When the dot-com bubble burst in 2000, my employer at the time didn’t take long to start outsourcing anything having to do with the Internet. Unfortunately, this included my department. Before, we were about to migrate to all new SPARC/Solaris servers and Cisco networking equipment which would have given us a rock solid platform on which to expand the dialup product from a regional to a national presence. Then management got involved. The company bought a national ISP and moved all our dialup operations under that company, which was running on Microsoft servers and bargain-basement networking hardware they found in the darker corners of eBay. The servers and network were about as reliable as a sand castle. And their employees were utterly clueless. Sound familiar?
Anyway, I’ve been spending the past couple of years in telephony. I’ve learned a hell of a lot about the telephone network, and I could make anyone drool at a 2600 meeting if I went to them, which I haven’t in years. There just aren’t any around here. Maybe I’ll talk about the phone system later. This entry is about me.
I’ve recently seen signs that the IT industry in the U.S. is starting to recover despite all the outsourcing that seems to be going on. So this looks like a good time to move back. Don’t get me wrong, I like the phone system, but I’d much rather be working on the Internet. To that end, I decided to begin studying for the CCNA. I had intended to do this for some time, but it wasn’t until I found out my current employer pays for the training that I actually jumped in and started. Now if I can get them to pay the exam fees…
I haven’t touched a Cisco router (aside from the 678 which serves as a backup for my DSL connection) in years. And the 678 doesn’t even run IOS. Since I’ve just started this week, I’d like to know:
If you have gotten a CCNA or are going through the process now, and have any useful hints to share, please let me know. In the meantime I’ll be over here studying, so my blog entries will probably be fewer and farther between for a while.
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Matt
Jan 01, 2005
I’ve been studying for this thing for the past 4 months. It’s taken me this long because I just don’t have a use for it in my current position and am afraid that if I take it I will not retain any of it anyways. This is partly the reason why it has taken me so long to get it done. I’ve been reading the official cisco books and am nearly done with those, but my retention is very low. I also have all the CBTS Nuggests videos which I plan on viewing which will probably provide a much better foundation then these books.
If you are actually going to by working in Cisco IOS everday and setting up networks, then yes get a CCNA. However if you are looking for another title, I doubt it will help too much. I still plan on getting mine just so I have a basic understanding but in the end I think I will be far from an expert in setting up networks with Cisco switches/routers and will have to look at all the cisco manuals for the IOS commands to use when it all comes down to it.
If you know someone who does this frequently, your best bet is to hang around that person or take a hands on class. Self teaching can only go so far.
bliss
Jan 02, 2005
I obtained CCNP & CCDP 12/2000, recertified 11/2003, added Wireles LAN SE and FE this summer, now am one exam away from CCIP. I’ve had a couple instances of helping CCIEs with the hard stuff and people are telling me I am ready for it. I consult maybe fifteen hours a week, spend the rest of the week in fairly slack marketing and business development, and I’m utterly spoiled. If you’ve got the touch its a good move …
mikus
Jan 02, 2005
Honestly, get a ccna and that will probably be all you really need, unless you’re trying to get in at some megacorp or cisco partner where certified idiots are the norm and expected whether they actually know anything or not. Really, certified people are a dime a dozen, but depending on the manager doing the hiring, it may make, or actually break your chance at the job. I’ve been at a Sr. Network Engineer level for about 5 years now working in some major national service providers, carriers, and isps, and all i’ve ever had was a CCNA which was the gratuitous cert to get HR monkeys to actually call me back for a job. From there, experience is what will actually get you in the door, as well as your ability to simply figure stuff out. Truely undertand the OSI model, and you can figure out most everything else.
When I hire someone, I frown upon those that come in with 20 certs, as I know damn well they’re not an expert in all (if any) of them, and probably just have a really good memory (which isn’t a bad thing by any stretch) or too much time on their hands (more busy studying than actually building networks). True skill will come with experience – nothing more, nothing less. Most of your average cert monkeys have no cognitive ability to think outside the box when running into something like a bug – something that *should* not happen. They fall flat on their face when forced to quickly adapt to a problem, or pull a solution of of the kazoo when the boss demands the asinine.
Wait until you get into some of Cisco’s more exotic code bugs (of which happens more frequently than you would care to believe these days or that Cisco will admit to) and call some cannon fodder inbound call TAC CCIE in Bangalore that gives you the deer in the headlights feel when you explain to him that 1) no. this should not happen, but 2) has. Every other person in TAC has a CCIE, but most are utterly clueless for anything other than reciting verbage from the latest book or escalating you to a Developing Engineer that can actually help you. Look around your city at how many schools advertise the “become and IT professional in a year” fast-track courses that cater to all the layed-off construction workers and soccer moms that think they’ll be a rich IT pro within a year. The people that make the world go around are those that actually are in the field because they love what they do, enjoy the technology, and follow it because it interests them – not the fly by night cert monkeys looking to make quick money. Don’t perpetuate that species, we have enough cannon fodder out there driving microsoft “networks” that can’t even check for ethernet link on the nic.
If a company tells me that they won’t talk to me without a CCIE, I just laugh at them and tell them I probably don’t want to work for them anyways. It’s not that I think they don’t hold value, I think people just put too much weight into what certs stand for, which isn’t much these days. If you can’t recite hello packet interval times or how to calculate bpdu costs for spanning tree, it’s ok – most real experts don’t remember them either. Tell them “no, but google does and he’s a good friend of mine” – it might just go farther than you think.
elh
Jan 02, 2005
Well, I’m doing CCNA myself and I find it a much better experience than self-studying, I probably could have learnt all that by myself (actually I did some parts) but it wouldn’t be so much fun and it’s so much easier the get the big picture, it all makes sense and fits perfectly together, but for a person who has been working in the industry already some things are just obvious. Anyway go for it it’s worth the money for the sheer fun.
Carlos
Jan 03, 2005
If your company is going to pay for your training, why don’t you check out SmartCertifyDirect?
Aaron
Feb 04, 2005
Personally, I have CCNA (as of a few years ago). I took it through Community College cources (funded by my school) and learned a great deal from the class. Today, I work part-time at my university with our network equipment (yes, we do have some Cisco). I am about to find out how valuable it is in the hiring scene, but I would still do it again, as it helped me pick up a great deal of truly useful knowledge. The hands-on work helped me greatly in both my work towards the CCNA as well as just in general.
I highly recommend CCNA and A+, but I am very weary of other certifications. I like to keep away from people who have their resume FULL of certs.
Good luck!
RPickle
Feb 06, 2005
If you are interested in working in telecom, get the CCNA and don’t stop there. I have 27 years of experience in the computer arena, and I have a bunch of certs. I use my MCSE daily, and my CCNA once or twice a month. You absolutely need to get some decent equipment to work with (and I recommend eBay), or the information will leak from your brain very quickly. If you’re going for the networking gig, then I recommend MCSE/RHCE first, followed by security or Cisco. I taught at the college level for seven years, and that gives the newly-certified folks the best bang for the buck, when you’re considering callbacks on job apps. Nothing will replace documented hands-on dirty work. If you’re short in that area, volunteer with non-profits and document your work. Good luck with your certs, and make sure you get as much hands-on as you can stomach.
vivek
Aug 29, 2005
hey guys i am a web designger from new delhi. actually i am doing my CCNA coz i have enough experience with networks and websites but then it doesnt hurt to have a CCNA label around your resume. the only thing is that its no point being anything if you dont have the knowledge and experience to back it up. the only good a CCNA can do is help you get noticed. like you can say you have been into networking for 3years and people may not notice you – but have a CCNA/MCSE or something on your resume and people start taking notice. once they note you and call you its up to your experience and knowledgle. CCNA is good to show off, but of no use if u have no experience or knowledge.
