My certifications are on the left. I work in the industry, and am experienced in everything I am certified in ( not just a paper cert ). So, now I have decided to pursue the CCNP. I can't decide what the best way to "jump in" would be, any pointers?

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My advice would be to concentrate on Switching. I found it to be an interesting subject which was very relavant to what i was doing.

Buy the Cisco Press CCNP library and read each book two (three in case of routing) times. Buy your self a cheap 29xxXL switch and a 2600 router off ebay and practice your commands.

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Steeda,

I sort-of agree with Carl, the Switching is a decent first step, especially is you primarily support LANs - but it really depends on what you know.

If you got the CCNA because you deal with routers and WANs more than LANs, then you might consider the BCSI, which is routing protocol oriented (RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, and IS-IS). It covers a lot of info, but if you're well versed in WAN, this shouldn't be too difficult.

Remote Access is the WAN configuration aspect, so if you know Frame Relay, X.25, ISDN and dial-up pretty well, it could also be a good place to start.

You'll pick up a lot of the troubleshooting steps while studying for the Routing, Switching, and Remote Access, which will make the Support easier.

On the other hand, you have to do them all anyway, so why not pick one!

HTH

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Thanks for the excellent advice you two. One last question. Am I safe to buy the current Cisco Press CCNP series of books? Is there a new version with revised study materials looming on the horizon? I intend to complete the CCNP by the end of 2003.

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Looking at the Website Cisco have just released an updated set of books. Make sure you check ISBN`s before ordering. Its not a problem either way as you can download the missing chapter on the is-is protocol for free.

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Ok, I see these two ISBN's. They are both complete kits, and look very similar. They were published within 4 days of each other:

ISBN: 1-58705-131-1



ISBN: 1-58720-037-6



Which one should I go with?

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ISBN: 1-58705-131-1

I think, the other one is a reference set. Can someone double check that as i dont have my set to hand?

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From Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com):

Cisco CCNP Certification Library
ISBN: 1-58720-037-6

"Review and practice for the CCNP exams with the official Cisco Exam Certification Guides"


CCNP Preparation Library (CCNP Self-Study)
ISBN: 1-58705-131-1 (searched by "cisco ccnp self" because ISBN was not found - weird)

"Cisco authorized self-study books for CCNP foundation learning"

From the publisher descriptions, the Cert library has questions at the begining and end of every chapter, and the Prep library is a self-study "foundation" package. To me the Self-study looks more like a desk reference rather than an exam prep guide.

HTH

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Hm, odd that they have two 4-book sets that are very similar. Thanks Cisco :P

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You sound like a paper cert to me!
Why don't you ask Computer Dave for guidence - Signed Cleeves MCSE Author
CCIE

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