Which one do you recommend
1. Self study
2. Cisco Networking Academy

Do you get certified by only passing the assessment after each semesters or do u need to take the ccna exams after completion of all 4 semesters? Do u need to pass 1 semester before moving to another one. Wat r the benefits of Cisco Networking Academy. Please advice.

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The Cisco Academy has nothing to do with getting the certification other than providing you with training.
If you have much expierience at all I'd say go with self study. 4 semesters is far to long a time to spend on a CCNA.
But if you require someone prodding you along then by all means go for the academy.
Just check out the instructor and ask some students what they think.

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The only reason i took the Cisco academy was for hands on with REAL router's and someone over my shoulder to help me when i couldn't figure something out,,,

the CCNA doesn't really require you sitting infront of a real router, just use a simulator and read the ciscopress books..

ANd,, maybe it will make you look better on your resume, that you actually took time in a classroom. Learning hands-on..

but if you just want the cert, you would be better of on your own.

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Jax,

I definitely recommend the Cisco Academy. Even though it is long, it is worth it because of the foundation that you need in order to continue with the other certifications. Actually there are even some schools that are have reduced the length to 8 weeks. If you finish the 4 courses then you will have all the basics to fly on your own for anything about Networking certifications. If you instead go Self Study you will lose the basics on which to stand and build on.
The curruculum is structured in such a way that the courses will give you all the Computer Networking basics such as Network Devices, Cables and their connectors, TCP/IP protocol suite, OSI Reference Model, LANs and and different topologies, Subnetting and Supernetting... There is also a lab book where there is an assignment for every chapter in the course book.

To answer your questions:
Like Chodan said Cisco Academy is just a training process so after you are done you'll have to take the real CCNA test. Each semester ends with a final test and the passing score is 70%. Actually after each chapter you have to take a test online too.
I think it's worth it especially if you are heading into Networking.

Just my opinion.

Last edited by sukuvi on 09-25-02 at 11:18 PM

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i have heard some say that another way is to spend the money you set aside for the academy and invest it instead in 2nd user routers via ebay, that can be sold on when you pass your exam.

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CCNA isnot so diffculy that u need 2 months in a router lab, its more about learning the basics of router config that u can do in a week , so dont waste ur time fella, do it with a private institute in 7 days and then prepare for ur exam for 2 weeks thats all, dont put soo much money going to the academy.

im giving my exam tomm and im ready for it, i only spent 7 days on a router that too in a class.

use Ciscopress books and take some practise questions.

thats is all u need.

and plz plz plz take ur subnetting basics seriously, all Cisco certs are based on that.

faith
chris

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I have completed the Cisco Networking Academy about 18 months ago and I don't think it's worth the money. Get the latest RouterSim that allows V-Lan configuration etc and work on that. You don't that much REAL experience in the Academy, it is way too much theory. I felt I was going backwards because I had to trudge through so much b**lsh*t theory. I just passed my CCNA and you wouldn't need to do the Academy to get your CCNA...I've worked in the real world with Routers and Switches and you won't use half of what you learn. In fact a half is being generous!!

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As a mature student with a background in computers I decided the Network Academy was the best way to go, especially when I compared prices with some of the private schools. I've literally saved thousands of dollars by choosing the Network Academy route, I'm learning at ~MY~ pace, and I'm actually ~learning~ about the details involved in networking. I've only been at this a very short time, but so far I'm enjoying it.

RG

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I picked the academy for the hands on exp. Where else would you be able to work with 5 routers and 2 switches? Our instructor is a systems administrator by day, so you also get professional help when you need it.

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I picked the academy for the hands on exp. Where else would you be able to work with 5 routers and 2 switches? Our instructor is a systems administrator by day, so you also get professional help when you need it.

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