Roger
Sep 15, 2005
CCNA. Four little letters. Here is my take. My boss said he cannot give me a decent raise without it. So that’s it – I like to get my hands on it – but how many free hours do you have? I have other certs but everyone in this industry knows – you get the cert to get in, everything else is how you deal…
chris
Jul 18, 2006
Hi Guys,
Not sure if this is the right place to ask but I need to know. What’s it like to be a CCNA? CCNP? CCIE?
I love computers and am driven by the idea of setting up and maintaining large networks. I feel awestruck when I stand in front of a large server rack sending hundreds of cat5′s up in the ceiling.
I’ve spent the last 6 years in front of a monitor designing websites and it’s already taking it’s toll on this 22 year old’s back, posture, and wrists. I’m really looking to get away from sitting down for 40 hours a week.
This is why I need to know. What’s your job like? How much do you get paid? What’s a typical day at the office like? How many hours do you typically work per week? Anything you like/don’t like about working in networking?
I’m currently working towards an Associates in networking, a CCNA and hope to persue a CCNP after that and if I like it enough, push for a CCIE. Any particularly good/bad points about this strategy? Your opinion is very valuable to me. Please let me know.
chris
Brian
Oct 17, 2006
I know it’s not the most relevant answer, but here goes: When I was in high school, Pennsylvania (or at least, my school) had just started an initiative to bring technology to the classroomm, and they began to offer the Cisco Networking Academy, so that you could study for your CCNA. It was a two year program, and luckily I was a junior at the time, so I got to take both years. I did not take the exam to actually get the cert., but I got the Pennsylvania Networking Cert. (big deal
). It seems to me, though, that the CCNA is an exceptionally well-structured program that really makes you know your stuff. Coming from that program, I know more about networks and Computer Science than I have learned in three years at university. Now that I have a Networks class (finally) at university, I feel that we are moving at a snail’s pace, and everyone else (except one other Cisco guy in the class) feels we are moving too fast. Even if you don’t use this cert. to get yourself a job, it is worth it for the knowledge that you will take away. Now that university is almost up, I am planning to take the CCNA (after a short refresher) so that I can put my love of networks to use.
On another note, I had heard – when I was taking the CCNA program – that getting this certification can get you a job starting at US$70,000 and up. I doubt that is true now, but I am hoping it will be more helpful to me than my BS in Computer Science – my program just got certified, and it has really been kind of a bummer. Any information about the worth of CCNA degrees, just like everyone else has said, would be great. And, thank you to all who have posted before me – your information was very helpful, also.
Darby Weaver
Mar 06, 2007
Wow!
Only skilled CCNA’s make 70k. Most have at least 5-7 years of experience at either the NOC level or some type of enterprise level.
Let’s face it most mom and pop shops (under 1 billion in revenues) typically only pay their most senior people 55-75k.
Why would they pay a newbie 70k to setup usually only a or a few routers and a handful of switches (each switch can support usually at least 34-48 users)?
Answer me fairly and honestly and you’ll see my point.
As only a mere CCNP, just myself and one other Sr. Network Engineer handle several networks and each has over 10,000 users for the most part. And there are 1600 of them that use us on an ad-hoc basis.
Careful, I’m not saying do not get the CCNA, I love it to death but do be a bit more realistic.
A friend of mine from Cali who is a CCNP and works for AT&T earns only about 55k. Ever seen the AT&T Noc – Contact me – I got a picture.
So if you are looking to get a CCNA an spend 6 months – 2 years earning it honestly with little or no experience, expeect a salary of a 0-2 year profesional with the credential: about 25k – 35k or maybe int 40-45k if you have an MCSE and some good experiences behind it i.e. you are a lead engineer somehwere.
TrueUltimatum
Jul 07, 2007
So you’re saying that CCNA entry level with little experience will only get paid $12-$17 an hour? I think the $17 an hour would make sense if you had little to no experience. Peoplesoft a few years back was hiring for data entry clerks. Didn’t need any experience except being able to type fast. They were offering $16 an hour to start. I know you could not possibly expect less than that around here with a certification. CCNA is respectable. Yes the person with more experience will most likely get the job over you (if you both hold a CCNA cert.). They have classes out there that are strictly hands on. Cheap ones at community college. They are considered experience and can be confirmed by your instructor to a company you wish to apply to. It won’t be much but if you are coming straight out of school with a CCNA cert. and have never worked in the field before, it should be helpful.I live in CA by the way.
Darby Weaver
Jul 07, 2007
The CCNA is a repsectable certification – no doubt.
However, in order to earn above a 30-35,000.00 salary one needs to understand that over 500,000 high school and vo-tech completed the CCNA Academy and that was a few years ago. I am sure the number has doubled or even tripled by now.
That is a lot of people who have a +/- level of understanding at the CCNA level.
I also need you to realize that a CCNA certification only tests hands-on configuration at a moderate level. To be more specific:
1. Maybe VLAN a port, maybe not Trunk a a port. Little by way of etherchannel. Spanning Tree Protocol is introduced but a bit barebones.
2. We like it if a CCNA can subnet and do so on the fly. We can include mostly any conversion – hex/decimal/binary.
3. CCNA’s don’t typically get very deep into dynamic routing protocols. This can hurt in real life networks.
4. CCNA’s are not qualified per the certification on Security, Network Management, or QoS. In the real world we are crazy about our Firewalls, VPNs, IPS, QoS, Multicast, and network management systems. They do learn the fundamentals of ACLs and one can expect some type of basic ACL to be performed on the CCNA exam.
5. I cannot hold a fresh CCNA responsible for my network, not even a small campus network typically.
6. Taken by itself, a CCNA may have trouble explaining to me the process ARP which is critical to understanding DHCP, which is critical to mostly every single present-day network. Not saying a more experienced industry expert would not understand this topic and understand it well, but the typical CCNA might not.
7. Some CCNA’s shortcut the system. Sad but true. They passes the exam(s) but cannot pass my interview – so they do not even qualify for the $12.00 per hour job – sad but oftimes true. Other CCNA’s who do have experience at the desktop are not ready yet for the campus, much less the enterprise. Let’s face it the CCNA exam essentially covers 1 book and maybe 2 depending on how you slice it. The current market demands and fully expects Cisco Certified Professionals at all levels to be the leaders of the pack. They are expected to be knowledgeable in many errors and very few are hired in positions that pay well that do not have very demanding job responsibilities, much less that do not require a full interdisciplinary skillset.
Now – I have hired network technicians and I know of many who have been hired on the helpdesk for some companies, but few came directly out of left field. Most were already skilled desktop technicians with some years of experience, and others were system administrators with at least as much experience as the desktop technicians. Very very few came directly from a Cisco Academy of Technical Prep School and walked into a job even at the $30-35k range.
