CCNA or...

So I just started studying for the CCNA exam, would be my first certification. Was planning on taking it around July or August, but then I just read that the test will be changing around June or July. Now my question is should I continue with my CCNA studies, or start with Network+ perhaps? I know the Network+ has a reputation of being a little easier, but I was excited to get the CCNA, and the material does not seem to be to difficult so far. Anyway, any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also, I have a 2 2500's and a 1912 for my home lab, (I know they are outdated) but will they help at all studying for the Network+? I would hate to see them just sit here and have no benefit to me over the next couple months or so. Thanks.

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Comments

Inc

Aim higher. CCNA is the right choice.

malcybood

Your routers and switches will indeed sit in a corner unused if you change to doing the net+.

The Net+ is a theory exam to grasp the concepts of networking and you don't need to learn any configs to pass it.

Study hard and stick with the CCNA. If you want another cert after you pass the CCNA the Net+ should be straight forward to pass with a couple of weeks of study if you have a good grasp on the CCNA theory stuff.

litehedded

I found Net+ a good starting point for my CCNA studies.
although when you have a CCNA the net+ is kind of useless, and expensive!

-prophet-

I agree with litehedded.

If you have the Net+ materials (a lot on this site), go through them as they give you an overview of networking from a neutral view point, it certainly got me prepared and gave me the confidence to become a CCNA. As for the actual Net+ exam, I took it, If I could go back, I wouldn't have bothered taking it as the CCNA makes Net+ superfluous.

Cheers,
Prophet

remyforbes777

The 2500's can be used for the CCNA if you max out the memory and update the IOS. The 1900 is of no use to you as they don't test on it on the CCNA.
Network + is a good starting point. It teaches you the basic networking theory. CCNA really gets down and dirty with the OSI.

jrmcent

yeah i mean the only reason i want to go to net+ is becasue i read that the ccna will be changing in june or july. did anyone else hear that?

mikej412

jrmcent wrote:

i read that the ccna will be changing in june or july

For the major CCSP and CCNP changes Cisco gave 5-6 months notice. Are you reading this on the Cisco Certification website?

The CCDA is changing, and that has been announced. The old CCDA exam is still available until 7/13/07.

You can check out the current Cisco Exams here and see the last dates for the exams that are being changed.

jrmcent

I read it on groupstudy.com. From Todd Lammel, " You'll need some 2950's, two of them as well. The routers are fine for this test, but will be outdated by June/July when the new test comes out, so use them and sell them! Also, now that I mention it, you should get 2960 or 3560 switches, since the 2950's will be gone from the test this summer as well.......I am working hard on my version 6 book, and it is full of new information with the new ISR routers and new switches. I highly suggest seeing if you can get you're CCNA before July, if possible. The new test will have wireless, IPv6, Security, you name it..."

mikej412

jrmcent wrote:

The new test will have wireless, IPv6, Security, you name it..."

Sounds like the CCNA is going to become the New CCNP

I'd still go with the Cisco site information.

markzab

mikej412 wrote:

jrmcent wrote:

The new test will have wireless, IPv6, Security, you name it..."

Sounds like the CCNA is going to become the New CCNP

I'd still go with the Cisco site information.

Note to self: PASS QUICKLY!

jrmcent

so you think that its not going to be updated? I mean i did find it strange that i couldnt find anything else on the internet to confirm this, but when it comes from someone like todd lammel it got me worried, hoepfully it isnt true.

mikej412

jrmcent wrote:

so you think that its not going to be updated?

Yeah, it probably will be -- someday. And Cisco will probably give you 6 months warning. If you are in the Cisco Network Academy program, you'll probably get to take the old exam for a longer period of time.

It's probably a good idea not to buy your Cisco Self-Study Guides too far in advance.

markzab

Every time I read this title in the forum I keep having the word "bust" pop into my head.

CCNA or...bust.

Daniel333

The only reason I went with the Net+/A+ route before CCNA, was that A+/Net+ counts as an elective for MSCA, and since A+ and Net+ have some sway on their own. I went and got those first. And since Net+ and CCNA over lap in many areas I went with that now, I figured I could get it down in less than 6 months. And start on my MCSA in July or so.

So since you already have the routers, might as well start on your CCNA and get A+/Net+ later if you feel the urge.

my $.02