Home > Ask the Networking Experts > Cisco certifications with David Minutella Questions & Answers > What's the best way to prepare for the CCNA exam alone?
Ask The Networking Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

What's the best way to prepare for the CCNA exam alone?

David Minutella EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: David Minutella

Pose a Question
Other Networking Categories
Meet all Networking Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 29 August 2008
I am new to CCNA and want to learn it without joining any institute. Is this possible? And if so, what is the best way to do it? If possible, I am also willing to prepare for the CCNA exams by self-studying it.

>
EXPERT RESPONSE
It is always possible to prepare for the CCNA exam by self-studying, but it will take some time to get there. As I have mentioned to many before, the best self-studying path is to take the two test option (INCD-1 and ICND-2) so you can focus your concentration and get two certifications out of it when you pass them both (CCENT and CCNA.)

You also need to get access to some equipment to learn the configuration and troubleshooting commands in the Cisco equipment. You have the option of renting online rack time from providers, buying your own equipment (expensive,) or you can purchase a simulator such as Boson NetSim, which comes with predesigned labs.

Finally, you need some good resource materials to learn the objectives of the exams. Cisco Press has some great titles and I am biased to recommend the CCNA Exam Prep 2 book since I co-authored it.


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED CONTENT
Networking Certifications
What training do I need for a career in network administration?
Which exams must I pass for CCVP and CCNP recertification?
Simulators for practicing Cisco's CCNP routing and switching exam
Will 25b army school help me get a job or CCNA certified?
What's the difference between the two CCNA certification tracks?
When preparing for the CCNA exam, are print or online study sources best?
Why haven't I received my CCNA certification? I passed the test.
IT career training, experience can help you shine in salary talks
Why isn't CCNA certification enough to get me hired?
Networking certification guide
Networking Certifications Research

Cisco certifications with David Minutella
Which exams must I pass for CCVP and CCNP recertification?
Simulators for practicing Cisco's CCNP routing and switching exam
Will 25b army school help me get a job or CCNA certified?
What's the difference between the two CCNA certification tracks?
When preparing for the CCNA exam, are print or online study sources best?
Why haven't I received my CCNA certification? I passed the test.
Why isn't CCNA certification enough to get me hired?
Which Cisco router should I get as a starting network pro?
How much harder is the CCNA from the Network+ exam?
Are my Cisco certification course books too outdated to use?

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
Certified Wireless Networking Professional  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Network Associate  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Network Professional  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Information Security Specialist (CISS)  (SearchNetworking.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Expert networking advice and tips for IT professionals
HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersNetworking Product Trials
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2008, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts