I know there are other forums out there for this kind of question/info but I don't belong to them, I belong here ;-)
Is there anyone here who has either studied for, attempted, or who currently has the Cisco CCNA Cert? Basically, I'm looking for peoples experiences both unsuccessful and successful.
I ask because in the 12 month course I'm attending there is a 6 week period (9 weeks for me due to being ahead of schedule) for studying the CCNA track. I've been reading the ICND1 book by Wendell Odom, viewing some online sims, watching CBT Nugget videos and have Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate the router and switch interface (excellent tool btw). I'm 2 weeks into it and there is a ton to learn. The 2nd half will also include the ICDN2 book. My plan is to go hard for the next 7 weeks that are left and challenge the official exam at a local testing center. I'd like to do the exam as everything will still be fresh otherwise, I'll have to review again at the end of my program in January 2012. I'd like to have the CCNA cert before I grad so it's on my resume along with the school's 'diploma'.
I still have different courses to go through after the Cisco portion, specifically CompTIA's Security+ and MS 2008R2 Adv. Server which will take me into the late Fall to complete.
Cisco is my main focus and the environment I intend on working in. Eventually, in the next year or two I will go for the next level; CCNP and then CCNP Security. Long term is CCIE, I estimate, and I could be way off, 4-5 years away to get experienced enough to challenge the CCIE.
That's my life at the moment, well, family too and they have been great about giving me the time to focus on this.
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Last edited by andruoid; August 3rd, 2011 at 10:40 PM.
I'll ask around at a couple of the other forums I frequent and see - I know that more than a few of the members at those places are also here, albeit incognito.
My moniker here is the same I use everywhere else, so....
After reading comments from forums on the subject it looks like the single CCNA exam is the way to go. I still have the option to change that but for now thats the goal.
Basically you can take the CCNA track in 2 different ways;
1. CCNET (ICND1) and CCNA (ICND2) both are 90min each (time limit) and 45 to 55 questions. or
2. CCNA which is 90min (time limit) and 45 to 55 questions.
My Cisco CCNA test date is Sept 22nd or 23rd. I have to contact Pearson VUE next week to set up a firm time. Now the pressure or should I say, motivation, is on!
For what it's worth I hold a Cisco CCNA cert (amongst others).
The CCNA has a lot of parallels to the Network+ certification but, in my opinion, it goes into a lot more depth. When you study be sure to know the 7 layers of the OSI model. Don't just memorize the names, know what they do and know examples of each. When I first learned the OSI model I broke it down into the acronym APSTNDP (Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical). In the exam they asked for examples of what types of apps/code operates at each layer.
Additionally you'll need to know some basic configuration of Cisco devices. If possible get some seat time with Cisco routers and switches. Go to a local college and work in a lab with the gear and learn how the devices actually interact with each other. Simulators are good but they only give you a limited perspective. I've seen lots of people who read the books and then try to take the exams. Cisco is looking for more than just book learning. They'll go out of their way to try to trip you up with nuanced details.
Oh, and in the longer term, if you are truly planning to get a CCIE, you need to live, think, and breath Cisco. The CCIE is a daunting certification that'll require you to literally have an intimate knowledge of the technology. Plan to build a home lab with lots of Cisco routers, switches, and whatever else is appropriate. Also plan to be spending lots of time in that lab studying when you'd rather be spending time with your family.
To give you an example of what I'm talking about, my home lab consists of a half dozen Cisco routers, a half dozen switches, a firewall, and a couple of Cisco AP's. In addition I also have lots of third party devices so I can better understand the communication challenges that take place between Cisco and other network manufacturers...
Oh and for what it's worth, I don't have a CCIE nor likely ever will. My curse (blessing) is that I design networks and while I don't have to do much seat time configuring them, I still need to make sure that they'll work together. lol
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Last edited by Martimus; August 7th, 2011 at 12:50 PM.
