GOAL: CCNP in 3 months

Hey everyone, thought I would introduce myself and share my goal with everyone.

I'm currently CCNA, CCNA Security (January 2011).

I'm currently taking courses at a local community college...
T-SHOOT
Saturdays 830a-1p (8/27 - 12/19)
SWITCH
Mondays/Wednesdays 530p-1030p (10/31 - 12/14)
ROUTE
Mondays/Wednesdays 530p-1030p (9/7 - 10/26)
CCNA Security
Saturdays 130p-630p (8/27 - 12/19)

So my overall goal here is to get my CCNP before 2012. I'll probably give myself a lil less than 2 weeks to self study/examcram what I learned.

So it's probably a lil more than 3 months... but I thought it made for a better subject title, LOL.

I probably wont end up taking all the exams until January but my goal is to get it done before.

Would it be wise to go for the exam after each course... or can I study hard after all my classes and go for each one within a week or two?

--oh and I know I already have my CCNA Security, but I barely passed it, and dont remember much of it, so I'm taking a course on it now, so I know it know it... better prepare me for CCNP Security when that road comes.

so any recommendations you guy have, any recommended reads, i would greatly appreciate it.... thanks in advance

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Comments

martell1000

ah ok i see!

which ccnp module are you going to take first?

i decided to go for route. currently fighting with the ospf section, which is really intense compared to the ccna level!

xirtlook

my courses are TSHOOT from Aug to Dec. ROUTE from Aug to Oct, and SWITCH from Oct to Dec. So I''ll attempt that.

also to the gentleman that asked why I was going to take CCT if I already have CCNA. I asked my managers again.... here's why.
the CCT is a specialty certification that goes into further device specific troubleshooting that wouield not be normally covered in CCNA maybe even CCNP. like bigger 6500 routers.

so far in my CCNP ROUTE class we haven't done much, just seems like quick overview of the routing protocols (boring).
but in my CCNP TSHOOT course we've actually hooked up firewalls, routers, switches, and even cisco ip phones, and setup static routes to allow traffic all across 5 different networks... so nothing more than CCNA level at the moment, but just making sure everyone in class is on the same page.

Here are the books I'm ordering this week:

Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) Foundation Learning Guide: Foundation learning for SWITCH 642-813 (Foundation Learning Guides) - Richard Froom; Hardcover

Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE) Foundation Learning Guide: Foundation learning for the ROUTE 642-902 Exam (Foundation Learning Guides) - Diane Teare; Hardcover

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT) Foundation Learning Guide: Foundation learning for the CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 (Foundation Learning Guides) - Amir Ranjbar;Hardcover

CCNP TSHOOT Lab Manual (Lab Companion) - Cisco Networking Academy; Paperback

CCNP SWITCH Lab Manual (Lab Companion) - Cisco Networking Academy; Paperback

CCNP ROUTE Lab Manual (Lab Companion) - Cisco Networking Academy; Paperback

Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS): (CCNA Security exam 640-553) (Authorized Self-Study Guide)
by Catherine Paquet (Hardcover)

CCNA Security Course Booklet, Version 1.0
by Cisco Networking Academy (Paperback)

CCNA Security Lab Manual
by Cisco Networking Academy (Paperback)

I also have GNS3 with many IOS to use, including ASA.

should be fun, just wish it would all pick up soon.

xirtlook

also in addition to CCT, I'll be studying for CSE... required at work. Might try and grab CCDA after I sit in for the CCNP exams (pass or fail).

xirtlook

.........

UPDATE: WHITE FLAG

That's right... I surrender. This was one challenge I cannot accomplish. Don't know what I was thinking!

There's SOOO much to learn, and practice, and remember. I'm not even done with half my book and half my CBTNuggets!

PROPS to whoever can attempt this badboy in such a short time.

I think my goal/new years resolution for 2012 will be to get my CCNP and maybe CCNP Security (atleast ASA Specialist).

I want to try and attempt CCNP Route by the end of January.

okay, back to my videos/labs/studying.

vinbuck

Nothing wrong with taking a step back and re-evaluating. To be perfectly honest, if you are serious about becoming a network professional, taking it a bit slower can pay off in the end. You will learn more, retain more and be able to apply CCNP level concepts to your daily job much easier. it will also prepare you for the slow and steady discipline required for a run at the CCIE if you ever decide to tackle that.

xirtlook

CCIE? One Day. Maybe when I'm "OLD" lol.

I tend to move through life at a very fast pace, but I think its about that time that I listen to my elders and "slow down". lol

RickRandhawa

xirtlook wrote: »

CCIE? One Day. Maybe when I'm "OLD" lol.

I tend to move through life at a very fast pace, but I think its about that time that I listen to my elders and "slow down". lol

I'm kinda late to the party, but no need to slow down! Keep moving at a fast pace but maybe try with a better structure.

If it were me, I'd learn one exam/set of concepts at a time, but go above and beyond what was just required just to pass each exam. For example: After learning ROUTE, I'd read TCP/IP Vol I and II. Not only will this give you a broader range of knowledge and much better understanding, but it'll greatly prepare you for the CCIE Written (if you ever do decide to go that route). Then I'd do the same for SWITCH, and lastly for the TSHOOT.

QHalo

xirtlook wrote: »

.........

UPDATE: WHITE FLAG

That's right... I surrender. This was one challenge I cannot accomplish. Don't know what I was thinking!

There's SOOO much to learn, and practice, and remember. I'm not even done with half my book and half my CBTNuggets!

PROPS to whoever can attempt this badboy in such a short time.

I think my goal/new years resolution for 2012 will be to get my CCNP and maybe CCNP Security (atleast ASA Specialist).

I want to try and attempt CCNP Route by the end of January.

okay, back to my videos/labs/studying.

Re-evaluate and slow down a bit. It's not a race to finish. You'll get it. GL HF