Let’s face it at the $30k – $150k range a Cisco certified professional is expected to be the leader. The person with the answers. Not saying the person will know everything, but the person should know where to go to look for mostly everything. That is what most people expect for Cisco certified professional. I do not expect that image to change for a while.
Now that is not to say that Telcom Companies, ISPs, and other companies of the similar venues will not hire an aspiring student who stands above his/her peers, but do not expect that a $50k – $75k salary is going to be offered at the door either. Again, the $25-$35k range is likely to be the norm. But you can expect a nice benefit package, cert exams to be reimbursed, and some college education reimbursement, among other perks. This is the norm as far as I know.
My company hires all over the country and even the world and I can assure you the story is very nearly the same everywhere. I have heard rumors that geography matters and in some cases this is true but still do not expect a 100% difference and the rates to simply double.
Their are expectations and they do call it work for a reason.
Personally it appeals to me, but I like working nights and weekends. I do get flexible “normal working hours” but I am on call 24/7/365 and I do typcially work about 55-60 hours as a norm. Not to say I do get a 40-hour week sometimes, but this is the abnormal. I do not get overtime typically unless I am contracted. So no “more $$$” for more hours.
Sorry in this case it is better to be hourly sometimes depending on where the salary lands.
I do promise every CCNA who is starting out that the field is competitive and it is a hungry market. One you have experience and you have continued to work on your qualifications you will have the upper hand – remember attrition is a beast.
Cisco Certified Professioanals nation-wide can expect about $70-110k + Bonus after about 3-7 years of experience.
Darby Weaver
Jul 07, 2007
One more thing if a CCNA can make $70k and up, what is your instructor making – And I’m going to assume he/she has experience somewhere and holds at least a CCNA or CCNP level certification.
Ask them if they are making $33.00 per hour as an instructor. Most should at least be at that rate.
But ask yourself if the instructor is only making $28k – $72k with x years of experience: what the possibility you have of making that same salary after less than 2 years of “book learning and some hands-on exercises”.
Anyone ever hear of the term “marketing” or “caveat emptor”?
And if they have a job placement program, ask to speak to not only the person they helped place but to his/her direct superior and/or the H.R. department and get their input into what and why the person got hired. Sometimes it amy not always be because of certs or of technical ability.
Dhen
Jul 13, 2007
I just passed my CCNA. I have been working in communications for 8 years, military, and 2 years in a NOC. I look at it like this. Try to get a good job without going to college. There are jobs out there but you are most likely going to be working on commision. This specific certification will open a lot of doors. Managers like motivation and people that are willing to go the extra step in education. Passing the CCNA is just a small step in a long life of learning in this industry for me. I am not a master at any one of the topics, but it gave me a good understanding and a great start. Most people will get their CCNA and stop there because once they get the 40k job they become complacent and rot. I will get as many certifications as humanly possible. Once another door opens I am jumping in and will ride it out until I gain more experience. If they want me to cert in something I will get it. The first thing my hiring manager and my senior level manager asked me were if I had any certifications. Luckily I knew somebody and had six years of experience in communications or I would still be making 12 dollars an hour.
I highly suggest a CCNA. My company won’t even promote you without one. It’s like college just take your courses, expand your knowledge and play politics.
Andrew
Aug 25, 2007
I just passed my CCNA. I was a Network Analyst for a top 10 bank for 10 years. The network included 2000 branches and 2400 ATM machines with a mix of Nortel/Cisco equipment.
Recently I left the bank and moved across the country for less pay to work for a telecommunications company. They are more of a phone company (I’d say 90%) but in recent years started migrating data with their voice portfolio.
I was hired in as a data specialist (I have a Microsoft background as well). I will say that the CCNA is probably my most valuable certification. It was hard as hell and I have had no life for 6 months, but 20 minutes after i recieved it my employer gave me a very nice raise. That is just the motivation I need to obtain more Cisco certifications.
Alot of certifications are useless in my eyes. The MCSE is not something I would ever get. I have 2 MS certs and will stop at my MCSA (just to learn server enterprise).
I think if you work with any kind of Network technology you should get a couple of cisco routers off Ebay, and practice with them. I have integrated my home lab (two 2501′s and a 1741) with my companies lab and have learned a great deal.
dela
Mar 01, 2008
i attended an interview as a CCNA holder for the passed three weeks at the office of the president am still expecting their call i want to know the next step to take.
thanks
Darby Weaver
Mar 01, 2008
Hmm..
Let me clarify. I’m one of those guys with more letters behind my name than the Chinese Alphabet. I read one one post where a CCNA-type might frown on a cert-jockey like me.
Kewl, but to that I’d say take my name and google it, you might want to eat the Alphabet soup. In short, I certify the skills I use and am adept with. Typcially at the expert level. But hey that’s just me.
I studied for and passed the CCNA in like 2000 the first time (actually the test changed and I took it again 6 months later with an even higher passing score – I aced it too – nice review for me). Anyway by 2001, I had a CCNA, and an MCSE+I and I got hired by a household named company at $80k per yer + overtime on a contract basis.
So yes, I say the CCNA is not worth as much (say typically $35-45k on average for most folks) but for those who can handle a decent sized network spanning either a county of a globe (like Earth), then the dollars do come like raindrops.
Today is 7 years later from that rate. I’ve ran a 50,000 user network and updated my MCSE+I to an MCSE+Security, Messaging, and MCT – Yep – I can install clusters, configure to spec, and troubleshoot MS Clusters on both Exchange or SQL-Based Apps – I’ve done Oracle too.
I got my hands on a 1600 Site VPN network in that time too. So my IPSec/SSL/PPTP etc VPN skills are quite current (still need to go and take the Nortel Contivity cert).
I did all those cheesy NMS systems from MRTG to What’s Up Gold, HP-OV, Cisco Works and a variety of others – still do.
I’m not a guru UNIX/LINUX admin, but I’ve been employed as the sole sysAdmin for a few places now using RedHat, SCO, HP-UX, and Solaris. I guess I can get around – no certs in this area.
But Cisco… that’s been the apple of my eye for these last 3+ years.
Started at $60k with a CCNP as a regular employ, enjoyed a 15% bump then took a better job and now realize nearly $100k or exceeding it if you add all my revenue streams.
You write your won ticket.
I wrote mine.
Anonymous
Nov 30, 2009
Good examples of why it’s hard to break into this career field. Elitist prick employers.
Joemama
Nov 30, 2009
Good examples of why it’s difficult to get a decent job in the IT field. Elitist prick employers.
Darby Weaver
Mar 14, 2010
If you need help along the way or have questions look me up:
http://www.sadikhov.com
http://www.networkingboards.com/forum/
My blog:
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com
I’m on linkedin and facebook.
You can find me as a contributor to the CCIE Flyer.
http://www.ccieflyer.com
Tons of forums in the middle from time to time…
Maybe a few other places.
I strongly advise getting certified and getting ahead.
I.T. Works!
