CCNA® Routing & Switching Certification - SYLLABUS

CCNA® Routing & Switching Certification

1.The CCNA certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

2.CCNA certified professionals have the knowledge and skills to make connections to remote sites via a WAN, mitigate basic security threats, and understand the requirements for wireless network access.

3.CCNA training covers (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2), VLANs, Ethernet, and access control lists (ACLs).



You can take CCNA Exam As combined (ICND1+ICND2)

Like: 640-802 CCNA Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) +

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)


OR Separately

Like: 640-822 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)

640-816 ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)


640-822 ICND1 -CCENT
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
Exam Number: 640-822 ICND1
Associated Certifications: CCENT and CCNA
Duration: 90 minutes (40-50 questions)
Available Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Korean, French, Portuguese


640-822 ICND1 Exam Topics

Exam Description-ICND1
The 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) is the exam associated with the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician certification and a tangible first step in achieving the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small branch office network. The exam includes topics on networking fundamentals; connecting to a WAN; basic security and wireless concepts; routing and switching fundamentals; the TCP/IP and OSI models; IP addressing; WAN technologies; operating and configuring IOS devices; configuring RIPv2, static and default routing; implementing NAT and DHCP; and configuring simple networks.


640-816 ICND2
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices - Part 2
Exam Number: 640-816 ICND2
Associated Certifications: CCNA
Duration: 75 minutes (40-50 questions)
Available Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Korean, French, Portuguese

Exam Description -ICND2

The 640-816 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) is the exam associated with the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.0 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network. The exam covers topics on VLSM and IPv6 addressing; extending switched networks with VLANs; configuring, verifying and troubleshooting VLANs; the VTP, RSTP, OSPF and EIGRP protocols; determining IP routes; managing IP traffic with access lists; NAT and DHCP; establishing point-to- point connections; and establishing Frame Relay connections.


I Suggest you take CCNA as a whole i.e ICND1+ICND2, This would save time and money. While preparing for the exam you can start from CCENT for better understanding. Success is always in mastering Fundamentals. Try to master trouble shooting skills because most of the questions in CCNA can be tackled if you are proficient in this domain. Moreover, this skill will help you in obtaining your next level cisco certifications with ease and to land in your desired Job.


By,

Fayaz C.B

Why You Need To Practice On Virtual Labs ?

The CCNA virtual lab has become a good alternative to building a real lab using used or new Cisco equipment. The traditional problem with using physical Cisco equipment is that it is very expensive and still might not have all the features you need to pass the CCNA exam. I highly recommend using a simulation for this reason. Here are 3 reasons why you need a Cisco router simulator to help you prepare for the CCNA as well as your career beyond the CCNA:


Simulation Questions In The CCNA Test - Cisco has put many simulation-type questions into the CCNA in order to test the candidate's ability to troubleshoot and configure network devices in a real life situation. The weight of these questions with regards to the final CCNA score is generally agreed to be very high, although only Cisco knows for sure. It is thus crucial to get proper practice for this section of the already difficult CCNA. One of the best ways to get your hands-on practice without incurring huge costs is to use a CCNA virtual lab.

Memory Retention - Actually going and doing some actual configuration of the network devices will allow you to remember and understand the difficult CCNA concepts better. Networking is most definitely a practical subject, and although reading the books and understanding the theories from the books is definitely important, actually doing the configuration and troubleshooting will cement that theoretical knowledge in your mind. A Cisco router simulator is an excellent way to get this crucial practice.

Important For Employers - Beyond the CCNA, it is quite common these days to have a technical interview for any new networking job. Employers need to be certain that candidates have the technical skills necessary to do the job well. Even if you are technically qualified and have the necessary certifications, very often you will be asked to demonstrate your technical skills in a technical style interview. These kind of questions will usually revolve around troubleshooting skills which are highly valued by many employers these days. A CCNA virtual lab is the perfect way to get these highly valuable troubleshooting skills without spending too much.

Five Things To Do DURING Your CCNA Exam

There are plenty of articles out there about how to prepare for the CCNA exam. However, there are also things you can do to increase your chances of success on exam day during the most important part of the entire process -- the time that you're actually taking the test.

I've taken many a certification exam over the years, and helped many others prep for theirs. Here are the five things you must do on exam day to maximize your efforts.

1. Show up on time. Yeah, I know everyone says that. The testing center wants you there 30 minutes early. So why do so many candidates show up late, or in a rush? If you have a morning exam appointment, take the traffic into account. If it's a part of town you don't normally drive in during rush hour, you might be surprised at how much traffic you have to go through. Plan ahead.

