Best resources for ccna study?

[Abby_Normal]

My boss wants us all to get the ccna certs (to start with anyway) and the company is willing to pay for books and the tests (if you pass).

I've been going through amazon looking at the different books, but have no idea where to start. The review on most of the books are rather conflicting. Most of the books had as many raves as bad reviews. I know there is a lot of info on cisco's site that looks helpful, but is that enough to past the test?

I've never been a fan of certs, but getting this will mean a very nice promotion, and less boring work.

I saw someone in another thread suggest Exam Cram. Any other good ones? Any good self study programs? We are going to be starting a study group and working together.

My company isn't cheap, but they won't pay for boot camp or anything like that.

[signcarver]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

I'm sure you, or just about anyone here, could pass the test without much thought though brushing up with a network simulator would probably help, especially if you don't "play" with cisco equipment everyday. My favorite books are the ones from Cisco... if you need reference almost everyone has CCNA 1/2 and CCNA 3/4 at their disposal... to pass the test I purchased a deal I got at Fry's on sale for $19 for one week last year that was this set Even at full price, practice with NetSim would make this worth it if you need practice.

One thing I liked about this set of books was the introduction quiz at each chapter allowed me to determine if I really had to read the chapter and for most I did not, but it did give me a few ideas of what I would like to brush up on.

Since you stated you were looking at Amazon, here is a link to the reviews there

[Rance]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

Yeah I've actually got those two books on my shelf right now, the consist of mostly routers and switch. But I've been told that those books not only contain ccna but ccie info too. But just so you know ccna 1 is basic networking, 2 is basic routing , 3 is switching and routing and 4 is wan tech. I've known a couple of people that've taken it and all they did was work on routers constantly. also if you not sure about take the two part exam I've heard people try the full test in one shot and the survival chances arn't good I also knew one baka that spent like 7k on CCNA survival training let's just say he passed.

[Gobniu]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

since you raised the possibility of programs I would recommend pass4sure.com. My experience with their CCNP software was very good.

[VAX_to_PBX]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

Here is a page with all the vendors who offer certs: http://certcities.com/certs/other/

They left out Sun, and I don't see the CCNE cert. I guess Cisco retired that certification.

I use to have CCNE, and SMCA certs, and after I discovered certifications where no replacement for a degree, and real world engineering references I let them expire. I guess it's good to refresh the work force though in a typical office environment.

Most public library's carry a big two, and a half inch book that is about nothing, but Cisco algorithms, design models, and topology's. Get it for a few days, and after you read it you'll pass any Cisco cert's with the exception of the engineering one(if it still exists.)

[Sam Shazaam]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

It has been about 7 years since I did this but I found the Sybex books written by Todd Lamle to be best. Be sure however to back this up with some form of router simulator and some practice tests. It is also helpful to use a second reference book because the wording of questions can be tricky.

At work everyone will naturally specialize in what they work on. This test will be a more all-around knowledge test. Many claim to be able to pass it without study but I have never met anyone who did. Still most people, including myself, have passed the test using some form of self-study.

[fabiim]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

Also this might help :

http://www.ipflow.utc.fr/index.php/Cisco_7200_Simulator

[LiteHedded]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

the cisco press INTRO and ICND books are superb
I'm using those at the moment and I just passed intro with a 955/1000 with just using these books
these are the ones written by wendell odom

[KermitTheFraug]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

I used the Cisco Academy CCNA companion guides when I went through school, and found them to be very effective, as long as you actually read the chapters. Just skimming them for important looking information won't cut it.

[LiteHedded]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

I used the Cisco Academy CCNA companion guides when I went through school, and found them to be very effective, as long as you actually read the chapters. Just skimming them for important looking information won't cut it.

those assume you're enrolled in cisco classes though
if you're doing self study you'll want the wendell odom books

[800XL]

Re: Best resources for ccna study?

I strongly recommend Transcender Exam Preparation Software - http://www.transcender.com.