CCNA - CCNA Exam

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CCNA Exam

isd503

2002-09-27, 2:23 pm

I took the damn thing today and failed! Apparently, I was not as prepared as I thought I was! I used the Transcender 3.0 tests and flashcards. I have to tell you, DON'T USE THIS CRAP!

Transcender exams helped me get my MCSE, but they sucked XXX for the CCNA exam. I am actually asking for my money back! Transcender totally failed to ask questions in the Cisco format: concentrating on actual field use instead of just plain memory.

I also used Todd Lamlle's book, but I want to start over with a different book. I am not sure that was the one I should have used.

What is the best book out there? I'm hearing a lot about Sybex. Also, is there anything out there for free that simulates Cisco's router configuration questions? I see on Cisco's web site that you can only get that stuff by going to the Academy, which I have no intention of doing!

Any good flash cards out there??? The thought of creating my own for this test (it would be a few hundered) makes my stomach turn.

Please only answer this post if you passed the exam yourself, and KNOW the book others have also used to pass the exam. I don't want to take it a third time.

edmonds_robert

2002-09-27, 2:47 pm

I used the Sybex book and passed with a 966 (I believe, it has been a while). I like Sybex because of their attention to detail when it comes to editing. Compared to other books I've used (for MCSE, CCNA, CCA and passed the CCNP switching exam, working on routing) they have fewer mistakes and clearer explanations. Of course, this is my humble opinion.
Another book you may or may not have studied depending on your MCSE (NT or 2000) is "TCP/IP for Windows NT Server 4.0" by Sybex. It was intended for use in studying for the NT MCSE exams, but in my case it gave me a strong foundation in the basics of TCP/IP which carried over to the CCNA studying. I have also used Cisco Press books. They are very complete in their information, especially in concentrating on the required areas for you to pass the exam, but you have to pay attention while reading them. I have found errors in diagrams as compared to configurations and the like that you have to catch yourself and correct in your mind while studying. This can be a bit distracting (or if you look on the bright side, I DID catch the mistake, so that's good too).
Anyway, that's my two cents. If you have any questions regarding particular areas that gave you trouble, let us know and we'll do our best to get you straightened out. Good luck.

lanfeust

2002-09-27, 2:56 pm

I used Sybex 3rd edition to prepare for this exam and I passed with 962. This 3rd edition is excellent for the CCNA. If you buy the deluxe pack you will aslo get routersim and tons of questions.

Otherwise cisco press ccna 604-607 cert guide seems to be a very good book by Wendell Odom (maybe to much details if you only want to pass the CCNA).

Spides

2002-09-27, 5:49 pm

Listen to Ianfeust, he helped me a lot. I used Sybex, but I also bought the upgrade Routersim Version 2.1 18 months ago and this is excellent, because you can configure access-lists and V-Lans etc. Also with Todd Lammle CCNA book, if you can pass the chapter questions you should be fine. I found this book, and I did the Academy, were a lot harder than the actual exam itself. I get 936 yesterday.

Spides

2002-09-27, 5:51 pm

Sorry concerning Transcender, a friend said they were a great help for the old 640-507 exam. But as you've said not very good for the new 607!!! Boson are supposed to be good!!

isd503

2002-09-27, 7:06 pm

Thanks for your help. I'll be trying again in a couple weeks.

Johnno

2002-09-27, 8:00 pm

I haven't sat the exam yet (1st Oct for me), but besides attending the ICND course and working on cisco routers as part of my job, to help prepare for the exam I have used the Sybex study guide deluxe edition. I got RouterSim 3.1 with it. Although good for basic stuff, RouterSim is limited if you want to veer off on a tangent and get freaky with routers and switches. It is limited in what commands it will allow.

Fortunately my workplace has supplied me with a spare 1700 router and 1900 switch. Also I am allowed to hook into 2 of our productin 2600s.

My advice then, if it is possible is to get your hands on some hardware and go hard. You may have a mate working for a telco or something who can sort out a long-term loan or something like that. Anyways... good skills.

wolmart2

2002-09-29, 6:32 am

The best advice I can offer is to study from only qualified sources. The Cisco Press books have been very helpful. The best one for me was Cisco CCNA Exam #640-607 Certification Guide. Use the test engine on the disk, the questions are exactly like the test!!!!! (My score was 936)
Good Luck, Wolmart2

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