[description], Story, any other text you want to use.

 by: Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933

One question I'm often asked by CCNA candidates is whether to take the "one big exam", or take the two separate exams required by Cisco to achieve the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.

The question comes up because there are now two separate paths to the CCNA certification. Candidates may take a single exam, 640-811, or two exams, 640-821 and 640-811.

What's the difference? The two-exam approach involves exams with different topics and therefore different preparation techniques. 640-821 is the Introduction To Cisco Networking Technologies exam. This course does introduce the candidate to Frame Relay, PPP, and other WAN technologies, but goes into little detail. Emphasis in the Intro course is placed on knowing how Ethernet behaves, how different types of cable are used for different purposes, and knowing what cable to use in a certain situation. The candidate should expect some questions involving binary math as well, but they will involve fairly simple conversions.

The 640-811 exam, Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, goes into much more detail on WAN technologies. Routing and switching behavior are covered, and the candidate is expected to answer difficult questions involving binary math and subnetting as well. The candidate may also have to demonstrate ability to configure a router or switch via a simulator. Since the ICND exam goes into more detail, it's generally considered the more difficult exam.

The approach I recommend to a CCNA candidate depends on their background. If the candidate is a relative newcomer to networking, or hasn't taken a certification exam before, I recommend they take the two-exam approach. This allows the candidate to focus only on the Intro topics, and gives them a strong sense of confidence after passing the Intro exam. That confidence flows over into the ICND exam.

For those who have networking experience, and are very familiar with Ethernet behavior and cable types, I recommend the one-exam approach. This allows the candidate to focus on the more advanced topics they'll be seeing in the single exam, while spending just a little time reviewing their Intro-level knowledge.

Regardless of the approach you choose, the path to true CCNA success remains the same. Get some real hands-on experience, either by renting rack time online or by putting together your own home lab. Understand what's going on "beneath the command"; don't use router commands when you don't understand what they're doing. Add to that a true mastery on binary math, and you're on your way to having the magic letters "CCNA" behind your name!

Chris Bryant

CCIE #12933

www.thebryantadvantage.com

About The Author Chris Bryant, CCIE (TM) #12933, has been active in the Cisco certification community for years. He worked his way up from the CCNA to the CCIE, and knows what CCNA and CCNP candidates need to know to be effective on the job and in the exam room. He is the owner of http://www.thebryantadvantage.com, where he sells his popular CCNA and CCNP study aids, including his unique Flash Card Books. He also teaches CCNA and CCNP courses to small groups of exam candidates, ensuring they each receive the individual attention they deserve. Classes are offered over the Internet and in person in select cities. Chris has custom-written the Study Guide and Lab Workbook used in each course - no third-party training materials or simulators are used. You're invited to visit our site and check out our CCNA and CCNP Courses, Flash Card Books, and to sign up for our weekly newsletter written personally by Chris. Chris is always glad to hear from Cisco certification candidates at chris@thebryantadvantage.com.

Real Time Media On The Net

xiva
talk radio
video stream
realplayer
consulting
monster cable
web tv
internet tv und viele andere
internet tv lyric
radio buttons
pay per view
live sound
audio
online streaming video

Main Menu
Real Time Media On The Net
Site Map

News for 11-Nov-23

Source: BBC News - Home
How phones changed the imagery of the American campaign

Source: BBC News - Home
Gorging on love

Source: BBC News - Home
Steam baths and brandy

Source: BBC News - Home
David Moyes: Manchester United's great traditions have gone says Sunderland boss

Source: BBC News - Home
UN votes against Israeli settlements

Source: BBC News - Home
Real-life Libya plane hijack halts hijack film shoot

Source: BBC News - Home
May Christmas message urges unity after Brexit vote

Source: BBC News - Home
Preserving Mali's rural life

Source: BBC News - Home
Yemen's displaced

Source: BBC News - Home
Crash survivor: 'I put my seatbelt on'