Ak55AMG
Mar 14, 2010
I suggest that you go for your CCNA and not listen to what anyone says. I did my CCNA and moved on to the CCNP as there are endless opportunities if you have the will to put in the hard work. After my CCNP i have started studying for my CCNA Security and there is no holding back. I personally think Cisco isnt something you need a lot of advice on if you have the drive to go after what you want. Many people discourage others beacause they find it hard themselves. Do your thing boss.!!!!CISCO is the bizzness
needadvice
May 17, 2010
Hi all,
I m a commerce graduate with 4 years of experience. I m into capital markets. i would like to divert my career as i m not satisfied with my present career. I felt i might be late but just now i came to know about CCNA. will it be worth doing ccna by this time. do this have a good future yet or can i opt for any other courses which hav good future and career options. Kindly advice me ur replies are appreciable.
Thanks in ADVANCE…….
Lonnie
Sep 23, 2010
I think ccna for those day it was okay, be honest I pass ccna just month, it was hard, if you study right and none stop sleeping you will get it pass, but for today market I saw a lot job they don’t much care about ccna so I’m go for ccna security and ccna voice and come back get ccnp, that should help my career..
Darby Weaver
Sep 23, 2010
Update:
I still think the CCNA adds a lot of value to potential employees. Let me stress that.
It’s even more valuable to have one or more of the following:
CCNA Voice
CCNA Security
CCNA Wireless
CCNA Operations – I’m going to give this one my nod too.
Please see my blog and ask questions. I’m helping CCNA’s with their resumes, offering free rack access, and generally helping people whenever I can.
Don’t be shy.
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com
Let me know how I can help you.
I did a decent write-up on how CCNA’s can get experience.
LittleDipper
Nov 01, 2010
OK, nice article and even better comments.
I have a question. My status: I’m finishing my college in 8-9 months (hopefully by July, 2011), and I’ll be getting my MS degree in Computer Science. I already have BS in same field. My question: Would it be smart to get a CCNA? I have no experience in networks but I do have general knowledge which I got from my classes (Computer Networks and Computer Networks Design and Usage – free translation!)
So basically, is it better to volunteer/work as assistant(junior) firs and get some experience or to get CCNA and then look for a job.
Keep in mind that I’m a student so big money is not what I’m used to, and CCNA costs. ($1200 – and where I come from it’s a lot of money, to me) My parents offered to pay but the biggest problem is I’m not so sure…
Studying materials by yourself and then just pay for the exam? How many people do you know did that? I don’t know anyone, but heard of few. No so sure if I could do it.
Thanks for all the help and all the advices.
dubbs
Nov 12, 2010
The CCNA only costs $150. I dont know who told you it was $1200, but they are lying. Self study materials cost maybe $30, the test $150, you can get a CCNA for under 200$….
~Dubbs CCNP
Darby Weaver
Nov 13, 2010
Umm…
How much does the CCNA exam cost?
I jsut took the CCNA Wireless exam at a disocunted price of $225.00 and normally all the 640-series exams (CCNA 640-802) are listed at $250.00 each.
Darby Weaver
Nov 13, 2010
I offer a free CCNA-everything lab.
1. CCNA Wireless
2. CCNA Voice (more like CVoice)
3. CCNA Security
4. CCNA Wireless
There are entire study guide from soup to nuts for the CCNA – look for Yap and lulu.com for what I’m talking about. Excellent lab guide and reference guides.
Lots of people use simulators and emulators.
You choose your favorite. I like hardware.
Darby
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com
Umm… if someone else has to tell you to move to networking as a career, it is probably not the best career for you in the first place.
Lots of people go all the way to the CCIE and drop out after they figure that part out.
Ouch!
LittleDipper
Nov 19, 2010
I almost forgot about my comment here… I see I got some people confused. Let me clarify:
When I said that CCNA costs $1200 I meant it. I was not referring to exam-only but the whole package: classes at a private IT school, materials and exam voucher.
I understand there is a self-study option – in that case the price would indeed be under $200. My question now is: what chances do I have if I take the self-study option? Please omit obvious answers.
Thank you.
Darby Weaver
Nov 21, 2010
LittleDipper,
If you really want to get certified as a CCNA, then you can do so basically for free almost, except the cost of the certs and who knows maybe your employer will reimburse those too.
1. There are a few freebie CCNA or similar labs on the internet. You’ll have to search.
Free Study Guides:
Google for YAP CCNA FREE STUDY
Go to lulu.com and look for CCNA and you’ll find a full-featured course for free unless you want a bound and printed copy.
Eric
Nov 25, 2010
I Received A CCNA In 2003, and HAVE NOT RECEIVED ONE CALL FROM AN EMPLOYER AFTER APPLYING WITH 30 or more ORGANIZATIONS. I LIVE IN A BIG GOVERNMENT CITY, WHERE TEHNOLOGY SKILLS IS (SUPPOSEDLY) ALL THE RAGE. THE CCNA IS WORTHLESS! I WASTED TWO YEARS OF MY LIFE GET TO GET THAT DAM CCNA, BUT NOT ONE EMPLOYER CALLED ME!! THE CCNA PROGRAM IS A FRAUD! I NOW HATE CISCO
Darby Weaver
Nov 26, 2010
Um…
What do you say to all of those CCNAs who are gainfully employed?
1. Neither the CCNA, nor does any certification, of and by itself alone, guarantee a job. I’m not sure what your expectation is there.
2. In the USA, we have a big government city, we call it Washngton, D.C., and of course every state capital city too. These places do hire Cisco certified professionals… who are top of the line and experienced. They usually deal with the highest end contracts, the most money changes hands, and some of the most complex or interesting work may be expected in these cities. This means the CCNA is probably not where one wants to enter the workforce.
3. Let me be perfectly clear, recently I’ve had the opportunity of working with… say $1 million to $100 million dollar per year revenue companies. Most of these either don’t have Cisco at all (too expensive), cannot afford Cisco (too expensive), or cannot afford to hire Cisco (too expensive). So… for a CCNA to find work in the field, the CCNA needs to set the barometer accordingly.
Cisco = $$$ – Not much else to it.
If you can afford to get certified on Cisco gear, then you spent some money.
If you know how to work on Cisoc gear, then you can earn some money.
A CCNA won’t make you the “end-all, be-all” or the GOTO GUY everywhere. Nope! Less so with the advent of the testing dumps.
Most people who know how to work on Cisco gear get certified. Employers are starving for competent Cisco Network Administrators.
Not sure how you presented yourserlf Eric, I’ve never seen the resume. However, like I tell people everywhere and national boundaries don’t even apply here, a company needs to make money and that does not happen if the network is misunderstood and broke or breaking. Hire accordingly and so many opt for consultants due to the inability to trust fresh candidates with $100 million+ revenue networks.
How much did the CCNA cost you?
How much revenue does the company earn per year?
——————————-
Yes, that matters.
Umm… I don’t have 10 Cisco Racks of gear in my house because I like the extra warmth it provides. It’s a form of marketing too.
What can a CCNP do? That’s my theme.
Chris
Dec 15, 2010
Hey Darby,
Been reading this thread with interest as I am looking to get a CCNA. I’m a geography degree graduate with some college exposure GIS experience. Currently I do PC repair and support with a major retailer.
