How to pass CCNA: 6 Steps to Success

CCNA is one of the most respected Associate level Certification in the world today.
Getting a CCNA will definitely help you to get a better job or at least get your foot into Professional Networking Field. When you meet a person that has CCNA degree you will notice that he or she knows something about Networking.
This article will describe and give you some tips on how to achieve CCNA.
I did it so can you, so lets get started.


• 1. Getting ready mentally:
  First thing you need to do is mentally prepare your self. What I mean by that is that you have to seriously think about on why are you getting CCNA and why do you want to be CCNA certified. You have to firmly decide and believe that you will get CCNA within next 3-6 months or so.
  Try to budget your study time well. If you a very social person (like me) you will have to give up some of your social time for the next couple of months.
  Your friends and family will understand. Trust me: it is well worth it. Once you get that cert you can make up for the lost social time.
  
  

• 2. Getting the right study material:
  Second thing you need to do is to get proper study material.
  There is lot of controversy around this and some people go overboard with study guides, books, simulators and such.
  I believe that two Cisco Press books INTR and ICND by Wendell Odom are enough as far as the books go. They are really well written and easy to follow. So sign up at http://www.ciscopress.com and get those two books. Make sure you got the latest version.
  You will also want to get some kind of a simulator that will let you practice commands and that will also build up your confidence.
  You can buy real equipment but that could get expensive. I highly recommend that you become member of Cisco Certification forum.
  Forum is huge and you will get lot of helpful answers, tips and advices pretty quick. (I know I did)
  
  

• 3. Approach and diving deep:
  There are many different approaches to studying from books but I will tell you about mine. This step will take the most of your studying time.
  -Before you even start reading any of the books I suggest learning binary math (really easy) and subnetting so you can do it in your sleep.
  http//www.learntosubnet.com is excellent resource. -read both books casually once from front to cover (make sure you cover introduction and practice questions too). This will give you good overview.
  -Install both CD