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Many people understand the value of the Cisco certifications in the industry and want to know where to start to obtain their Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) which:

“The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. This new curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs)”

You can take one exam (640-802 CCNA) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions.
-OR-
You can take two exams, The ICND Part I test (640-822) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions as well as ICND Part II Test (640-816) that is 75 minutes and 45-55 questions.

I recommend taking the single test to save money and time. There is also a great preparation page located here: http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main

After you decide you want to take the test, there are a few steps people can take to ensure you follow through. The biggest hurdle for the CCNA exam is execution of taking and passing the exam, so these steps help ensure your success:

1. Commit to the exam and get the support of your family and friends.
2. Set a date for taking the test!!!
3. Create a study plan around that date with set milestones that allow you to cover all the material by your test date.
4. Use one solid study guide source (like an updated Cisco Press Book) to use and reference other sources when needed. There are so many sources out there, that you can easily get rat holed with deeper and deeper material. Using one will you help you stay on track and test your knowledge.
5. Make sure your material is for the updated CCNA test. There were previous versions.
6. Use some kind of practice test to gauge your progress.
7. Find some way to practice basic commands on gear (checking connectivity, cdp, nat, etc..things you see mentioned to ensure you can do them if you are given a hands on simulation.)
8. Make sure you are FAST at subnetting by hand. There are several quick and easy tables you can use to work on this and it just takes practice to get it down.
9. Look for a study group or buddy to go through this process with. It makes it easier.

I think those are some good guide lines to get started.

Related Exam: 642-446 642-825 642-892 642-426 640-863.

Article posted by Nicole Johnson