Study plans for a successful CCNA preparation

Whether you decide to do the Cisco approved course at a training facility or through self -study you need to make sure you have a study plan i.e the course plan.

Obviously on an approved course at a facility this will be structured and is often suitable to those of you who sometimes lack motivation to self-study. It is always helpful to do courses where there are other attendees or even on-line forums so as you can bounce ideas/questions off each which helps your learning process.

A search on the web will reveal that various commentators on this subject of CCNA certification advises not to spend money on instructor led courses. They state that the certification covers the simpler forms of networking and is not worth the outlay of capital when it can easily be covered by self study.

Self-Study Techniques

Self-study takes the form of academic knowledge through a CCNA Study Guide and web based virtual practices for that practical aspects. If you are already working in IT environment you can always try and get some actual hands-on experience or watch the techniques as they are performed. There are web sites that offer this free of charge and also provide some very useful information related to CCNA certification. Certain things such as upgrading firmware and connecting cables just cant be done with simulators.

Self-Study Work Plans

To self-study requires that magical in-built human feeling of motivation. You need that impetus to attain your goal of accreditation. This impetus may well have been encouraged to develop by individuals or organizations. (e.g. at work for promotion or for more money). If you have that motivation self-study will be worth the effort.

To plan we shall look at these areas:

  • Course content

  • Time schedules

  • Acquisition of reference material and hardware

  • Course Content: Find out the recognized course content and list the subjects/modules to study. As previously stated the best place to start is the Cisco web site. It will give you the up-to-date syllabus for the particular part of the CCNA your will need to learn about. Once you have a verified the course content read carefully the syllabus and find out the objectives to make sure you understand them. Make notes as you go along. If necessary create a spread sheet as a progress tracking tool. Always keep a watchful eye on any up-dates to the syllabus.

  • Time schedules: Unless you are under a ‘forced' schedule to attain the CCNA accreditation there is really no ‘norm' as to how long it should take you to study and understand the course objectives. The biggest factors that drive completion are your motivation and the available quality time you have to do that studying.

Whether you study in many short bursts or long spells is down to how you study best. Over saturation of the brain with data sometimes hinders progress. As far a practical, make studying as pleasant and relaxing as possible.

  • Acquisition of reference material and hardware: There are free publications available via the internet and also test questions. You will find quite a few sites that offer help for a modest charge.

There are so many choices of source material it is hard to know where to start. One that seems to be a popular choice is Cisco CCNA Simplified by Paul Browning. It is a package type reference material with CD's and videos. Additionally his programme allows you access to others studying CCNA or related activities. The web site learningnetwork.cisco.com is also another good source of information.

It is possible to use simulators to get some experience of working with the necessary hardware. The problem occurs when trying out upgrades of firmware and inter-connecting cables.

You can find used Cisco equipment in most of the usual places. A company called CiscoKits give you several package options that are reasonably priced. There are several packages available that can give you a variety of equipment.

Ready to take the test ?

So you feel now ready to take the test. If you have done the self study make sure you have covered all the necessary objectives set out by Cisco and feel satisfied with your ‘hands on' experience to date.

You have to register to take the exam so find out where the registration offices are located and of course have the fee. The location of the exam will be notified at the time of registration.

The test is a multi-choice paper and has to be done in a set period of time. For CCNA Parts 1 and 2 the current time limit of 90 minutes. As a multi-choice paper it will be difficult to establish the correct answer as normally two answers appear very much the same.

To date your answer sheet is checked immediately after you submit it and you are informed of the result.

Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.
Winston Churchill

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