How to pass the CCNA exam

Passing the CCNA exam will help give you a leg up on the competition whether you are just starting out or an IT veteran. I've outlined 3 straightforward steps below that helped me pass the CCNA exam, and will hopefully do the same for you.

Things You'll Need

• Study Material
• Test Simulator
• CCNA Books
• Lab Simulator

Instructions

1. SET A GOAL TO PASS THE CCNA EXAM AND SCHEDULE THE TEST

   I know that this sounds pretty basic, but you would be surprised at how many of my associates have said that they'll get a Cisco certification some day and never do. Every person whom I know who has earned this certificate has made it a goal to pass the ccna test before any of the really intense studying begins.

   I suggest that you schedule the test as soon as possible. This will do two things; create a deadline so you can budget your time, and it makes you commit to taking the test.

   There are a couple of links below which will show you test centers near you.

2. GATHER YOUR STUDY MATERIAL

   There are a couple of things you will have to have for to prepare for the test.

   1. If you don't have access to Cisco equipment you'll need to purchase a CCNA simulator. There are several available out there and they are well worth the investment.

   2. Books... Save your money and look on eBay, many times people will sell their books right after passing to recoup some costs. Visit www.ciscopress.com to see what the latest versions are.

   3. Study Guides. There are several companies out there like Test King, etc. which bundle a simulator with additional "guides". My experience has been that these guides use sample questions that are pretty close to the exact answers you'll find on the test. i.e. they come from Brain Dumps. (This article won't get into whether or not people should do this, just informing the reader as to what's available.)

3. STUDY STUDY STUDY!

   Everyone has their own methods, so I am not going to get into the details. With that being said, here are some tips that helped me pass the CCNA:

   1. Read the material and do the labs! That's right, I read the CCNA books from Cisco at least two times and did all of the accompanying labs.

   2. Find a study buddy. This one's invaluable, you need someone who you can be accountable to and who can explain a difficult topic in a different manner

   3. Look for study material online, there are forums and calculators which are available for free.

4. LAST MINUTE PREPERATIONS TO PASS THE CCNA

   I agree with many forums out there which suggest taking CCNA practice exams several times, especially in the last couple of weeks leading up to your test. Find a good simulator so that you can get use to the testing format. Set aside plenty of time and try to mimic as close as possible the testing center by choosing a quite location where you will not be disturbed, using only a #2 pencil and blank piece of paper, following the time closely.

Resources

• Cisco Books
• Prometric Test Centers