Ccna

[GT1999]

Anybody recently take the test? If so, any advice for someone taking it in two parts (ICND1 and then 2?)

I'm using CBT Nuggets, and a really old TestKing dump... probably need to get a newer one.

 

[ScottMac]

My suggestion is to stop using the dump, dumps are not helpful for learning. They will help you pass the test, but that doesn't mean you have a clue as to what you are doing. The result is that you have credentials, you get an interview, and completely fail the technical portion of the interview ... I've seen people cry because they felt so stupid. Creds get you in the door, you are expected to know the material; if you show weakness, you'll get hammered because the interviewers hate having their time wasted and they take it out on you and the agency that sent you. Pretty soon, the agency won't send you anymore.

Get the books, read the books, study (but not brain dumps). Learn subnet so well you could do it in your sleep without a calculator. Learn IPv6, even if it's not in the books; many places are moving to IPv6. Learn to know the material, not to pass a test. If you know the material, there is no "trick" test question, and even if they change the tests at the last minute, you'll still make it through because you know WHY something is the way it is; you can adapt and figure out the problem.

It is easy to spot someone that knows versus someone that memorized.

 

[MarkXIX]

My knowledge of subnetting without the aid of a calculator got me through the exam.

I don't normally administrate Cisco networks, so many of the Cisco specific questions were difficult.

 

[SpunkyJones]

Being able to subnet quickly will save you a lot of time on the exam, which can get tight for a lot of people. I found the Cisco Press books were enough for me to bone up for this exam.

 

[Jeff7181]

I recommend the Sybex CCNA book. It's very good because it contains all the information that the Cisco books have, but reads less like a technical manual. My only complaint is the lack of an included network simulator.

 

[seepy83]

I'll be honest and tell you that it's the only CCNA book I've read, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I would second the Sybex recommendation.

Other than that, I use a pen-and-paper "calculator" for subnetting/IP addressing questions. It's something that was shown to me by a colleague, but unfortunately it's too complicated for me to take the time to describe it here (and I've never found the exact same "calculator" online). Once you know how to use it, you just need to remember how to draw it correctly when you get to your exam. As long as you can comprehend what a Subnetting/IP Addressing question is asking, it doesn't take more than 30 seconds to answer the question with this tool.

As far as I'm concerned, the key is to answer subnetting/IP addressing questions as quickly as possible, so you have plenty of time for the simulators to make sure you do them correctly.

 

[drebo]

I used the Exam Cram 2 book for the CCNA single test. It was very concise and to the point. That said, I had already had a fair amount of experience with Cisco gear and just needed something to show me the organization of the test and the way in which Cisco would ask question. The two full computerized practice tests were useful, too.