CCNA Training
Simulators are necessary for practice since many of Cisco’s
questions mock real life scenarios. Thus practical knowledge is a
necessity and having some experience on Cisco’s routers are
necessary. Cisco and MIMIC Virtual Lab is software by Gambit communications.
It helps in creating virtual labs populated with Cisco routers and
switches that seem like a real hardware lab you can practice on. You
can download a free evaluation copy at http://www.gambitcomm.com/site/products/.
Another virtual lab is the offer of Sybex which is a simulation tool
for hands on experience for the exams. Routersim and Boson are some
more example of router software’s.
Test of Knowledge
Knowledge gained in study can be tested by various means. You could
choose to opt for online examinations that are available at some sites.
Other methods of testing knowledge are to get a CD that provides a
simulated environment of the actual examination. Most of them cost
money and can be available at different prices. You could also view
some questions and answers for free. These may be a bit outdated but
all the same they give you the analytical method with the answers
they offer. The Cisco website also has a Learning Centre which has
trial tests and (very basic) simulators.
Certification Forums
You can find out what to expect in a topic and ask questions about
a topic. Many times these forums have people who have already passed
out from the exam. Also you may get advice from experts on some forums
you visit.
http://www.mcmcse.com/forums/index.php?c=4
http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/
http://certification.about.com/mpboards.htm
Certification Chat Rooms
Several sites offer chat rooms geared towards helping you with your
certifications. Drop by at the appointed time and find out if you
are prepared for your exams.
Certification Study Groups is another
good option for finding like minded people and these could help
you find answers to some of the past CCNA exam questions.
CCNA Training
To help in CCNA training you could locate and official Cisco learning
partner that provide live training courses and materials go to http://www.cisco.com/go/training
for further details. You could also get training online from a variety
of sources on the web. Better options of training would be to locate
a training school near by and join for training as these will give
you the lab experience which is an added advantage. Though cost is
a factor it is effective if you are not having a lab experience or
cannot find a place where you can practice on the products itself.
Training at CCNA boot camps is a short term option. This is an
intensive camp for a week or two. It is always better to have done
some prior preparation and then go to the CCNA boot camp.
Self paced Training Kits are computer based training kits developed
by some companies so that you can gain the knowledge on your computer
and not have to read books. Some of them are multimedia based to
give you a better understanding of the products involved.
Tips for Self Study
This group chooses the option because they are intelligent and have
the practical experience to pass the exam or they do not have enough
money to opt for training or any other method. Well not to be discouraged
for you could still get the best deal if you know how to prepare.
- Look at the basics you need to gain. A quick search on the
internet for OSI model, IP routing , Internet and networking gives
you a whole lot of information that could be the starting point in
your preparation
- Good sites of computer based acronyms are the webopedia. You
could also get tips and articles from howstuffworks.
- There are many other sites that have free demos, articles,
forums and discussion groups that could give you the necessary impetus
in your study.
- A search for CCNA exam tips, CCNA tutorials help you get sites
where you can get the exam pattern to help you prepare with orientation
towards the exam.
- For free resources on advance topics search for IP sub netting,
VLANS, STPS, WANS, Frame relays, etc.
- Cisco’s web site itself is full of resources. And this
can help you prepare better.
- Evaluation versions of Simulators and virtual routers could
help you gain the necessary exposure to the lab.
CCNA is beneficial for those looking for a certification in networking.
It is a complement to both education and experience but not to a
college degree or a previous job experience.