| The following series of questions and observations is designed to help you figure out how much work you must do to pursue the BCMSN exam and what types of resources you might consult on your quest. Be absolutely honest in your answers; otherwise, you'll end up wasting money on an exam you aren't yet ready to take (and because the BCMSN exam costs around $125, this isn't chump change). There are no right or wrong answers only steps along the path to certification. Only you can decide where you really belong in the broad spectrum of aspiring candidates. Two things should be clear from the outset, however: Before you begin this process, take this simple four-step walk-through to validate your readiness for the BCMSN exam: Do you have a current CCNA certification (requires renewal every 3 years)? [Yes or No] If your answer is yes, proceed to step 2; if your answer is no, proceed to step 4. Have you taken the Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) v2.0 course from Cisco or a comparable training class? This should be 5 days of instructor-led classes, 5 days of live e-learning, or 30 35 hours of Web-based training. [Yes or No] If your answer is yes, you should use this Exam Cram 2 book as a supplement to your acquired knowledge and experience and prepare to take the exam in the near future. If your answer is no, proceed to step 3. Do you have at least 2 years of experience in a position such as help-desk support, field technician, systems administrator, network administrator, or technical trainer? [Yes or No] If your answer is yes, you should use this Exam Cram 2 book as a supplement to your acquired knowledge and experience and prepare to take the exam in the near future. If your answer is no, you might want to consider taking the Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) v2.0 course from Cisco or a comparable training class. If you're a disciplined and motivated self-studier, you might want to build a home lab or rent some router time online and purchase the CCNP BCMSN Exam Certification Guide (CCNP Self-Study) book from Cisco Press (ISBN: 1-5872-0077-5). Because you do not have a current CCNA certification, you must go to www.cisco.com and find out how you can recertify for your CCNA or take the 640-801 exam (or both the 640-821 and 640-811 exams) for the first time to achieve this certification.
 | Cisco also maintains a list of pointers to training venues on its Web site. Visit http://cisco.com/en/US/learning/le31/learning_learning_resources_home.html. |
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