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I read the OSI model 1-2x a day It's not that hard, the acronym I made is from 2 political terms: A Provincial Sales Tax New Democrat Party, it came to me and stuck so what can I say.
Subnetting is a big part of the CCNA as well, I try and do subnets from random IPs I make up daily.
Cisco Packet Tracer is helping me a lot with navigating the CLI and I'm getting more comfortable with it. I'd love to get actual hardware but the budget is tapped at the moment. The exam is a combination of simulations, simlets, drop/drag matching and multiple choice. I think can get by with the tools/books I have.
CCIE is a really long term plan, 5+ years more than likely. My main track will follow CCNA, CCNA Security, CCNP then CCSP. I want to specialize in that aspect of Cisco ...or Juniper, whoever needs me.
oh boy, a flashback!! They offered a course at the community college here, and it was intense. My only regret is that I didn't test for it. After the fact I would see so many wanted ads for CCNA positions
and to this day I still cannot wrap my brain around subnetting :x
oh boy, a flashback!! They offered a course at the community college here, and it was intense. My only regret is that I didn't test for it. After the fact I would see so many wanted ads for CCNA positions
and to this day I still cannot wrap my brain around subnetting :x
It's never too late!
As for subnetting, after a few methods I have found this to be the best:
167.12.155.16 /20 ...find the subnet.
first:
/20 = 255.255.240.0 ...how? each octet is 255 so we count the bits:
255 = 11111111 in binary
254 = 11111110
240 = 11111100
...and so on...
we now know that 11111111.11111111.11111100.00000000 is 255.255.240.0, just add up the 1s to get the /20.
Now we can go further;
circle the .155 and the .240
Our 'magic' number is 256 when subnetting so, subtract 240 from 256 = 16
16 into 155 (the 3rd octet of the IP) without going over is 144.
The answer is 167.12.144.0
Last edited by andruoid; August 10th, 2011 at 09:29 AM.
Reason: fixed a typo, it was late, blame the night.
Hi there andruoid - I'm studying for CCNP now and you can get a lot of good help from this guy and he is very friendly. Good luck my friend and KEEP IT CISCO! ;-)
Hi there andruoid - I'm studying for CCNP now and you can get a lot of good help from this guy and he is very friendly. Good luck my friend and KEEP IT CISCO! ;-)
He is a CCIE insrtructor and offers FREE downloadable books written (very well) by himself!
Thanks mikeybaby72, I appreciate the encouragement and info, I'll have a look at his book. To be honest though I have LabSimOnline, CBT Nuggets videos and Wendell Odom's CCNA books and CDs, already a lot of material to go through
Took the school's version of the ICND1 today and did quite well. 25 questions based from the Cisco Press ICND1 book (600 odd pages) plus LabSims. Due to the amount of info, making only a few errors will drop the overall mark significantly. I wish there were more questions!
Anyway, on to ICND2. This is broken into 2 exams by the school at 25 questions each. I have a longer time frame, 5 weeks instead of the standard 3 weeks so I'll be ok.
After that I have 1 week to review everything and challenge the single CCNA exam held at the local Pearson Vue Testing Centre. Tentatively Sept 23rd. :-)
A week this Tuesday I'll have my first ICND2 exam (the school's version not the real thing). I'm not too worried about it as they are multiple choice. The hard thing is it has just 25 questions, get more than a few tough ones could bring the score down fast.
As per the plan of challenging the CCNA in the single test, still tentatively on Sept. 23rd. I'll set a firm date in about 2 weeks as I'll have a better idea of where I'm at. Definitely the toughest studying I have run into, ever. I'm enjoying it so that makes the going easier.
I finished the CCNA course at college last semester. Should take the exam some time....
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The private college I'm attending is one of those "cram, pass 'our' exam and move on" types of programs. Eg; A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+, Win7 Config, Win 2008 Server Config, Win 2008 Advanced and CCNA... all in 12 months. Right.