2. Use paper, not the pad. Some testing centers have gotten into the habit of handing exam candidates a board that allegedly wipes clean, along with a marker that may or not be fine-pointed. You do NOT want to be writing out charts for binary math questions, or coming up with quick network diagrams, with a dull magic marker. It's also my experience that these boards do not wipe clean well at all, but they smear quite badly.

Ask the testing center employee to give you paper and a pen instead. I haven't had one refuse me yet. Remember, you're the customer. It's your $100 - $300, depending on the exam.

3. Use the headphones. Most candidates in the room with you understand that they should be quiet. Sadly, not all of them do. Smacking gum, mumbling to themselves (loud enough for you to hear, though), and other little noises can really get on your nerves in what is already a pressure situation. In one particular testing center I use, the door to the testing room has one setting: "Slam".

Luckily, that center also has a headset hanging at every testing station. Call ahead to see if yours does. Some centers have them but don't leave them at the testing stations. Wearing headphones during the exam is a great way to increase your powers of concentration. They allow you to block out all noise and annoyances, and do what you came to do -- pass the exam.

4. Prepare for the "WHAT??" question. No matter how well-prepared you are, there's going to be one question on any Cisco exam that just stuns you. It might be off-topic, in your opinion; it may be a question that would take 20 of your remaining 25 questions to answer; it might be a question that you don't even know how to begin answering. I have talked with CCNA candidates who got to such a question and were obviously so thrown off that they didn't do well on any of the remaining questions, either.

There is only one thing to do in this situation: shrug it off. Compare yourself to a major-league pitcher. If he gives up a home run, he can't dwell on it; he's got to face another batter. Cornerbacks in football face the same problem; if they give up a long TD pass, they can't spend the next 20 minutes thinking about it. They have to shrug it off and be ready for the next play.

Don't worry about getting a perfect score on the exam. Your concern is passing. If you get a question that seems ridiculous, unsolvable, or out of place, forget about it. It's done. Move on to the next question and nail it.

5. Finish with a flourish. Ten questions from the end of your exam, take a 15-to-30 second break. You can't walk around the testing room, but you can stand and stretch. By this point in the exam, candidates tend to be a little mentally tired. Maybe you're still thinking about the "WHAT??" question. Don't worry about the questions you've already answered -- they're done. Take a deep breath, remember why you're there -- to pass this exam -- and sit back down and nail the last ten questions to the wall.

Before you know it, your passing score appears on the screen!

Now on to the CCNP! Keep studying!


By,

Chris Bryant

Cisco Router Simulator - A Checklist For Choosing the Right Simulator For Your CCNA

A Cisco router simulator is an important tool for any CCNA candidate to prepare for the CCNA. This is because having hands-on knowledge is an important part of passing the CCNA these days. Skills such as configuration and troubleshooting are extremely prized amongst prospective employers. Thus, you definitely need to get a Cisco router simulator if you want to have any hope of passing the CCNA and getting that first network engineer job. Here is a short checklist of items to look out for when buying a Cisco router simulator:

1. What is included? - You need to check what is included in the simulator package. Is it a pure simulator with no included labs and guidance? Most Cisco router simulator packages have guided lab exercises which you can complete. These exercises cover the whole breadth of the CCNA exam and you can be more confident of passing the exam if you are able to do them well. If the package does not come with included lab exercises you might be forced to purchase them elsewhere which would be an additional cost.

2. Instructor - If the lab exercises are included (they should be included for most quality CCNA simulators), do check to see who is the instructor who wrote the lab. This is no guarantee of quality but a highly experienced trainer who has worked in the networking industry for many years with true practical experience definitely will be able to write better labs. These labs should be as close to a real networking issue and situation so that you can get the necessary hands-on knowledge.

3. Cost - A good Cisco router simulator should not be too expensive. A quality product can be purchased for less than $150, with free shipping from the major online retailers. This cost is definitely much lower than buying used Cisco devices from sites like eBay, so using a Cisco router simulator is definitely a very cost-effective way to study for your CCNA.


