I passed the CCNA today. I come from an unrelated field, and thought that this would be the best certification to pursue to get a foot in the door of IT. I began my Cisco experience with a lot of hardware/software knowledge (although nothing formal), but only end-user network experiences. After reading a lot of books, poking around on some web sites, sorting through these e-mails (thanks to those of you who contribute!), and using some router simulators, I feel comfortable making some recommendations to other green folks who are pursuing the CCNA. This is not the order in which I read them, but I think this would work best. 1.) Myhre's CCNA Certification: Routing Basics... 2a.) Lammle's CCNA study guide 2b.) Lammle's e-trainer router simulator 3.) Lammle's CCNA Exam Notes *Note that this applies to 640-407* Myhre's book really brought things together for me. I think it's the best place to start. Lammle's study guide is the standard, and I liked the practice exam best as it best simulated the actual exam in format and content (be sure to download revised WAN chapter). The e-trainer was invaluable (although sometimes flawed) to me as an individual with no access to network equipment (one of my highest scores was on the IOS portion). The Exam Notes hit the basics of the exam. Not necessary, but helpful. I also read Cisco: A Beginner's Guide (Shaughnessy). While I forsee this being the best reference book of the bunch in the future, I don't feel it was especially valuable as a test prep book. General exam impressions: I don't feel any sections were especially hard-hit. I think the study guides I read prepared me well and spent adequate time on each subject. Note that folks who take the test aren't kidding when they say to have more than a passing knowledge of the OSI model. Learn everything you can about it! Thanks to those of you who were amused at the simplicity of the CCNA but still help beginners. And thanks also to fellow CCNA-seekers/-passers who were willing to share tips. Kevin Long NCSP by education CCNA by the grace of God PS-I'll send a PDF of my OSI study sheet to anyone who knows what a NCSP is ___________________________________ UPDATED Posting Guidelines: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/guide.html FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
