Cisco Certified Network Associates in the Real World

In the next section, we describe an ideal CCNA candidate, knowing that only a few actual candidates meet this ideal. In fact, our description of that ideal candidate might seem downright scary. But take heart; although the requirements for becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate may seem formidable, they are by no means impossible to meet. However, you should be keenly aware that it does take time, requires some expense, and calls for a substantial effort.

You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before you. You can follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to gain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take ”and pass ”the certification tests. In fact, the entire Exam Cram 2 series is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to prepare for these exams, but prepare you must!

The Ideal Cisco Certified Network Associate Candidate

Just to give you some idea of what an ideal CCNA candidate is like, here are some relevant statistics about the background and experience such an individual might have. Don't worry if you don't meet these qualifications (or, indeed, if you don't even come close) because this world is far from ideal, and where you fall short is simply where you'll have more work to do. The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Professional training and experience in networked Windows NT/ Windows 2000/Windows XP and or Unix operating systems.

• Experience cabling and troubleshooting local area networks.

• Experience installing and configuring WAN links.

• Hands-on experience configuring bridges, switches, and routers.

We believe that well under a quarter of all certification candidates meet these requirements. In fact, most probably meet less than half of these requirements (that is, at least when they begin the certification process). However, because all those who have their certifications already survived this ordeal, you can survive it, too ” especially if you heed what this Self-Assessment can tell you about what you already know and what you need to learn.

Put Yourself to the Test

The following series of questions and observations is designed to help you figure out how much work you'll face in pursuing CCNA certification and what kinds of resources you can consult on your quest. Be absolutely honest in your answers, or you'll end up wasting money on exams you're not ready to take. There is no right or wrong answer, 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:

• Even a modest background in computer science will be helpful.

• Hands-on experience with networked systems and technologies is an essential ingredient for certification success.

Educational Background

1. Have you ever taken any computer- related classes? (Yes or No)

   If yes, proceed to question 2; if no, proceed to question 4.

2. Have you taken any classes on networked Windows or the Unix operating system? (Yes or No)

   If yes, you probably have a good foundation for starting the CCNA program. If the answer is no, consider some basic reading in this area. To begin with, you should have a copy of Cisco's Internetworking Technologies Handbook . This is the resource for the CCNA program and many other Cisco certifications. In addition to the Internetworking Technologies Handbook , there are so many good books it is hard to recommend just one. Try stopping at one of the larger bookstores and peruse the shelves . If you do not have a bookstore in your area, check out Amazon.com. You should look for a practical book stressing networking and that starts where your experience leaves off. At the end of each chapter, we have included recommended resources for subjects covered in the chapter. We have read them all and they are good.

3. Have you taken any networking concepts or technology classes? (Yes or No)

   If yes, you will probably be able to handle the networking terminology, concepts, and technologies (but brace yourself for frequent departures from normal usage). If you're rusty, or your answer is no, we recommend you pick up a copy of Cisco Press's Network Sales and Services Handbook by Matthew Castelli. Each company has its own language (guess which one is used on the test). So, if you can find a book that uses the same terms, you will find on the test you will be that much further ahead.

4. Have you had experience cabling and troubleshooting networks? (Yes or No)

   If yes, you are one of the rare few with a golden future. If you answered no, pick up a copy of Sybex's Cabling: The Complete Guide to Network Wiring by David Groth and Jim McBee. Not only will this book provide a good conceptual foundation for the CCNA but it will also give you a leg up in the real world. Believe it or not, 70% of all network problems can be traced to the wire.

Hands-On Experience

Another important key to success on all Cisco tests is hands-on experience. If we leave you with only one realization after taking this Self-Assessment, it should be that there's no substitute for time spent installing and configuring Cisco products.

5. Have you installed, configured, and worked with Cisco routers and switches? (Yes or No)

   If yes, exam 640-821 and the configuration portion of exam 640-801 should be easy for you.

   If you haven't worked with routers and switches, and do not have access to Cisco equipment, hop on the Cisco Web site at www.cisco.com and spend some time with the simulators. They are not as good as working with the real thing, but they are better than nothing.

You can obtain the exam objectives, practice questions, and other information about Cisco exams from the Cisco Web site at www.cisco.com.

If you have the funds or your employer will pay for it, consider taking a class at a Cisco authorized training and education center. You can find the locations of authorized centers at the Cisco Web site www.cisco.com.

Testing Your Exam-Readiness

Whether you attend a formal class on a specific topic to get ready for an exam or use written materials to study on your own, some preparation for the CCNA exams is essential. At $125 a try, pass or fail, you want to do everything you can to pass on your first try. That's where studying comes in.

We have included several practice exam questions in each chapter and practice exams for each of the exams, so if you don't score well on the chapter questions, you can study more and then tackle the sample exams at the end of the book.

There is no better way to assess your test readiness than to take a good-quality practice exam and pass with a score of 70% or better. We usually shoot for 80+%, just to leave room for the "weirdness factor" that sometimes shows up on Cisco exams.

One last note : We hope it makes sense to stress the importance of hands-on experience in the context of the exams. As you review the material for the exams, you'll realize that hands-on experience with Cisco equipment and/or simulators is invaluable.

Onward, Through the Fog!

After you've assessed your readiness, undertaken the right background studies, and obtained hands-on experience, you'll be ready to take a round of practice exams. Start with the ones at the back of this book. When you score 70% or better, you're ready to go after the real thing.