Failed ICND 1(640-822) twice.

I have taken the ICND 1 twice and both time I have failed it. Below are the dates, results and the scores I received.

Date:
May 1 2013

Results:
Describe the operation of data networks: 43%
Implement a small switched network: 71%
Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office: 92%
Implement a small routed network: 50%
Explain and select appropriate admin tasks for WLAN: 100%
Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats: 100%
Implement and verify WAN links: 20%

Grade:
750

Date:
May 30 2013

Results:
Describe the operation of data networks: 57%
Implement a small switched network: 71%
Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office: 92%
Implement a small routed network: 64%
Explain and select appropriate administrative tasks for a WLAN: 100%
Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats: 100%
Implement and verify WAN links: 20%

Grade:
787

I've been using Todd Lammle's CCNA 7th edition and have read the chapters pertaining to the ICND 1 twice, once before I took each exam. I have been using GNS3, Catalyst 3550 and a 2950 for a lab.

I would appreciate any advice or chapters to reread to hopefully pass this exam so I can move on as this is getting expensive.

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Comments

NotHackingYou

How are you labbing routing, switching and WANs? Can you easily list the layers of the OSI model and understand thier functions?

TheIdeaMan

CarlSaiyed wrote: »

How are you labbing routing, switching and WANs? Can you easily list the layers of the OSI model and understand thier functions?

I have been using GNS3 for the routering/WAN portion and I have two real switches a 3550 and a 2950 for the switching. I know the OSI model pretty well and I feel like I understand their functions.

DoubleNNs

Todd Lammle's book is the only method you've used to study with?
I'm currently 3 chapters (of 10) into his CCENT book and I can't say I'm much of a fan.

I see you have the Net+. What did you use to study that? How long ago did you take the exam? How did you score on that?

I'd suggest getting a different study method. You might've already exhausted the understanding you'd get out of Todd Lammle's book. Maybe look at Ine.com's material. If you create an account, they give you access to a free CCNA video course.

CCENT All-in-One for dummies was an easy and enjoyable read. I finished it and have high praises for it. However, since I haven't taken the test yet I can't testify for just how well it would prepare you for the exam. However, after reading it I DID feel confident that with a little brushing up, more labbing, and review I could probably pass the exam on my first go. However, since I want my next job to be in networking I decided to take my time and make sure I cement the material in my head, as opposed to just aiming for above the min to pass.

I hear nothing but praise for Wendell Odom's book. I have it in my closet but haven't cracked it open yet.

I'd suggest branching out. It'd be cheaper to spend an extra 30 bucks or so and pass your next attempt, than not to invest now and fail again.

Since I'm currently studying for the CCENT (although not as far into it as you) feel free to PM me.

DoubleNNs

Also Boson.com has a few free demo exams for the CCENT material. And when you create an account and download them, they'll e-mail you with codes for discounts on the actual exams.

Ivanjam

@TheIdeaMan - have you tried watching CBT videos? I used to fall asleep while watching Professor Messer for my A+ but then I found Jeremy Ciaora from CBTNuggets while preparing for the ICND1 and he kept me entertained while teaching me a lot of stuff. I have watched all of Jeremy's videos for the ICND2 but I struggled through the Trainsignal ones. Now I have found Chris Bryant and I swear he is better than Jeremy in terms of the quality and quantity of information presented, albeit not as entertaining. I also hear good things about Brian McGahan of INE.com.

SephStorm

From my experience, those are some of the more difficult areas, because the questions are not straightforward, What i'm doing is using the boson exam to find my weaknesses. It isnt perfect, but I like it.

TurK-FX

If you can watch like TrainSignal videos, it will help you a lot to sink all that info from the book. I passed with Odom`s Book and TrainSignal. I am studying ICND2 at the moment, and i got lost i EIGRP and OSPF just reading thru the book, but after i watched the videos, everything cleared.

Z3-Masterd

Well, there are some positives here: you have a map detailing which areas you are strong and weak in, and you did improve your score the second time you took the test. It's not all bad.

I like Lammle's book, but it works best when combined with other resources. Pick up a copy of Odom's 3rd edition and hit the weak points. You don't have to read the whole thing cover to cover, but between those two books, you should have everything you need to pass CCNA.

