Can anybody tell me what is the order to take the test? I heard from CCNA forum, it should routing, switching, remote access and support, is that what you follow?

If I want to study by myself and have no hands-on experience before, do I need to purchase an e-trainer? If yes, which one are you using?

Thanks in advance.



Jean

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Hi Jinl11,

The order in which you take the test is not a problem for Cisco so do what you like. However if you are taking courses, I heard that in the Cisco Network Academy, Cisco requires students to take the Routing first and the Support last. Remote Access and Switching could be anywhere in between.
But as you are going to study on your own, that requirement won't hit you.

About simulators, there are many out there. It depends on how full your pocket is. The best way to get a real router on eBay for example but if you can't afford it, then make sure you get a simulator. For CCNP, you definitely need the practice so it's a must.

Welcome to CCNP and Good Luck in your preparation.

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Hi Sukuvi,

You can take the tests in any order. I would recommend two things: (1) Take support last since it builds on concepts covered on the other three exams and (2) Take the topic that would be the easiest for you (based on your background) to ease into the CCNP track.

My order: Switching, Routing, Remote Access, Support.

You should have hands-on practice before attempting the Routing or Remote Access exams since they now include a simulator.

You main options are:

(a) Buying equipment. A single 2948G switch to prepare for the switching exam costs $2000. And they're an "older" model - costly.

(b) Renting a rack. A rack of equipment could cost $60 for a 4-hour rental and you have 12 devices to mess with.

(c) The Cisco Press Switching CIM costs $200 for unlimited access.

A simulator is a good economic choice. Even if you want to buy rack time to try the real thing, practice the time-consuming basics on a simulator first.

Cheers,
Ron


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You don't need the simulator if you have access the the real thing. Just remember that you may not be able to use the short form of the commands in the simulator.

Reamer

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Because of my strengths and experience I did not follow what I perceive to be Cisco's recommended exam schedlue:
Routing
Switching
Remote
Support

Routing does not build on any of the three other exams.

The Switching Exam requires some routing protocol.

The Remote Exam requires some routing protocol.

Support requires all Routing, Switching and Remote.

Sorry I cannot help with any Simulator feedback.

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Routing-->Switching-->Remote-->CIT

Some people take Switching first but I suggest to go for the Routing first as switching itself does cover some routing concepts like HSRP and, layer 2 Framelrelay and queuing.

You need to have a Router to play around or the least the simulators.

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Suresh B.S.(Eng), M.S.(Eng.), CNE, MCSE, SCSA, CLS, CCSA, CCSE, CCNA, CCNP, IP Telephony, CCSP, CCIE(R&S), progressing CCIE(Security)

http://www.sureshhomepage.com
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