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Hello,

I wanted to get some advice from people that currently have the CCNA cert. I am studying for the CCNA exam by reading the CCNA cert guide. I was looking into different courses including 2 week boot camps. Their are just so many options for training, that is why I came here to ask for suggestions.

My current background is limited as my current job is not even in networking so I have very little hands on experience. I have taken the Network+ and Security+ courses so I am familiar with terminology and subjects contained in the CCNA cert guide. As many people know its really hard to get hands on experience with um… well no real experience. I am looking for any internships or part time jobs but with no certs or experience under my belt it feels like an impossible task.

So with no hands on experience do you suggest a full two semester course, a boot camp or something else?

Thanks for listening :slight_smile:

@Cisco

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Look at GNS3. Its an open source simulator for Cisco devices. If you really want to learn Cisco products then the best ways is to get hands on experience. The simulator will at least give you hands on training. I also suggest the Cisco press books for ccna. I believe Wendell Odam is the author and if you understand those books you will have no problem passing the exam. Other options are CBT training. CBT nuggets actually has a good online video for the ccna and the instructor keeps you awake :). You will want to check and make sure it covets the current exams. Probably IPV6 stuff on the new exam. Finally, eBay has some good prices on used hardware, so you want to check there to set up a good home lab.

The college thing is worth checking out too. It really depends on your goal but you should be able to get some hands on experience this way and I would think two semesters would give you plenty of overview.

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PacketTracer is a fantastic simulator for studying for the CCNA. I found it invaluable.

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You forgot one other way to get experience: volunteering. It will help. The money you would spend on a boot camp would get better results for you if you were to buy some of the stuff off eBay and set up your own lab.

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If you take the exam, be VERY, VERY sure you are taking the current exam. The first time I took my CCNA I was given a different test than what I had studied for. They changed the exam one week before I took the test but when I scheduled the exam no one told me about the change.

When I discovered that the wrong exam had been scheduled no one would do anything to remedy the issue. I was told to “try” and take it; I did, and failed. I was tested on things such as ASA devices, for example, that we briefly touched in class and had NEVER configured or had any real hands-on experience with. Yes, I took the exam because take it or not, my $300 wasn’t going to be refunded and I wasn’t allowed to schedule out a new exam and prepare accordingly. This whole incident left me a bad feeling about Cisco and Pearson VUE.

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Main item is, how do you learn?

Look into a Cisco Network Academy for CCNA which may be at a local community college. It is a series of four in-person classes with equipment provided designed to be over four semesters, but often combined to 2 one semester classes. Successful completion with satisfactory scores on all the test will grant a CCNA test voucher. They’ve had extensions for exams to insure students get an adequate chance to take the exam.

NetAcad is widely available at Community Colleges, which will give college credits (nice side benefit, matriculated or not). NetAcad 1-2 ought be straightforward, NetAcad 3-4 do require study & diligent performing the practical exercises.

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Thank you everyone for your input!

Since I have no hands on experience I think any in class instruction would be best. as long as they offer hands on with routers, switches etc… Thanks for your input on getting used equipment :slight_smile:

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Packet Tracer is basically like having equipment at your disposal, I’d check it out before spending any money on used equipment to play around with. Cisco Packet Tracer - Networking Simulation Tool This will get you started.

I too got roped into the test changing and I failed it by 6 points. Make sure youre looking at the right one, there are several now.  But, all is not lost. I learned a bunch by just studying for it. I would suggest doing the CCENT first, then the second test of your chosen direction and not try to take them both the same day. Good luck to you man.

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Ok so I am trying to download packet tracer and it seems like you need an account at Cisco Net academy. I don’t see a way to create an account so do I need to sign up for a course to be able and access packet tracer?

Thanks

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^ Thought so. Even if the account isn’t active/current (did the training years ago).

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Matt,

At the beginning of this thread, Phil suggested CBT Nuggets so I wanted to jump in and see if I could assist in anyway. You can watch our CCNA Routing and Switching certification playlist free for 7 days. This training includes supplemental material such as Exam Walkthroughs, IPv4 subnetting, and R&S troubleshooting. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck earning your CCNA!

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