Overwhelmed. Don't know where to start..

So I have a goal to get my CCNA before I start my internship (April 2014). I'm working on an associates degree with a focus on network administration. I have a ton of questions and I just don't know where to start. I have the CBTNuggets (ICND1). I also have a book from my networking class called "CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822". Do I watch the videos or read first? Some more questions I have relate to the changes being made to the CCNA/CCENT. With the changes coming up, should I wait for the new exams? I understand the exams will be harder, but would the cert be "worth" more if I waited? If I do wait, should I even bother with watching these CBTNuggets? If yes, what more will I need to learn for the new exam? Sorry for the onslaught of questions, I'm just feeling pretty overwhelmed, and I saw this site and it seemed like a good place to ask these questions. I do have more questions, but I'll wait before throwing more questions at you guys.

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DoubleNNs

I don't know if the new version will be "worth" more than the old. But there is a definitive deadline you have to pass the old version. If you don't feel confident in passing the old version before that deadline, you should start studying for the new version.

What experience do you currently have w/ networking? Have you ever taken any other cert exams?

Welcome to Techexams forums!

RReap

I have not taken any other exams. I may take the network+, but we'll see. As far as experience, we do a ton of hands on at my school. We use netvis5, though I'm trying to learn GNS3 on my own time. I know subnetting pretty well. As far as VLSM, and spanned octets. I know the OSI and TCP/IP model inside and out. I can't think of much more off the top of my head. But I've taken a networking 1 class, and I'm currently taking a networking 2 class.

wallpaper_01

I would do N+, I set off to do ICND1 first but took a look though the book and decided N+ was a good idea. It took me a month to pass N+ but it gave me good foundations going into CCNA. I used Todd Lammle's N+ study guide, was really good.

DoubleNNs

The only thing is w/ a $300 price, I don't know how beneficial getting a N+ would be for someone who plans to go CCNA right afterwards. I'm starting on the CCENT now, and I think having gone thru the N+ material previously helps A LOT.. but then again is someone was planning on going CCENT right after Net+ you could always study the material, forgo the test, and jump right into the CCENT/CCNA.

Plus w/ previous networking experience, there's a large possibility you won't benefit from Net+ like someone completely new to networking would. The only thing that might really be beneficial to you is that you've never taken a cert exam before, and getting thru one successfully b4 going into Cisco would probably increase your comfort/confidence when going for the Cisco exams. But $300 is a pretty steep price tag for an ego boost like that..

wallpaper_01

I agree to be fair, I took the exam because I had no experience and the CCENT material looked difficult. I did benefit from doing N+ but getting the certification will probably have no effect on my job prospects once I pass CCNA. But who knows maybe it will!

RReap

DoubleNNs wrote: »

The only thing is w/ a $300 price, I don't know how beneficial getting a N+ would be for someone who plans to go CCNA right afterwards. I'm starting on the CCENT now, and I think having gone thru the N+ material previously helps A LOT.. but then again is someone was planning on going CCENT right after Net+ you could always study the material, forgo the test, and jump right into the CCENT/CCNA.

Plus w/ previous networking experience, there's a large possibility you won't benefit from Net+ like someone completely new to networking would. The only thing that might really be beneficial to you is that you've never taken a cert exam before, and getting thru one successfully b4 going into Cisco would probably increase your comfort/confidence when going for the Cisco exams. But $300 is a pretty steep price tag for an ego boost like that..

I should add that I'm attending a technical school. My school will reimburse my exam fees, if I pass. So as long as I pass, I can take these tests for free.

Also, another one of my questions. What Job titles can I expect with a ccent? And what about a CCNA?

wallpaper_01

CCNA may land you Junior Network Admin or something entry level. Probably depends if you have a degree also nowa days...

RReap

wallpaper_01 wrote: »

CCNA may land you Junior Network Admin or something entry level. Probably depends if you have a degree also nowa days...

I will have an associates degree. From a respected school in the IT industry, at least in the Pittsburgh area.

EDIT: To add on to what I mentioned before. My Networking 2 class that I'm currently taking, is cisco specific. I just spoke to my instructor and he advised that I wait to take the exam until after I finish this class. So I'll most likely do that. So maybe I'll get the net+ in the meantime?

DoubleNNs

RReap wrote: »

I should add that I'm attending a technical school. My school will reimburse my exam fees, if I pass. So as long as I pass, I can take these tests for free.

Also, another one of my questions. What Job titles can I expect with a ccent? And what about a CCNA?

If you can take the tests for free and you don't mind taking a short detour to get the Net+ first, go for it! Getting that foundational knowledge first would undoubtedly make your journey easier, even if a little longer.

thegoodbye

RReap wrote: »

So I have a goal to get my CCNA before I start my internship (April 2014). I'm working on an associates degree with a focus on network administration. I have a ton of questions and I just don't know where to start. I have the CBTNuggets (ICND1). I also have a book from my networking class called "CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822". Do I watch the videos or read first? Some more questions I have relate to the changes being made to the CCNA/CCENT. With the changes coming up, should I wait for the new exams? I understand the exams will be harder, but would the cert be "worth" more if I waited? If I do wait, should I even bother with watching these CBTNuggets? If yes, what more will I need to learn for the new exam? Sorry for the onslaught of questions, I'm just feeling pretty overwhelmed, and I saw this site and it seemed like a good place to ask these questions. I do have more questions, but I'll wait before throwing more questions at you guys.