Anyway, without going into a massive rant about the school I have extra time accumulated to the CCNA portion as that is my main focus. While fresh in my mind I need to be ready for the official CCNA exam before the next course starts. Otherwise, I'll be waiting 4 months for school to end and then have to study all over. Defeats the purpose of going to school in the first place if I have to study on my own anyway. Oh, I feel the ranting about to start... I'll stop now.
Ahh I see. My school does it all through cisco's netacad and all that jazz. Taking official tests and what not. Unfortunately, I've gotten a bit bored with it. Though, I do enjoy the hands on portions.
Damnit! I forgot to take the security+ too. Did pretty good in that class. I will just have to take all my certs some time. Refresh on some details, and get through it.
And something that really gets me about certs, is they only last for a couple of years (I think they are 3 years for the comtia ones...) Well, good luck with it, those cisco writers are masters in trickery and deception.
I'm taking the CCNA prep courses at my local community college this fall.
Took Security+, N+, unix, linux, server08, exchange server, solaris etc...cram courses through the army in 2009. Totalled 5 months and I remember nothing and got no certs. The extreme cramming and lack of sleep may have been a factor.
I'm taking the CCNA prep courses at my local community college this fall.
Took Security+, N+, unix, linux, server08, exchange server, solaris etc...cram courses through the army in 2009. Totalled 5 months and I remember nothing and got no certs. The extreme cramming and lack of sleep may have been a factor.
I highly recommend Wendell Odom's ICND1 & 2 books and Cisco's Packet Tracer. That's all that's needed to prepare you for your CCNA. Much cheaper that a private school or college.
I highly recommend Wendell Odom's ICND1 & 2 books and Cisco's Packet Tracer. That's all that's needed to prepare you for your CCNA. Much cheaper that a private school or college.
Yea that route would be much cheaper, but my problem is lack of hands on. I have very little access to actual cisco hardware to practice with. I do have packet tracer, but I guess I am more of a hands on learner, which probably makes no sense since it's all command line/pc interface anyway lol. It just works better for me.
I agree about having actual equipment in front of you. Even though its still all via computer interface having the hands-on is a benefit. Unfortunately I can even afford used stuff on Craiglist. Packet Tracer can do everything CLI-wise so I'm ok with it. Later, in a year or 2, when I go for CCNP then I'll get the actual hardware to play with
Part of an email I just sent to an e-learning center, I wonder what their reply will be.
I am taking several LabSims that are included with my program through a local college. Currently I am on the Cisco portion of the course and have come across an error in information. In LabSim 8.1.1 - Access Lists it is mentioned (both on a chart and verbally) that ACLs are not used for security. This is very incorrect. To quote from Wendell Odom's ICND2 CiscoPress book, he has this opening statement about ACLs; page 227 of the ebook:
"One of the most important tools in Cisco IOS software used as part of that strategy are access control lists (ACL). ACLs define rules that can prevent packets from flowing through the network. Whether you are simply trying to restrict access to a payroll server or, whether you are trying to stop internet hackers from bringing your ecommerce web server to its knees, IOS ACls can be a key security tool that is part of a larger security strategy."
The single best piece of advice on this thread (career wise) was when Martimus mentioned third party devices. The CCNA is a great foundation but I have learned over the last 12 years that interoperability is the key to a healthy career in this business/industry!
Being the only guy in the room who can tell why (and fix) you got a "errDisable port" when you connected to another vendors switch running RSTP is HUGE!
Being the only guy in the room who can diagnose why a VoIP phone won't establish a trunk to a non-Cisco switch automatically is HUGE!!
While following a Cisco track/career will most likely never leave you wanting for a job, my advice for what it's worth is never limit yourself to Cisco only. Their stuff is good but there is such a huge world out there beyond big green! Cisco spent many years "adapting" IEEE and IEC standards so nobody else could play with their equipment while everyone else followed those standards and now it is starting to bite them a little!!