By,
Francis W Teo

How To Select A Good CBT Video

Using CCNA video training is a great way to study for your CCNA. There are several advantages, including low cost and having a highly qualified virtual instructor to teach you the difficult networking concepts anytime and anywhere. You are able to repeat the virtual class as many times as you like, until you are able to understand. Here are 6 factors to consider when you are buying CCNA video training:

1. Instructor - There is a large variety of CCNA video training available on the market. The best ones are taught by highly qualified CCIE certified network engineers. These instructors typically have years of experience in the networking industry and are not only able to teach the material well, they can also share with you tips and tricks from an industry insider's perspective. Be sure to check the qualifications and experience of the instructor before getting any video training.

2. Quality of CCNA Video Training - The resolution of the videos are crucial to the learning experience. Although it is definitely not necessary to have high-definition video, they must be clear enough for you to be able to learn effectively. For example, if the video is demonstrating command line configuration, the resolution should be enough so that you can watch the commands being typed in and the corresponding results.

3. Formats - You should take note of the format of the training video to ensure that the video can be played on your computer. If if it's in an industry standard format such as AVI or WMV, this should present less issues when trying to play the video.

4. Bonuses - Some video packages include many valuable bonuses including videos and audio files which can be played on your iPod, transcriptions of the video training and included practice tests. The cost of these extras will definitely add up, should you need to purchase them separately. It's definitely a great boon if they are all included in the package for the same price.

5. Guarantee - Does the video package come with any guarantees? Although it's not guaranteed that you will pass the CCNA exam, CCNA video training can be rather expensive (when compared to a book) and it is always reassuring that you get a satisfaction guarantee. The guarantee period should also be at least a month long so you have time to use the training and evaluate it to see if it's a quality product.

6. Cost - How much does the training cost? A good training package need not be too expensive. There are many discount deals if you know where to look. A complete and good quality CCNA video training package can be purchased for under $400, often with many bonuses thrown in.

By Francis W Teo

CCNA free Study Guide

If you are intending to study for the CCNA exam on your own by using CCNA books, rather than taking a course at a school or other Cisco authorized training partner, you might be confused by the vast amount of CCNA preparation material out there. Here are 3 types of books you will definitely need in order to do well for the difficult Cisco CCNA networking certification exam: ALso refer ccna exam review questions answer key posted earlier.


1.CCNA books (self study) - These are the books which provide the main learning and technical material for the CCNA exam. The good books are closely aligned with the CCNA syllabus and updated regularly to keep up with the changes that Cisco makes almost yearly to the CCNA exam. They are usually of a high quality and are written by highly qualified and experienced network engineers. These authors usually have a high-level Cisco technical qualification such as the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), which is the highest level of technical certification given to Cisco network professionals. You should be looking out for such qualities when choosing a good CCNA preparation book.


Exam cram books - These are the books you should be looking at once you are finished with the self-study books. At this point, you should be familiar with the technical written material and understand all the necessary concepts required to pass the CCNA exam. These exam cram books serve as a last minute revision so you can remember the essential concepts required to pass the CCNA. Unfortunately, many of the concepts in the exam are still quite recall-intensive, so using exam cram books to boost your ability to recall the facts is a very good idea.

3.Practice tests - Once you have all the necessary knowledge and facts, as well as a good understanding of the material, you should try out practice tests to ensure that you are able to answer test questions in a simulated test environment. Traditionally, these tests come in a book form where you just complete the questions in a book. These days, there are several computerized test programs where will simulate a real test. These ensure that you have a good feel for the exam before going for the real thing.
by,
Francis W Teo

Don't Get Caught Off-Guard, Be Prepared

The Cisco certification exam is not easy. On top of that, it's pretty expensive, too, with test takers paying $125-$150. Those taking the certification exam should be as prepared as possible. Being certified should be a one-time deal. No one should have to pay for more than one test. The facet of the test that affects most people being certified is the simulator section. Router simulation via virtual labs and practice tests is a great way to help with test preparation. The CCNA exam is not something to be taken lightly.

The CCNA simulator takes the most time on the test and that is where the majority of the test takers will make or break their test. It is both the toughest portion, and the most important portion. You can't simply answer "C" and move on like you can with several other tests. A simulation router helps the one being certified go through extensive practicals and troubleshooting methods. Router simulators should emulate the actual test design so the students are not caught off guard.

Life can get ahead of some people and study time is at a minimum. On the one hand it is important to take time to study for countless hours and on the other, it is equally wise to save the time studying and study effectively. It's common knowledge that the simulator section is the most time consuming and difficult. Why not have the simulation at your fingertips? That is an effective way to prepare for the test.

It is proven that those who have taken advantage of simulator software score higher and oftentimes get certified the first time they take the exam.

By Paras P