I was debating the A+ certification, but the more of my IT employed friends I talk to, they all seem to think the CCNA is a better bet. I suppose my question is, even with out a computer science degree, will the CCNA improve my general out look to an employer? I’m willing to put the money down to do classes here as it seems that every recruiter that calls me cries out for some sort of network experience which I just don’t have.
The classes are hands on with CISCO gear, and from what you’ve been saying, it seems like that would be a beneficial thing. I know the market is hard right now, but if I am to break into this field, should I go this route or perhaps focus on GIS instead?
Darby Weaver
Dec 15, 2010
Chris,
As you can tell I’m an advocate for certification but not just for the sake of collecting plaques on my wall or anyone elses. Nope.
GIS professionals I’ve known are typically around the $40k range as I recall. Keep that in mind please.
I consider my A+ certificaton valuable – I never went to a single class for it though, I actually learned all by myself literally trial by fire for a few years doing PC repair and then working for a wholesale company in the build room as their troubleshooter.
Priceless experience in my opinion.
I recommend you take a look at the Cisco Solution Reference Design Guides and Cisco Validated Design Guides.
You need to be able to think in these terms, explain these designs, and then implement/operate/troubleshoot them.
This is what a CCNA is really preparing you for and further with the CCNP itself.
The degree is valuable and not many people really care what it is in (believe it or not) in fact most people I work with and have worked with never had an IT relaated degree – unless business counts for much.
However, IT is better if you can get it.
I like Cisco and so I’m biased. Do Cisco!
Did I mention I have an AA and a couple of A.S. degrees?
I’m also doing quite well. You can too.
Darby
Chris
Dec 15, 2010
Appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ve already called the local college about the CISCO CCNA course they are offering. I agree with your statement on the A+ bit, I’m not taking classes either. I do enough at work where I’ve covered the exam totally. Just a matter of taking it now.
But again, do appreciate the advice.
Lalit
Dec 16, 2010
Hi Darby,
I’m from India, I have graduated from Bsc-I.T in Aug2010, & never wanted to be a software pro/eng. My interest was inclined towards security. Now, there may be information or network security.[i'm totally blank about this field]
My Question to you is -whether is it necessary to get our networking funda clear if so, atleast by doing CCNA, & then forward to ccna(security)… Or to get any other course/cert done on security.
Darby Weaver
Dec 16, 2010
Lalit,
Funny you should mention this question. Yes, I think a solid CCNA is an excellent foundational step for Security, in fact, it should even be required.
Let’s go back a step. Network+ would also help a person a long way towards the CCNA and beyond. Of course, Security+ is also another excellent certification that I not only endorse but also have pursued and earned. I’ve been solicited for a few now and since the beginning of the Network+ to serve as an subject-matter expert for the certification itself. I highly recommend both. Both may be worth college credit depending on the University/College too. Another added benefit and many other certs will use one or both of these certs as a portion of their certifcation. Again… more bang for the buck.
Security as a career is a big word. It can have many meanings. Many.
Agu
Dec 25, 2010
Hello
I really appreciate the comments from these posts and i have also learnt a thing or two. I have a question, i recently got my CCNA and that helped me get a NOC job. The thing is i am interested in Network security but i also think to move ahead in security i need a solid understanding in routing and switching, so my question is this, is my CCNA enough or should i go ahead and get My CCNP before starting or try to get CCNA security. Advice need urgently. Thanks.
Agu
Darby Weaver
Dec 25, 2010
Agu,
I’d recommend a layered approach to earning your certifications. You already have earned the CCNA an with the good efect of also obtaining employment. The CCNA Security is a different body of knowledge that will complement the CCNP, no doubt. I’d go ahead and take the time to earn the CCNA Security as it will put a different spin on your vantage point and enhance the value of your time learning the CCNP after you complete the CCNA Security itself.
Darby
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Oscar
Jan 04, 2011
Hello Darby,
I’m almost finishing my CCNA preparation, there are indeed some great sites to complemente CCNA study guides, I am planning on getting the CCNA, I already posses the CEH, with no experience or what so ever, I just like the subject a lot, all that has to do with computer networks, security, operating systems and even rootkits I find completely interesting. My experience is tho, as a maintenance engineer, I got my electrician liscences and others through reading and getting into the materia and it always paid money, at least in the industrial world. I am moving to a different field cause I like computers more than industrial machinery. Do you think that at my 27 years old, I’ll have any chances of getting a good paid job? as a CCNA and CEH? what would you recommend me as a newbie with a lot of will behind, to look for in certifications? I’d really appreciate a reply.
Anonymous2
Jan 29, 2011
This question could almost be rephrased to “Are Cisco Certifications worth the trouble?”. CCNA is the beginning, not the End.
In IT, as with every field (Finance, Legal, Medicine, Sales, Etc), there will always be people who Do, and people who Don’t. It is completely possible to make an obscene amount of money working with Cisco technology and be quite happy and fulfilled doing it. I have been in IT for about 11 years and have never stopped studying for and taking certification tests. I have increasingly become better and better because of it. I live exactly where I want to live and do the work with Cisco that I enjoy the most.
You can’t make a ton of money these days just being a geek. You have to speak, communicate, and present yourself like a professional. A company will only pay your for the amount of value you bring to the working relationship. They don’t care about your wants, needs, or late bills. You’re paid strictly for the value you add. Once you know that, the game is easy. Just concentrate on activities that will make you worth more. Certifications are just one method.
My advice is, if you want to work in networking with Cisco technologies, get rid of the procrastination, blame, and excuses and go for it. No one is going to do the work for you. Don’t second guess yourself and don’t look back. If a high income is your primary goal, you’ll reach it in a few years. If wearing tshirts and shorts to work and making decent money is your primary goal, that is available with Cisco too.
I am a bit emotionally charged about this subject. I have good friends in IT that make crap money and all they do is complain, play Call of Duty, complain, play Call of Duty. They are very intelligent people, they have just never learned how to add enough value for an employer to pay them a respectable salary. It’s funny to me as humans, how fast we all are to rationalize our poor lot in life, instead up nutting up and taking our careers into our own hands.
Try to remember this, your income is based on the need for what you do, how well you do it, and how hard it is to replace you. Remember those 3 things. That’s why PC techs make 35K a year. There are a million PC techs who can replace a hard drive and install anti virus. There is no need for an employer to pay them any more than that.
Some people will, some people won’t. I think that is a life mystery that even the greatest minds will never completely figure out.
I will stop typing now, but one last note in regards to certifications. There are a ton of learning resources available and certs are not hard to get. The main thing you need to practice is FOCUS! When you decide to go for a cert, stop watching TV completely! Stop checking Facebook completely! Stop going to happy hour completely! Stop texting and put your cell on silent. Focus daily and build momentum. TV, Facebook, and friends will still be there when you get done with your cert. Focus is the ingredient that 99% of wannabe’s lack. The more you exercise your focus, the easier it is to do.
If John Chambers and Tony Robbins had a baby, that baby would be me.
steve
Mar 02, 2011
Hey darby ,
I did not attend school this semester and i thinking about getting a ccna certificat in order to make my free time worthy . I was told by some friends that since i dont have any background on ccna i should go with network + first then do ccna in order to have an understand of the material. I have a lot of free time at work and i would like to use it at my advantage , which one should i really do . I am goin to school in august and i would like to have my certicate by that time . Also how long does t really take to study for ccna or it depends on the person , the area i livin by school that offer ccna ask dont ask for less than 2000 are places or online site where i can find it cheaper .
