If you really want to know how to pass you CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam then you’ll want to read every word of this article. There are several key areas that you need to master in order for your best chance of success to pass the CCNA test.
You will want to get comfortable with all the different realms of information. Like anything else that you want to achieve, the true keys is not whether you can gather a multitude of books, manuals or other learning materials, it’s whether you have the determination and drive to get the job done.
There are so many types of learning guides and materials out there, so many in fact that sometimes you can be burdened down with information overload. This is where you continually seek out new material, and there is a ton of it out there, you have so much that it all becomes very confusing instead of easier. Many of the so called ‘can’t miss’ study courses that are offered only give you a false sense of knowledge.
Once you realize that in order to pass your CCNA exam, it will take some hard work and dedication on your part, as it is a very difficult test to pass, will your journey get better.
Once you decide that you are ready to embark on the journey of passing the CCNA exam, the next step is to set out a realistic time frame to do so. When you set this time frame, be honest with yourself. There’s nothing worse then trying to complete the Cisco certification in less time than you are physically or mentally able to handle.
Once a realistic time frame is in place, it is nice to have a calendar with your time schedule in front of you to keep you focused and determined to meet your schedule. Also, a weekend excursion away, a bottle of finely aged wine, or anything that will keep you going when the times get tough are all recommended.
Now, the CCNA exam is one of those certifications that a proper training is required to pass it. You can go for an instructor class-based training (usually 5-day boot camp) and get the required training. However this option is very expensive and study intensive since you are not studying on your own pace. The other great option is to get a computer based training (usually video training style) where you get videos plus audio plus many practice questions and instructor notes for a complete training in your home. What I used personally and passed my Cisco exams (CCNA, CCNP, CCSP) is the Trainsignal Video Training packages which offer excellent value and in-depth training to pass the CCNA or any other Cisco exam. Check out Trainsignal Website for more information.
In addition to the training I suggest above, I also recommend you to get some tangible book study material that others have used and been successful with. Here are some books that you should look into:
- Cisco Press CCNA Study Guide
- Jeremy Cioara’s Exam Cram and Prep Guide
- Any books on the subject by Todd Lammle.
I highly recommend the Cisco Press books. These books are usually the best because they come from the actual exam giver, Cisco. Therefore, the exercises and test questions will be very relevant to what you’ll see on the exam. Moreover, a Cisco Press book will be a great reference even after you pass your CCNA exam.
Having some highlighters and a note pad is a must in order to go back for easy review of any of the topic that you studied. When ever you have some extra time, even just five or ten minutes, you can whip out your study notes and do a quick review. This will keep you sharp, and get you into some good study habits.
Perhaps the best resource that you can find is the actual people that have gone through and passed their CCNA exam. You don’t have to have a face to face with them. Because of the speed and convenience of the Internet, you can search them online and seek any and all information you need.
Talking with these people that have gone through and learned how to pass the CCNA exam is an easier way to learn then any book or course that you could buy. Real life experience is better then any book ever printed. Good luck for your CCNA certification efforts.