Cisco CCNA
 

So who on this forum can give me some insight to getting my CCNA?

I am going to stay in the Military 2 more years instead of retirement in 2008, and my main goal is to get some certifications under my belt and build a nice resume for network administration. I do have an inside track to a job once I retire, just need to get started.

I guess what I am looking for is the best "Online" or "Self Paced" study guide for the 640-802 test.

Here is one I am looking at. http://www.preplogic.com/products/video/video-training-only-details.asp?eid=830

Thanks in advance.

I did it with the "testking" pdf, was almost word for word on the actual exam. and for the lab I used the Cybex virtual lab, and later bought a 2950 used on Ebay for a couple of bucks. That was however for 801, but I can't see how their 802 stuff would be any different.

so what should I be looking at for total cost?
This is a complete career change for me...my only networking experience is from messing with home routers, hubs and print servers.

k9, good for you, I don't know if the military reimburses you for training courses or not. If they do I would find a course near you to take, hands on labs are the best prep outside of actually working with cisco routers. Many community colleges offer CCNA courses. Do you have any other training, CompTIA, CNP, etc? You really need to understand the basics of networking, topologies, routing protocols, OSI model, etc. (not implying that you don't)
I find when interviewing people for networking positions most have certs out the ying yang but no real world experience, for some this is not a problem but others are challenged when asked to config a router for enterprise use.

If possible pick up a used cisco layer 3 switch like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/Cisco-Catalyst-3500-Series-WS-C3524-XL-EN-Switch_W0QQitemZ320183382706QQihZ011QQcategoryZ280 40QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This will give you some good hands on experience loading the IOS from scratch and becoming familiar with cisco command lines.

PM me some time I think I still have some CCNA training materials.

Good luck

Rob

Thanks Rob, good info for sure. No I don't have much other than I was a admin for the USAF way back when Banyan Vines was what we used...this was when Windows 3.1.1 was the workstations and Pegasus Mail was our first email program. I probably should have learned more then but even then I was a Cop who was asked to install and run our first network.
I seem to catch on quick so I am not too intimidated with it, but getting hands on experience is going to be a little difficult with my current position in the military.

Thanks again for your assistance, I will PM you when the time comes to start this training.

HD,

Cisco just changed their CCNA courses and exams, so you might want to wait a little before getting material. If you did have experience in networking, I would say go to a bookstore and get the CCNA study guide with the CD's, etc. But, I think due to that change in course you won't see the new material out for a while.

If you want either online or instructor led, I still think global knowledge is the best, they have boot camps, individual courses, self study, etc.

http://www.globalknowledge.com/training/category.asp?pageid=9&catid=206&country=United+Sta tes

Cisco also has a lot of info and even some practice stuff on their site as well.

Good luck with your choices

(I'm studying for my CCIE right now)

sorry for my reply, I didn't know you were starting from scratch. Please do not get the Testking, it will actually hurt you if your starting from scratch. Do as suggested get into a class. Enjoy the section on subnetting, it's a real pain at first.

Smitty,

The Navy has a website that is available to Navy and Marine Corps personell, both active and retired which has a load of courses you can take online...FOR FREE!!!!

Perhaps your branch has a similar page.

If not, I wonder if the Navy site may be available to you as well, seeing as how you ARE military. Give it a shot at http://wwwa.nko.navy.mil I believe eligibility is authenticated by simply submitting your ssn. It's certainly worth a look!

Randy

thanks, will try the a.nko site from work this next week.

I've been Cisco Certified for nearly 10 years now. The CCNA/DA tests are nice primers and while without a doubt good if you really know the stuff - you can get them if you don't (via things like the testking). Not all hiring managers take them seriously, the CCNA will help to qualify you for a lower level network admin position but you have to go further than that I believe to get into a higher position.

The professional level certifications are quite good at doing that (CCxP) and of course the CCIE is the king. I haven't quite made that myself but I've passed the written and am preparing for the lab.

In most cases the Cisco materials do not cover it all while the aftermarket do. When I did the NA 10 years ago I used Sybex - not even sure they still do it. Now I use the white papers for whatever technology I'm trying to master.

I would recommend using Sybex or Exam Cram books, in addition to the cisco books as a reference. The Cisco books are very complete, perhaps TOO complete for a person who simply wants to pass the test.

Testing software can be very helpful. Transender and Measure Up are two good companies. I prefer Measure Up because of the flexibility of the software and their excellent explanations. Note that some of the books will come with testing software in the back on a cd.

Cisco posts huge amounts of documentation online, and it makes an excellent reference/study aid.

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm

Last bit of advice: Don't bother cheating. You can find nearly any test online using 'brain dump' sites or Test King. But you probably won't even make it through the interview. I can't tell you how many 'paper tigers' I have interview that were certified, but obviously didn't know *****.

No need to wait...you can access the stuff from home, like I do. :)

Randy