CCNA is a very popular certification that focuses on networking. Although it’s no longer Cisco’s lowest-level credential (the CCENT is), it’s still considered entry-level, and those who earn it should keep their job expectations modest. To start your career with Networking, Cisco’s CCNA certification is an excellent start. It provides insight on basic Networking protocols, Routing protocols, Switching, and security issues.

Exam Requirements:

1. You could become CCNA(Cisco Certified Network Associate) in two different ways-
   • Write two Exams ICND-1(CCENT) and ICND-2 or
   • Write a single CCNA exam.
2. There is no pre-requisite for the exam unlike other certifications and it is easily understood by anyone even if he’s not familiar with Networking Concepts. This is the reason why Cisco certifications are so popular, they go from the very basic to Expert Level.
3. The cost for every exam in the cisco’s world would never be less than Rs.12,000 INR (Depends upon dollar rate). Since its a Global Certificate and Cisco incurs a lot for preparing the questions and test patterns, to test both the theory and practical knowledge.
4. Exam could be taken at any Person Vue test center.
5. Usually only 1 exam attempt is allowed, Better checkout offers from the vue exam centre. Often Cisco gives offers like low exam fee, exam re-attempt, etc.
6. Also check out CCNA study group for more info.

Preparation info:

1. Most of the questions will be logical and situation based, and there will be atleast 2 simulation based questions. The Simulation based questions have higher marks than other questions. However Cisco sets 80% as pass percentage. So it’s always better to prepare for the worst simulation based questions.
2. The exam is usually for 90 Minutes to answer 55-65 questions, which should be answered in a normal sequence. i.e. You cannot change the answer or skip the question. note: You cannot go back once you’ve answered the question.
3. Hands-on cisco router is very important, to try it there are three choices
   • You can buy your own router, else Checkout the used cisco router prices on ebay.
   • Also Join any Cisco authorised training centre.
   • Download GNS3 and learn simulating the routers the best way. (But you’ll need Cisco IOS).
4. Practice a lot on routers and subnetting. Do Not memorize the commands without practicing them. Remembering the commands is not enough but the proper usage of them needs to be understood. Since you might have less time for simulation based questions you may tend to forget the commands. Practise alone can save you
5. Before starting the exam, you would be given training on exam such as for simulation based questions, Often people skip this part and then lose time trying to figure out the Test simulation interface. So do NOT skip this part.
6. The Exam results will be declared instantly as soon as you finish the exam. So prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
7. After completing the CCNA exam, you would be allowed to use CCNA logo on your card and you would receive the certificate by mail within a few working days.

Hope this helps you a lot, have you taken the CCNA exam before? or Do you have something on your mind about these cisco certifications and networking? feel free to share your thoughts, comment below

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