Best of luck on your test!!
P.S. when I took that exam it was very "addressing centric"!!! Keep pounding away at IP addressing and CIDR
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I guess the Cisco track I layed out was rather limiting, in terms of only knowing one companies product. I definitely have an interest in Cisco's competition; eg, Juniper, HP, etc. In fact in the back of my mind I'm thinking JNCIA after I finish my program in Jan. Then I'll have both entry level tickets and I can go from there.
Once I take the CCNA near the end of Sept. I'll be applying for a part-time position or practicum (which ever comes first). Then potentially get full-time with that company when I grad.
...sounds like I'm in high school again, 20+ years ago now, if only that were true.
I guess the Cisco track I layed out was rather limiting, in terms of only knowing one companies product. I definitely have an interest in Cisco's competition; eg, Juniper, HP, etc. In fact in the back of my mind I'm thinking JNCIA after I finish my program in Jan. Then I'll have both entry level tickets and I can go from there.
Once I take the CCNA near the end of Sept. I'll be applying for a part-time position or practicum (which ever comes first). Then potentially get full-time with that company when I grad.
...sounds like I'm in high school again, 20+ years ago now, if only that were true.
No Worries, believe me!! I could talk about this topic forever (It feels like its been forever ) Never hesitate to PM me about anything and if I know the answer or where to get it I will be happy to share!
Sounds like we are about the same age and I know what it was like when I got interested in the network engineering field back in 95. These next few months as you start taking certs are going to seem never ending and to a degree, the learning never ends in this field. Make it fun!! Well, you know what I mean!!
I passed the CCNA exam roughly 16 months ago and let me tell you, there are LOADS of CCIE guys out there trying to sell their material for studying the lower certifications.
While I have my favorite CCIE guy I won't plug him here or anything, but if you're interested feel free to PM me and I'll give you his name. My main source of studying though was the Richard Deal's CCNA study guide. Its a fairly large book but it breaks things down very "barney style" as I like to say.
Other than that there are always the CBT Nuggets if you got the extra cash :P
There are many directions to go with networking, I'm stuck with Cisco for the next two years or so since the Marines decided that they're only buying Cisco equipment but I look forward to expanding my knowledge base as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Good luck brother, network engineers are the best at social networking so feel free to contact me anytime you have questions.
As for subnetting, after a few methods I have found this to be the best:
167.12.155.16 /20 ...find the subnet.
first:
/20 = 255.255.240.0 ...how? each octet is 255 so we count the bits:
255 = 11111111 in binary
254 = 11111110
240 = 11111100
...and so on...
we now know that 11111111.11111111.11111100.00000000 is 255.255.240.0, just add up the 1s to get the /20.
Now we can go further;
circle the .155 and the .240
Our 'magic' number is 256 when subnetting so, subtract 240 from 256 = 16
16 into 155 (the 3rd octet of the IP) without going over is 144.
The answer is 167.12.144.0
Holy crap I haven't done Subnetting in a loong time (back in High School I did two years of it but never tested for it...).
I have been thinking of getting into IT certs again, and have printed out the A+ manual to read and pass, then I plan on doing the same thing with Net+ and finally move back into the CCNA.
The only hard part is that I have no money to take a class so I can't play with a router, granted I am thinking of trying to get a job at a local internet company and trying to get them to pay for it
Holy crap I haven't done Subnetting in a loong time (back in High School I did two years of it but never tested for it...).
I have been thinking of getting into IT certs again, and have printed out the A+ manual to read and pass, then I plan on doing the same thing with Net+ and finally move back into the CCNA.
The only hard part is that I have no money to take a class so I can't play with a router, granted I am thinking of trying to get a job at a local internet company and trying to get them to pay for it
You could try packet tracer. It's through cisco, so you may need a cisco account, not sure.
Or (I believe) GNS3 or something like that. They are network (router/switch) simulators. I think GNS3 needs the IOS images though......?