Thank you
Darby Weaver
Mar 13, 2011
Oscar, I got my first corp IT Job at 27 years old for the City of Orlando as I recall. You are fine. CCNA and Security+ if you like both CCNA+Security and consider some SANS courses.
Anonymous is correct. Cisco certification requires commitment, sacrifice, and persistence…
No I did not say you had to sacrifice “any one or thing” persistently… cause if you did… you’d probably be committed anyway.
Steve,
Lots of places to find self-paced CCNA materials cheaper: Google CCNA Blog, CCNA free, CCNA lulu.com, etc.
Cheaper = CBT Nuggets, Trainsignal, Yap, etc. Lots of cheaper.
Cisco Press is cheaper too.
netwurkur
Apr 09, 2011
I have a decade of professional IT experience. I earned my CCNA in 2004. I bought routers on ebay and spent 6 months teaching myself. It was my first certification test and it felt great to pass it. A few months after that I got a job running a network for 1000 users. I got a decent amount of money: 55k. I was pretty happy about it. I busted my butt over the years since then and obtained other certs and possess a CCIE now. I have to say I have no regrets pursuing this path. I sacrificed a lot of free time… a lot of free time. However, the payoff is big. Im now working on my Juniper certs, as I want to focus on enterprise and service provider routing and switching in multi vendor environments. The CCNA was my first step… no regrets..
loy
May 07, 2011
hey, darby…i’m working as an I.T infrastructure engineer as an trainee and recently was certified in ccna icnd 1 exam…as opportunity exist in NOC was thinking to move for ccna sp operations with getting certified in ccna 640-760 sspo.
Can you provide me with links to download useful material for 640-760 and at last should i really go for it & as said – what is matter is bang of buck! which i lack …can you lead me on this Question & this new(unknown) field for me..really’ appreciate..thanks!!
peter
Jun 17, 2011
Is it really worth to have CCNA. I am degree holder in electrical engineering and specialist network adminstrator certification, MCP, A+. last 15 years i worked in telecommunications as field engineer. I have no experience on network side other than my own Dsl router. Now i want to change my field and get into IT. what should i do? where do i start. After getting CCNA will cost $12000 for classroom hands on training, what are the chances to find job in seattle area?
Darby Weaver
Jun 18, 2011
I don’t know if I’d spend $12,000.00 for a CCNA course. Nope! Would not do it.
However, if you feel the need to spend $12,000.00 – I can send you an account number to put the money in for safe keeping.
Let’s see…
I offered a CCENT/CCNA Study Group in my area (Orlando) for about 5 months or so and so far I’ve had 3 CCENT certified folks and a CCNP-Route exam passed from the 10 members who started the group in January.
I’m looking for another CCENT and 1 CCNA early next week.
I expect that each of the 3 CCENT’s will take and pass ICND2 any time now as soon as they schedule their own exams.
$12,000.00 – G!!!! U!!! L!!! P!!!
Darby
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com
Go to:
http://www.learntoroute.com for FREE CCNA Lab Rack access!!! They have 6 pods online and ready for usage.
Go to http://www.itcertguides.com or google “Yap” “CCNA” and “FREE” and my friend has one hell of an awesome set of study guides that are very very complete and very free – he does offer a CD for both the CCNA and CCNP with output for about $10/$20.00 each or so. Otherwise the workbook/textbooks are free.
Matt Basham over at Lulu.com offers a huge soup to nuts workbook for free unless you pay a modest cost for printing it.
Why pay $12,000.00?
I had a friend pay $3000.00 to Kaplan and he did not join my study group…
They sent him the Cisco Press Books for the CCENT/CCNA and gave him a video course online to watch…
Umm… maybe there was something else to it…
$3000.00 for $100.00 worth of books?
Really?
No, I mean REALLY?
A fool and his money is soon parted!
I’d recommend:
CBT Nuggets (Jeremy Ciora) and “The Bulldog” Chris Bryant CCIE
These guys know the CCNA and the CCNP and are AWESOME!!!
Neither costs $12,000.00
Richard Deal and Lammle are also quite awesome for the CCNA…
Still neither ccharges $12,000.00
Darby Weaver
Jun 18, 2011
FYI –
How CCNA’s Get a Experience Without a Job?
Go to my blog over at http://www.darbys.logs.blogspot.com and find out.
It’s my most read article to date.
Darby
Antony
Jun 19, 2011
Hi,
I’m a student doing my engineering in India and specialing in Computer Sciences. I have a deep passion to pursue my MS(in networking). My doubt is, would CCNA certification help me out in pursuing my ambition? Why I ask this is because many people say that CCNA is valuable only when your on a venture to find a job. Please help me out in this issue. Thankning you in advance:-)
Darby Weaver
Jun 19, 2011
Anttony,
I can’t see why the knowledge acquired in the pursuit of the CCNA would not be of help to a person pursuing an advanced degree in networking.
It seems to me you’ll have to learn the content one way or the other.
The degree is academic.
The certification is the practical application of the academic.
You’ll have to decide the value of the certification for yourself.
Darby
Antony
Jun 19, 2011
Darby,
Thnx for your input.I guess it will be better to give it a shot. Anyways, more knowledge never hurts anyone. Infact, I’m still in my 2nd year and the next 2 months I’ll be having my summer holidays. I’ll prepare for CCNA as much as I can in that time frame. Thank you for your help Darby
peter
Jun 20, 2011
http://www.darbys.logs.blogspot.com not found please send the correct link
Kevin
Jul 02, 2011
Darby,
I am making a push for the rest of the year to get my CCNA and move off of the helpdesk. I have my A+, Net+, Security +, FOI, and FOT. I am an aspiring Network Security Professional and see Cisco as a necessary path towards that goal. I find IOS not to be very difficult to understand, to be honest if I could conquer subnetting this would be a done deal. Do you have any suggestions on method or materials for someone to get a firm grasp on subnetting?
Darby Weaver
Jul 02, 2011
FYI – One of my study group members who earned renewed his CCNA by taking the CCNP Route exam just scored an $80k+ (US) job.
Not too bad.
Darby Weaver
Jul 02, 2011
Kevin,
I wish I could same the same. I find myself learning a ton more about the Cisco IOS every day.
Today I took a hit on up/down over ethernet interfaces on a router and got “schooled a bit” on something I take for granted in my own little switched world.
Hint: The behavior is different, small detail but one worthy of notice.
I then found myself getting schooled on Frame Relay as I research and test it – example here’s an example:
5 Ways to Relay frames in IOS Frame Relay:
=========================================
1. Traditional Frame Route Command
2. Newer Global Connect Command
3. Hybrid Method (similar to Back-to-Back but uses DCE)
4. Back-to-Back
5. Tunneling between Switches
So… subnetting:
1. learntosubnet.com -> Awesome resource.
2. Chris Bryant offers a package for CCNAs to master subnetting.
3. learntoroute.com -> Free Router/Switch pods for testing out stuff on real IOS.
