a proficiency with Cisco equipment"...it demonstrates entry level skills as implied by the name "Cisco Certified ENTRY Network Technician"

I didn't say that anyone should be embarrassed about having it, just that there is not much marginal benefit if you already have Net+.

gorebrush

tprice5 wrote: »

Yeah, I second this. I'd downvote him but with the Bill Murray avi .... I just can't.

Yeah I thought this as well. It was a tad harsh.

RouteMyPacket

CoolAsAFan wrote: »

Dude...wow...a little overly presumptuous and a bit harsh don't ya think? Where in the OP do you get that he is trying to take shortcuts or that he is what you called a "cert chaser"? It seems to me that he is simply just wondering how difficult the exam is...whats so horrible about that?

I went off..."ees normal"...sorry OP I pegged you for a cert chaser. I hate those bloody bastiches.

bobloblaw

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

"How hard is it"....that's not a question someone who is serious asks.

If I'm going to spend my time learning something new, "How hard is it?" is almost always a factor. It's not the deciding factor, but it is most definitely a serious consideration.

j23evan

I was so worried about the CCENT/CCNA I studied it for 2 years. Bought a lab for the house, bought numerous books (Todd Lammle's IOS Command Guide was fantastic). Had a voucher already paid for through new horizons, took ICND1 & 2 twice, tried to sit the old exams for WGU and didnt in time. I ended up taking the new version, and was surprised at how easy it was. Though I almost ran out of time on both exams and had to rush through the last 5 minutes. For me it wasn't as difficult, but I understand IOS, the OSI model and how it relates to the TCP stack, and subnetting. If you arent proficient in those it will be tough. I found 70-680 to be much harder (Took me 3 times and the course twice because I under-estimated it). If you enjoy networking and the cold logic the CCENT is the next step in your career, just make sure you know the basics inside and out.

adam220891

Not sure there's no benefit for CCENT.

I have the Net+ and am going to take the CCENT soon. I have a class at school that uses the official certification guide. There is some overlap, as the Net+ requires some subnetting and obviously discusses the OSI model and various devices and protocols that operate at each layer. With that said, you don't need a firm understanding of subnetting and the way packets are routed to pass the Net+. You don't really need to understand the logic, and there's no IOS involved either. I don't know for sure what's on the CCENT exam, but in my class we have labs every week for assignments that require setting up a network in packet tracer and configuring the switches and routers with the command line.

Basically, if I saw someone with the Net+, I would assume they have some idea of networking. If they had the CCENT, I would be under the impression they know a good deal about networking and have some experience with IOS. Not an expert, obviously, but the CCENT is without a question more difficult and as a result, should have more value.

DoubleNNs

The CCENT is pretty much a practical/technical version of the Net+.

Whereas the knowledge on it is very beneficial (intro to Cisco IOS and deeper understanding of the concepts you learn in the Net+), people say that it doesn't have much ROI or benefit career-wise by itself because most people hiring don't even know it exists. It doesn't give much value to your resume, specifically, until you complete the ICND2. (Something I found out when I went on interviews.)

adam220891

I think I can buy that explanation.

I personally think the content is deep and it gives you a good foundation for networking. However, no, I don't see a ton of people asking for it in their job postings. Same with the MTA I'm currently studying for. Book is good, and I'd recommend it for anyone looking to solidify their networking foundation, but when no one knows what the heck it is, you don't see it asked for. I guess you just hope that 'Microsoft' and 'Cisco' on your resume translate with the HR person looking at your resume.

CCNA, yes, I see a ton. I wouldn't just get the CCENT and stop because I think the CCNA holds a lot of weight and would give someone a good chance of getting a networking position. The CCENT may be enough for someone more interested in help desk or Windows Server roles, who just wants some understanding of networking and switches/routers, but doesn't require a ton of knowledge/interaction with them on a daily basis.

Me personally, I have no experience. My hope is that with A+, Net+, MTA, and CCENT, as well as my CST AAS degree, I'll be able to find full-time work in January. I'd like to think the four certs help add to my resume and display my knowledge, but who knows? With that said, I don't plan on stopping. I'm going for Security+ and CCNA after I get the CCENT.

TechGuru80

Think of somebody saying: "hey I had the most enlightening experience this weekend. I started out by packing all my clothes and got on an international flight.....and now I am back." Where is the rest? It is the same with CCENT because you get some of the story but you are still missing out on important areas. Now it is possible this mindset will change because frankly the new ICND1 has a TON of material with ICND2 adding more depth, troubleshooting, frame relay, and licensing. With that being said, an entry cert gets you an entry job...get higher certs to get higher jobs.

pert

bobloblaw wrote: »

If I'm going to spend my time learning something new, "How hard is it?" is almost always a factor. It's not the deciding factor, but it is most definitely a serious consideration.

Yeah, I agree. How hard is it is always a factor. Anyone who says otherwise is a moron. There is opportunity costs, there are other things you could be studying. Pretending difficulty is not a factor is insanity. It's not the most important factor, but it is extremely relevant.

DoubleNNs

If it wasn't acceptable to factor in difficulty, more people would skip all the earlier Cisco exams and go straight for the CCIEs.