How to Gain Cisco Certifications
Obtaining Cisco certification is a way for people in the field of networking to demonstrate that they have attained an advanced level of networking knowledge. By becoming Cisco certified, you will be able to take on high level responsibilities such as large scale network administration and design. To attain a Cisco certification, you must pass a rigorous multi-part exam designed to thoroughly test your advanced networking knowledge.
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Instructions
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Decide which Cisco certification you wish to obtain. Cisco offers multiple certifications at the Associate, Professional, Expert, and Specialist levels. The most common certification is the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator). This is the starting point from which to gain career as a Network Administrator and to obtain higher level Cisco certifications.
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Prepare for the certification exam. There are several ways to go about exam preparation. If you are person who learns well on your own, or if you do not have the time to commit to a formal study program, self-study guides are available. Self study guides can be purchased online or at neighborhood or college bookstore. A company called Cisco Press (www.ciscopress.com) offers well written and informative material to help you prepare for the exam. Formal classroom and lab based instruction can be obtained by taking a CCNA preparation course at a community college or technical school.
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Take the practice tests. Cisco certification practice tests can be ordered online or purchased at a bookstore. There are also some sites that offer online practice tests. These tests simulate the actual certification exam and will alert you to any potential areas that you need to learn more about. You can register with www.braincert.com and obtain free Cisco practice tests from their website. They are also good indicators of your learning progress. If you are enrolled in a formal instruction program, the tests and quizzes given throughout the course will often be based on the real certification exam questions.
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Arrange to take the exam. Visit the Cisco website (www.cisco.com) or ask your instructor for information about examination dates and times in your area. You must also pay a fee to take the test. Any fees involved will be outlined in detail and given to you along with the examination date, location, and time information. The fees are also listed on the Cisco website.
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Arrive at the test location early. If you are late, you may be barred from entering. The Cisco examinations are timed, monitored, multiple choice and are taken using a computer. The typical time required to complete an examination is one to two hours.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no refund given for a failed examination. Study hard and be prepared to succeed. Cisco certifications are widely respected in the networking industry and are a requirement to gain employment in certain specialized networking jobs.
When studying on your own, make sure that the material you are using is up to date and based on the most current exam.
