Taking the CCNA_Exam.pdf

Taking the CCNA Exam

Article is provided courtesy of Cisco Press .

Taking the CCNA Exam

Since its introduction in April 1998, CCNA certification has become the most sought

after entry-level network certification in the industry. Successful completion of the

CCNA exam proves that an individual has a solid understanding of TCP/IP, the OSI

model, switching, basic routing, WANs, and configuring Cisco devices. Many

professionals seek to become CCNA certified to receive a promotion or to increase job

knowledge. Employers hire CCNA-certified individuals because of the knowledge

obtained upon completion of the exam.

Mastering CCNA certification is not an easy task. Cisco has maintained the difficulty of

the CCNA exam by changing the exam requirements regularly. Many professionals have

tried to pass the exam without success. Some pass the exam the first time, most pass it

after multiple attempts, while some do not pass it at all. Not passing the CCNA exam the

first time can be costly and disappointing. After investing all the study time and effort

into the exam, the last thing expected is failure.

So how do you pass the CCNA exam the first time around? With the surplus of CCNA

exam materials being sold, what study materials should you use? This article will address

these issues and give you tips on how to successfully pass the CCNA exam the very first

time.

Studying for the Exam

The most effective way to study for the CCNA exam is to use two types of study guides:

a primary exam certification guide and a secondary preparation product. A primary

certification guide is the guide used for the core learning; it is where all exam topics and

materials are learned and covered in detail. Examples include attending the authorized

Cisco course, Interconnecting Cisco Devices, and using Cisco Press self-study books

such as the CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study), exam which includes)

CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study, exam #640-821) and CCNA

ICND Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study, exam #640-811) by Wendell Odom.

By using a primary study guide, you will build a foundation and have a solid

understanding of the topics and technologies covered on the CCNA exam. After you have

gained a sound understanding, the next step is to use a secondary preparation product.

The purpose of the secondary preparation product is to help prepare for the actual exam

and is used 30 to 60 days before the actual exam. An example of a secondary study guide

is the CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack (CCNA Self-Study, exam #640-801),

also published by Cisco Press. By quizzing you on exam topics, providing note cards,

study sheets, and test engines, the secondary guide will help give you the understanding

and tidbits of information needed to pass the exam. The study guide will help solidify in

memory the topics covered on the exam.

The advantage of using primary and secondary products is twofold. First, you gain a solid

understanding of all topics because you are using two resources to prepare for the CCNA

exam. One resource provides in-depth coverage of the exam, and the other provides a

high-level look that will stimulate your memory on the topics learned ? and maybe

forgotten. Secondly, by using two products you ensure that you will be prepared for the

actual exam. The two study guides will help you maximize your learning potential.

Now that you have been introduced to the two-study product system, let's talk about the

most effective way to use the two guides. I will discuss this by using the above-

mentioned Cisco Press books as examples. Before getting started, it is crucial to find a

quiet place and time to study. Find the time when you feel most alert and ready to learn to

schedule your studies; doing this will help your brain absorb as much as possible. Odom's

books provide in-depth coverage of all the topics on the CCNA exam. They are easy to

read and present the information in a digestible manner. Use these books as your main

study guides, read every chapter, and take notes. If you do not understand any topic, go

back and reread it until you do. If possible, get access to some Cisco equipment and work

on the labs provided.

A final exam preparation resource is CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack , which

includes more than 550 flash cards, study sheets, and a powerful test engine with router

simulation. Thirty days before your scheduled exam, use the flash cards to memorize the

information needed for the exam. If you need further clarification be sure to reference

your primary study guide.

Study the flash cards any chance you get so the information is committed to both your

short- and long-term memory. After you have studied the flash cards use the study sheets

and test engine the final week before your exam. The study sheets will help keep the

topics fresh in your mind, and the test engine will help prepare you for the exam format.

Constantly look over the study sheets, even hours before your exam. In fact, bring them

with you to the exam and review the study sheets right before sitting down to take the

exam. Before you begin, write down as much information as you can remember from the

study sheets, flash cards, and exam engine on the paper provided to you. You will be able

to use this paper as reference while taking your exam.

Passing the CCNA exam can be very easy if you use the right study methods. This article

discussed recommended methods and some of the resources available to help you achieve

your certification. Passing the CCNA exam the first time is very rewarding, so study

hard, study properly, take your time on the exam, and best of luck to you.

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