Good luck going forward!

neolight90

I would say work on this till its 100%

Implement and verify WAN links: 20%

TheIdeaMan

DoubleNNs wrote: »

Todd Lammle's book is the only method you've used to study with?
I'm currently 3 chapters (of 10) into his CCENT book and I can't say I'm much of a fan.

I see you have the Net+. What did you use to study that? How long ago did you take the exam? How did you score on that?

I'd suggest getting a different study method. You might've already exhausted the understanding you'd get out of Todd Lammle's book. Maybe look at Ine.com's material. If you create an account, they give you access to a free CCNA video course.

CCENT All-in-One for dummies was an easy and enjoyable read. I finished it and have high praises for it. However, since I haven't taken the test yet I can't testify for just how well it would prepare you for the exam. However, after reading it I DID feel confident that with a little brushing up, more labbing, and review I could probably pass the exam on my first go. However, since I want my next job to be in networking I decided to take my time and make sure I cement the material in my head, as opposed to just aiming for above the min to pass.

I hear nothing but praise for Wendell Odom's book. I have it in my closet but haven't cracked it open yet.

I'd suggest branching out. It'd be cheaper to spend an extra 30 bucks or so and pass your next attempt, than not to invest now and fail again.

Since I'm currently studying for the CCENT (although not as far into it as you) feel free to PM me.

The Network plus was really easy for me I ended up scoring a 950 on it and I only used this website, but that was with me already having an Associates in Computer Science.

I think your absolutely right I that I may have exhausted what I am learning from Lammle's book. I have access to INE's CCNA website and a IT video class that I bought on Groupon. I tried watching them but just never followed through with them because they were so boring.

d6bmg

Implementation & verification of WAN link score is too low.
Work on some show commands & memorize them. Practice. practice & practice.

DoubleNNs

I think you should watch those videos you have. If you use VLC player you can accelerate the play speed. I often go for 2x+ for parts I already know, 1.5-1.75x for parts I'm just learning, then slow it all down to normal/pause-and-rewind for parts I don't understand.

Then you should probably buy another book. CCENT for Dummies might be too elementary for you, altho I still think it's a great read. Maybe pick up the Wendel Odom book pair - especially if you plan on going for the CCNA after passing the CCENT.

Good luck.

Edit: I'm a couple pages further into Todd Lammle's book and I still don't like it for some reason. Didn't like his Net+ book either. But I'm forcing myself to read thru it regardless.

instant000

Don't be afraid to read a bit further into things.

I'm one of those types of people who finds that things don't make sense unless I can "visualize" how they work. Maybe you don't have enough information yet to realize the complete picture? You could try reading the entire book first, and maybe you will realize some misconceptions you have now that are cleared up when you go deeper.

Also, a free video series from INE for CCNA is a great value, and I would highly recommend it.

Hope this helps.

DB Cooper

If you are putting in the time and effort, then maybe its the way you learn is the issue. I'm not one that can read a book and truly grasp it. I could read the text book 20 times and still be week in the subjects.

After killing myself in high school, I finally realized I was a tactile or kinesthetic learner, I learn from actually doing it. Having my own lab was a must for me if I had any chance of passing the exams. Just something to consider, good luck.

TheIdeaMan

I really can't believe it but I have failed this damn test for a third time. I have taken DoubleNN's advice and read Odom's book, which I will admit was great advice. Odom's book was alot more informative than Lammle's. I was very confident with my answers and still failed with a 787. Below is my performance on each section.

Results:
Describe the operation of data networks: 86%
Implement a small switched network: 79%
Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office: 58%
Implement a small routed network: 71%
Explain and select appropriate admin tasks for WLAN: 50%
Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats: 100%
Implement and verify WAN links: 40%

Grade 787

I am so close to buying a brain **** it's not even funny.

gadav478

Sorry to hear about this. I know it's frustrating; I've failed this test as well by 5 freaking points. But honestly, using a braindump is going to hurt you. You don't want to show up to an interview or in any environment for that matter and look clueless because you cheated. My advice is to use those practice tests and try to get them from different sources. Work those until you get at least 85 or above without memorizing the answers. If you alternate between a few, you'll learn a lot before you start memorizing answers. Maybe GNS3 isn't working for you... Try out PT. Maybe you can invest in CBT Nuggets videos. They are great and they really make grasping things easier. Post what you don't understand here and I'm sure someone will help out.

Remember this isn't easy but you can do it. Rooting for ya!