4. Boson.com offers free charts on subnetting.
5. Google is your best friend for even more resources – tons are just plain old vanilla freebies.
6. Get a subnet calculator to verify your work.
7. The Cisco Learning Networking has an awesome little Binary Game to help you learn to subnet even faster. I played it once – I gotta go back and take the high score.
Kevin
Jul 03, 2011
Thanks for listing those resources, I found out today that the CCNA as is will not be offerred after november so I am going to have a month less time to meet my goal.
I want to clarify what I said about IOS, the depth needed for the CCNA is fairly easy and I have had a descent amount of experience with it although more wouldnt hurt. I’m going to spend the better part of his month practicing subnetting math at least until its second nature, binary conversion is really simple and the binary game from cisco is like binary tetris and I have played it at the helpdesk often.
Darby Weaver
Jul 03, 2011
Don’t worry I think we all know you meant well my friend.
I still remember thinking I’d just walk in and pass the CCIE Lab from studying the material once… just once.
I went to bed last night (this morning at 4am) and I’m back up at 7am (EST) at the grindstone after months of just studying for the CCIE RS Written exam – all by itself.
Some call it theory… but it is all theory we need to know to the Nth degree so we can perform when called to do so.
Darby
I leave for Cisco Live on the 6th in Las Vegas!
No rest for the wicked.
My schedule is pretty water-tight:
1. CCIE 8-Hour Lab (Sunday)
2. CCIE 8-Hour Written Review (Monday)
3. CCIE RS Written Exam (Tuesday)
4. CCIE 4-Hour Graded Lab (Tuesday)
5. CCNA 4-Hour Lab (Wednesday)
6. CCIE 4-Hour Graded Lab (Wednesday)
7. CCIE MPLS Review (Thursday)
8. CCIE Troubleshooting review (Thursday)
9. CCIE IPv4/IPv6 Subnetting Review (Thursday)
10. CCIE RS Labs Review (Friday)
12. CCIE RS Labs Review (Saturday)
13. Flight Home 4.5 Hours (Video Review) (Saturday)
Kevin
Jul 03, 2011
Best wishes to you my friend on achieving your goal, if you have prepared as much as you say, then I am sure it will happen for you. I will be doing a similar grind to take the CCNA before the November deadline and we lose the curernt exam forever.
Be sure to keep us updated on your progress, I am cheering for you.
Darby Weaver
Jul 03, 2011
Kevin,
Thanks!
I’ve studied a lot, been to a lot of classes, taken a lot of real labs and vendor graded labs (about 24 now if I count correstly), and I’ve done quite a bit of research for the CCIE RS Lab.
It’s not quite enough. Not yet.
Maybe some people are just a lot smarter than I.
I work in a company with a lot of degrees – PH.D. M.D. J.D, Electrical Engineers (BS/MS) etc. They seem to think I’m a pretty bright guy.
I’ve gotten into honor societies with 4.0 grades.
Nuke School, Stellar ASVAB scores… 90+ percentile as a 17 year old, etc.
Some people have told me I must be a poor test taker too…
I passed nearly every other test Cisco has offered. I’ve passed as many as 5 certification exams from Cisco in a single day.
I’d suppose if that’s a bad test taker… I’m the poster-child.
No, I have a good idea what ready for the lab looks like and I’m not quite ready yet.
I can teach a few subjects but I am not quite ready for the CCIE RS Lab, not yet.
I’d suppose if all I wanted to do was prep for under 50 or so TS problems and learn a single or maybe 3 or 4 topologies cold… then it really would not take me quite so long…
And those folks who say I must be a poor test taker would call me a genius. More so if I just repeated the process for a few more CCIE Labs…
Umm…
Those aren’t the kind of people I’m ever going to worry with trying to impress.
Not on my agenda.
I’ll get there and I know my road is the one less followed.
I’m a very patient person.
Darby
AddyRodriguez
Jul 05, 2011
Hi Darby,
You are AMAZING! I am a very slow reader, believe me! but as soon as I started reading the blog, I was like “I want to read more about this guy”, I read all your comments from top to bottom!! I think You are the most amazing person ever! I admire you…. I am bookmarking all the links you provided, I need to get as much help/info about certs and hands-on experience as I can. I am afraid to post my background here, I feel like I will get attacked, but here it is: No IT experience at all, some certs: Net+|Sec+|MCSA|CCENT| am scheduled to take CCNA next Thursday (7-07). I had been doing self-study only, it has been 1 year now, I got all the certs just as self-study (MCSA is another story, I got a student loan with the promise that in 6 months I was going to be MCSA certified and earn from 35-40K as an entry-level, it was a lie, now I am in debt) .
The only reason I kept on studying was for I fell in love with technology, I love computers (I am from another Country, so no schools offered computer education back then… I got in touch with a computer (for the very first time) when I was 29 years old, now 34.. I think I am aspiring too much, but I want to work in IT some day, no matter what they pay to begin with, the only problem is to get my foot on the door. There is a GIGANTIC amount of aspiring IT candidates than me,(if my grammar is understandable); I am a minority, being a woman (called a “soccer mom”) and English as my second language had not discouraged me (YET) ….I do apologize with the bloggers if any of my comments offend you.
I will look onto your blog, thanks for the time spent responding.
AND…. I wish You the best on everything!!
(I just wanted to say a short “Thank You” to Darby, but for some reason I kept on typing, sorry!)
kindly,
Addy
Darby Weaver
Jul 06, 2011
Andy,
Thank you for your very kind words.
Hmm… 29-24 and working pretty hard it seems to catch a break in IT. Email me ay my full name at yahoo.com and I’ll work with you one on one to assess your strengths and weaknesses and offer some assistance if you like.
I’ve done this before for a few people both locally and remotely and I have fairly extensive resources, some of which I just have not seen “for sale” anywhere else and you’ll never beat my price: Free for the asking.
I must warn you I’ll tell you what I think and sometimes it may be more brutally honest than you’d like, trust me – I have to put up with my own criticism of my own weaknesses and shortcomings.
I have to be at the airport this morning and Cisco Live starts today for me – I return on the 18th of June or so to normal activities. So send me your contact info and I’ll probably at have read it and had the chance to make some recommendations.
I can’t say breaking into IT is “easy” but others have done it successfully and are now very gainfully employed.
FYI – I was probably 28-29 when I tried to take a class costing thousands of dollars from UoP for the MCSE program so I can actually sympathize. Luckily for me their financing ran dry and I was forces to “self-learn” after the second course or so. Best thing that ever happened to me. I got over it and persevered.
You can too.
You probably have more experience than you know and let’s find out how to turn whatever you know into solid gainful employment. I know it can be frustrating but it can happen!
Darby
http://www.darbyslogs.blogspot.com -> In case anyone is wondering where my blog is at.
Gotta run – I have a plane to catch.
Matt Wolfgang
Jul 11, 2011
Kevin,
Where did you get the information that the CCNA exams (640-802, 640-816, 640-822) were being retired in November?
I could find nothing on the Cisco website that indicated that this was the case.
Despite the fact that you might expect it’s “time” for a new CCNA exam, routing and switching has not changed much in the last several years, so I wouldn’t be surprised if these exams don’t change for another year or two. Also, the IOS knowledge required for these exams is very basic, so it also has not changed with IOS updates.