Yes, PT is a far more robust app and uses a fraction of the RAM and CPU power the GN3 uses. Also, trying to find a decent IOS image for GN3 is difficult and actually considered pirating.
You could try packet tracer. It's through cisco, so you may need a cisco account, not sure.
Or (I believe) GNS3 or something like that. They are network (router/switch) simulators. I think GNS3 needs the IOS images though......?
Try to get packet tracer. It's top notch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by andruoid
Yes, PT is a far more robust app and uses a fraction of the RAM and CPU power the GN3 uses. Also, trying to find a decent IOS image for GN3 is difficult and actually considered pirating.
Thanks for the info!!!
I know that virutalization exists, however, I do know that working on the actual hardware is always best.
Don't place too much value on certs because they don't really get you anywhere...IT jobs want experience. That being said, I suppose if it comes down to two candidates with similar experience and only one has a cert then maybe it'll help. I had my CCNA and CCNP (both now expired) and they didn't really do much. The Cisco Network Academy courses are pretty good though and I learned a lot that I still use in my day to day job activities. Don't forget that they expire every 3 years and the exam usually changes every few years as well.
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Don't place too much value on certs because they don't really get you anywhere...IT jobs want experience. That being said, I suppose if it comes down to two candidates with similar experience and only one has a cert then maybe it'll help.
Overall I disagree.
The part I agree with you is it all depends on which certification you hold. If its just some private college's 'diploma' or a community centers certificate then yes, those don't hold water.
However, a CCNA, JNCIA (or other equivalent) is recognized globally. CompTIA's Network+ and Security+ are also worth while though a little redundant if you have, for example, a CCNA. Either route you take, they prove to the employer you know what you are doing to obtains those certs. They also show you are dedicated and capable of learning.
Ask yourself will being certified hinder employment? No. You even said yourself that an employer would probably take a certified candidate over someone with just work experience. 80 to 90% of the Network Engineering want ads I have seen over the past year say "certification _______ needed". (not wanted, needed.)
As for myself, I had to get some schooling behind me. I have about 6-7 years IT experience however, the last time I was in IT was 7 years ago I tried getting a job before applying at a school, not one reply.
Don't place too much value on certs because they don't really get you anywhere...IT jobs want experience. That being said, I suppose if it comes down to two candidates with similar experience and only one has a cert then maybe it'll help. I had my CCNA and CCNP (both now expired) and they didn't really do much. The Cisco Network Academy courses are pretty good though and I learned a lot that I still use in my day to day job activities. Don't forget that they expire every 3 years and the exam usually changes every few years as well.
It sucks they expire so soon, but you can, for example, take the CCNA, and before it expires take the CCNP, and before that expires take another own, I believe the CCIE is one, they have certs for everything. Wireless, VOIP, you name it.
But I do kind of agree with you. I'm sure that if you have 0 certs, but a ton of experience and knew your stuff, they'd hire you in a heart beat.
Yeah, I completely agree with momceio. I have my CCNA right now but it expires in ~6 months. I know plenty of people in my job in the Marine Corps that get out and get hired on with no certs just because they have 5 years experience working in depth with cisco equipment.
Certs are nice when you're first learning but after you get the cert its all hands on experience from there.
Certs are nice when you're first learning but after you get the cert its all hands on experience from there.
Couldn't of said it any better. I have CCNA and CCNP and without them I wouldn't of got the jobs I did at the start of my career, but now feel they don't get enough attention because people notice your degree first and always becomes the talking point.
I understand that Rob, I've had a few friends get out and get passed up by some joe schmoe with a 4 year degree even though we have 5 years working experience and at least a cert or two.
Personally, I'd rather take my chances with the guy that's be actually DOING the job rather than learning about how to do it.
CCNA Cert.
button...
It's not that hard, the acronym I made is from 2 political terms: A Provincial Sales Tax New Democrat Party, it came to me and stuck so what can I say. 
