I have met a few cisco Academy instructors and so far some of them seem to have a sub-par knowledge of the materials covered on the exam.
I saw someone recently fail the test after going through the Cisco Academy for 2 years.(!!!)
This was an intelligent person who unfortunately thought the academy would teach him all he needed to know to pass and found several topics on the test that hadn`t even been addressed in class.
I`m sure this is a non typical case but I would like to here from other Cisco Academy grads about there expierence.

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Oh my gosh its to much man . This is not a degree how could he stick with this thing for 2 years ?

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Two years and probably forgot the first year.
yep, i've heard a few horror stories. my instructor i've known for a few years. basicly he's done the same cert's i've done and same class. he's good.

The problem is there are more academic instrutors now. Not industry trained. Hence Lack of Practical Knowledge. This is where gaps appear.

Has any-one else noticed the diferent quality of instruction between industry trainers and academic trainers.

Yes No

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He actually took 4 semesters lasting for 2 years.
Also He is earning an associate technical degree at the same tech school that has the cisco academey.

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Last edited by chodan on 11-23-01 at 11:50 AM

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Thanks for clearing that thought chodan.
Understand. Under the circumstance 2 years is to long. The training providers that i'm incontact with run this coarse over a 12 month period.
Hands on and e_labs are good.
The training provider should structure the coarse time better.
The coarse is to long at the best of times.
A good book for the run up to the cert exame is sybex exame notes.

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The Cisco Academy I went threw was 8 months long. The instructor was not certified. Even though I had a 3.5 GPA in the Academy, I've 'yet' to pass the test. The classes were taught threw a local technical college. I paid the 2k out-of-pocket, because my employer refused. We were told in class that after completing the Academy, "even if you havent passed the test yet, there will be so many job offers you wont know which one to except". The only people in my class that passed the test 1st try, where those who already had at least 2 years current experience in Networking for their companies. At the very end of the Academy, my instructor finally admitted to the rest of the class that the test is geared primarily toward those with current experience, but felt that after 4-5 trys we could pass the test.

So I'm out 2k, I've found not one (1) company that is looking to take on someone with no experience, and I'm still trying to pass the test after 5 months. Perhaps I should just bend over and say THANK YOU!

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I liked my experiance it was worth the money! I think just going to the Academy alone is not going to help you pass the exam.
I read other books and did all praticed exams I could get my hands on. Got a 1600 Router to learn on too. Overall the academy introduced alot of materinal and from there on I tried to get more detailed information on the topics. I must say that the Cisco NetAcademy materinal looked really simple and unclear at times. I have been told by my instuctor that it was designed for high schol students. Thanks to Sybex for clearing it up. I highly recommand the labs offered at the academy. Help me passed the exam on the first shot.

Pin2

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I agreed with all you guys comment about the Cisco NEtworking Academy, lack of good teachers, poor facility but good materials.

I myself have 8 years of computer technical support experience and also find it medium hard to cope with the Cisco material. I guess if I have a better teacher then I could understnad better.

My instructor have about 5-6 years experience of laying cables, and configure router and switches but lack communication or teaching skills. In other words, he is a hardcore hardware man.

All is good though I am in my Cisco 2nd semester and hope to finish the curriculum by next April 2002. HOw they do it here is putting two semesters in a four months time frame. So you can actually finish it by the end of 8 months or lest. If you want to they will let you cram 4 semesters in four months if you want to do it.

Anyway, I am taking it in a University in Hawaii where I am currently doing my undergradute. Guys, all I can say is hands-on, hands-on and hands-on. Get your hands on simulation software, real routers and switches or just volunteer yourself to any networking project.

Stay strong and push your self.

All I want is the discount 50% at the end of the four semester. hehe! heh! heh!

Steven

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Just like several other people, I also have attended the Academy.

I had a professor with a telecommunications background teach lvl's 1,2 and 4. I had some schmoe teach my level 3 (what a waste). He contradicted himself more often than not, and failed the exam by 14 points. I personally feel anyone teaching a certain level (CCNA, CCNP) should carry that certification. I found the prof's were one step ahead of the class when it came to configuring routers and switches. I did however buy a couple of books beyond the academy. I purchased CCNA for dummies and the Sybex CCNA study guide. I also had Sybex E-trainer. These were all good reference materials beyond the academy. I was able to pass with a 924, 1st time around. Make sure you understand the concepts!!!! And like my friend said, HANDS ON!!!

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