Based on the information provided above, I assume you attend PTI. If so, your two networking classes will NOT prepare you adequately for ICND1 or ICND2. I'd say they'll barely prepare you to pass network+. If you don't attend PTI, please disregard my post.

RReap

thegoodbye wrote: »

Based on the information provided above, I assume you attend PTI. If so, your two networking classes will NOT prepare you adequately for ICND1 or ICND2. I'd say they'll barely prepare you to pass network+. If you don't attend PTI, please disregard my post.

Good call. When's the last time you've been updated with what's going on there? I know the classes/curriculum is constantly evolving. (this is my second degree from this school, noticed pretty big changes over just a few years). Anyway, upon taking many net+ practice exams, I'm find it to be pretty easy. Should only need like a week or 2 of studying and I'll be fine.

However, I am well aware that the courses will not sufficiently prepare me for ICND1 or 2, which is why I came to this site in the first place.

goldenlight

Seems everything I have learned so far is being pushed down to the new ICND1. NOt sure if it is in such detail though.

Taking a peek at the new ICND2 CiscoPress 200-101 The book assumes you know about IPV6.

Todd Lammele goes into detail of exam changes in his blog Official Todd Lammle Blog | Lammle.com

The cool thing about the new icnd1 is that it prepares you for a Cisco Track Voice, Security, etc..

thegoodbye

RReap wrote: »

Good call. When's the last time you've been updated with what's going on there? I know the classes/curriculum is constantly evolving. (this is my second degree from this school, noticed pretty big changes over just a few years). Anyway, upon taking many net+ practice exams, I'm find it to be pretty easy. Should only need like a week or 2 of studying and I'll be fine.However, I am well aware that the courses will not sufficiently prepare me for ICND1 or 2, which is why I came to this site in the first place.

It's been about 4 years now and I anticipate you should be able to pass Network+ w/o issue. I'm curious, though, why you'd take another associates degree from PTI when you could have potentially started towards your bachelors degree elsewhere. Especially if you're paying the high tuition rate that they charge. If you see Chas around, tell him to stop reinventing the wheel

RReap

thegoodbye wrote: »

It's been about 4 years now and I anticipate you should be able to pass Network+ w/o issue. I'm curious, though, why you'd take another associates degree from PTI when you could have potentially started towards your bachelors degree elsewhere. Especially if you're paying the high tuition rate that they charge. If you see Chas around, tell him to stop reinventing the wheel

Because the associates degree I got was in multimedia technologies. After finishing school, I realized it wasn't something I wanted to do everyday. So now I'm here for IT. And I'll let feller know that "thegoodbye" said that. lol

dazl1212

DoubleNNs wrote: »

If you can take the tests for free and you don't mind taking a short detour to get the Net+ first, go for it! Getting that foundational knowledge first would undoubtedly make your journey easier, even if a little longer.

I agree. I really struggled with the CCENT last time out. I have gone back passed my N+ and spent a week swatting up on subnetting. The CCENT seems so much easier now. It may also help that whilst doing the N+ I stumbled upon a study technique that seems to work for me.
OP if you have the time do the N+

RReap

dazl1212 wrote: »

I agree. I really struggled with the CCENT last time out. I have gone back passed my N+ and spent a week swatting up on subnetting. The CCENT seems so much easier now. It may also help that whilst doing the N+ I stumbled upon a study technique that seems to work for me.
OP if you have the time do the N+

Looks like that's the plan now.

It also doesn't look like I'll be making the old CCNA deadline.

Cisco Inferno

the Network+ has only helped me. I dont understand why people mention to skip it. You can easily buy quick expiry vouchers on ebay for $150.

RReap

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

the Network+ has only helped me. I dont understand why people mention to skip it. You can easily buy quick expiry vouchers on ebay for $150.

My reasoning behind skipping it is not the money. I just feel as if the CCENT is just a better, cisco-specific, version of it.

Cisco Inferno

The n+ provides good fundamentals but isnt a requirement. Its been shown that it makes the CCENT and CCNA much easier.

RReap

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

The n+ provides good fundamentals but isnt a requirement. Its been shown that it makes the CCENT and CCNA much easier.

Well I hope that it will do the same for me. As of yesterday I started reading my "compTIA Netowrk+" by Kevin Wallace. Is this a decent enough book (along with school, and some CBTNuggets) to cover everything on the exam? After glancing through the first 4 chapters, everything thus far has just been review.

Cisco Inferno

yeah i believe you'll be fine. I personally used Todd Lammle's book. I've checked out plenty of Kevin Wallace vids on youtube and he seems like a pretty cool guy. CBT nuggets and professor messer helped me pass.