Are you sure you didn’t read something that was old? I believe 640-801 was retired in November of 2007.
Kevin Bush
Jul 11, 2011
Apologies Matt and everyone else,
I have been unable to substantiate that claim and am getting the impression that I conveyed hype and guesstimates in this thread that I found somewhere else. I will continue looking for a source that can shed light on this issue.
I’m not usually caught up in BS and I remember the dates where August for when the new exam was to be offered and November when the 640-802 would no longer be available.
I will keep looking into this, I hope I was wrong I need more time to prep
Matt Wolfgang
Jul 11, 2011
No worries, man. Just wanted to make sure that no one freaks out because they think the current curriculum is no longer valid.
FYI: Regarding subnetting, I would recommend learning how to build a subnetting chart, even if you know how to do it mathematically. The amount of time it will save you could mean the difference between pass and fail. I knew the math, but realized the value of the chart in an exam environment.
jim
Aug 08, 2011
Hi. I took/passed the CCNA exam last week. If you go the 2 exam route its very easy. Know subnetting and how everything works, like when a frame/packet traverses the network. The IP address doesnt change but MAC will. Know your junk, plenty of cheap or free resouces on the net and you should do ok. I personally think its a bit overated for difficulty but maybe I studied to hard. Just look at the videos or whatever your practicing many many times. Once you “get it” then I guess your ready. If you paid over 1000 USD for study materials, you got took for a ride! Those guys are there to take your money. You can pass this exams with only sims.
Kevin Bush
Aug 10, 2011
I have been studying a lot lately. I finally cracked sub netting which has allowed me to move forward with sims and practice exams. I am starting an internship at work with the networking group later this month, they encouraged me to take the two test path and I plan to do so. I am currently help desk for a large company, the network group wants to train me to switch vans, build a test lab, and survey for additional wireless AP’s at facilities (We support 14 hospitals from my department).
I have only bought the ICND1 and ICND2 study guides and a cisco IOS command line bible when borders was going out of business, so my little cisco library was got at a discount.
I plan on taking the first test by the end of next month, I want to be finished with the CCNA track by xmas, glad to hear that you smashed it!
P.S. Lot of talk about the Cisco layoffs, in my opinion that will not affect us in the job market, those are sales, manufacturing, and management jobs not technicians.
Mike
Aug 27, 2011
Darby, I would like to be able to read your BLOG but it says permission is denied. I’m living in Orlando now after serving 8 years in the Army overseas as a broadcast journalist. I’ve always liked computers and I’m starting at Valencia College on monday to finish an A.S. in computer engineering technology (networking) aka Cisco. I’m hoping to be able to pass the CCNA and A+ after leaving, and hopefully will also look into testing for Network+. Where in Orlando are you and let me know how to get access to your blog. Thanks
Geoff
Aug 30, 2011
Does anyone here know about anyone that got a job with just a ccna no bachelors? All of the jobs I see ask for the cert and the degree. If you can get a job with just the cert, maybe I am looking in the wrong spot. If anyone can help I would apreciate it.
Geoff
Aug 30, 2011
Does anyone here know about anyone that got a job with just a ccna no bachelors? All of the jobs I see ask for the cert and the degree. If you can get a job with just the cert, maybe I am looking in the wrong spot. If anyone can help I would apreciate it.
Greg
Aug 31, 2011
If you really want some good free training for the test. Download the GNS3 network simulator and Dynamips. Preferably you want to run this on a linux distro as it’s much more friendly on resources then the windows version.
tom
Oct 15, 2011
Probably to late, but I’ll tell you anyways. I have a CCNA. It was a waste of time. Wish I hadn’t spent all the time doing it. More people are interested microsoft training.
tom
Oct 15, 2011
After reading some post, getting a CCNA by itself is like a sitting on a stool with one leg. I would like to point out that getting a CCNA without a BS is useless, at least in my area.
kevin
Oct 16, 2011
In response to Tom’s comments:
CCNA or Microsoft being more preferred or one or the other being more beneficial, comes down to a number of factors.
1. Opportunity, which certification path is inline with the opportunities available to me?
2. Which certification path am I actually interested in?
The company I am with both paths are important at different times. Both paths yield benefits for the individuals who took the time to cert up, “when” those opportunities emerge.
I didn’t appreciate having my BS at first but, I have learned to appreciate it even more since having it meets a criteria that often comes up as a prerequisite in job interviews or when looking for advancement internally.
Lastly, I know many networkers that would prefer someone with experience with the tech and gear over a degree and a cert, unfortunately making it to them when HR stands in the way is often difficult without knowing someone on the inside.
If your truly interested in cisco keep looking for an opportunity to use it and it will payoff, in a tight economy like ours timing,preparedness, and who you know are the only way to reach your goal.
my 2 cents.
AddyRodriguez
Dec 10, 2011
-Darby,
I tried to contact you through you yahoo mail account, but not sure if it went through. I finished CCNA, but need experience, so I built my own lab at home. I tried to read you blog, but permission was denied. Could you add me? I would really appreciate. I’ve learned a lot from you lately, I think you are a very inspiring and respected person.
-Addy
kevin
Dec 15, 2011
I passed the ICND2 today with a 944, I was suprised at how easy the exam was but again I have studied for almost 6 months. Thanks for the support and suggestions brought forward on this site.
srini
Dec 16, 2011
I am currently working as desktop support engineer in small firm,i really interest in network field so i joined for ccna and ccnp(R&S) in my native place which having an offer sum of 250$ only,so i choose and start working hard without lossing a job.kindly any one advice me can desktop expernice consider into ccna interview…..
personal details:
Native place:INDIA
Contact information:srinivasan.srini18@gmail.com
daveb
Feb 05, 2012
I have some questions for you about IT certification as we you see below here is what my current background is in so you can get a better feel of about me.
As of now, I have about 4.5 years of IT experience and as most recent got my BA in computer network system. My experience is mostly working in the linux realm of things such so light lamp admin when I was at xerox along with some php and web dev which was also very little. I worked in the NOC at Xerox and as of now I work in a NOC for my current company which doesn’t include a whole lot of linux only when things faill and we have to ssh into servers and what not as well escaulating events that require level2 or level3 support.
Now that you have some background info on me, my question to you is:
If I am more passionate about say working with cisco and or juniper networking gear how will obtaining a possible cert in one or possibly both help me in my current position if there is no need for a cert nor do I work with cisco or juniper equipment since we have a separate department that handles this?
If I am not using my certification all that much what value is of it if am not utilizing it. ?
I am also looking for my next challenge and something else to add to my credentials would this be an option since I’d rather not continue my education i.e masters degree?
I hear arguments from both sides of the fence that it is either worth getting certified and the other half says its not. What are your thoughts? I do have some cisco experience I have a semi-lab setup at my house and if I do decide to pursue I will be strictly studying not using braindumps etc.
Also, given a scenario where job X requires you to have 3-5 years experience but you only have a 5 years of overall IT experience (not focusing on any particular tech)and you don’t have any experience working with say cisco specific technology in a production environment what good is the cert if you don’t have the experience working with that particualar technology in this case cisco?
I am not really looking for another job really more of ways to prove my chances of moving out of a NOC position.
Thanks for you time,