How to pass your CCNA first time!

8 Steps to Success

The Cisco CCNA certification is well respected in the IT Networking industry, and is a valuable addition to your CV.

If two candidates with similar experience attend an interview for a Cisco role, and one have the CCNA and the other does not, who do you think has the most chance of interview success?

1. Have the right attitude

Like anything worthwhile achieving in life, the CCNA is not a walk in the park (or everybody would have one). There is some effort involved with your studies, but the reward is a great certification, better employment prospects, plus extra knowledge, and confidence and in your own abilities.

2. Good study material

There are a number of good CCNA books out there.

I would recommend either:

Cisco Press CCNA Official Exam Certification Library

CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide – Todd Lammle

CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide - McGraw-Hill Osborne

(You receive a free copy of the McGraw-Hill Osborne CCNA guide on our training course).

Begin reading through the study material, taking notes also, and contact your tutor if you find anything you do not understand.

Using a router and switch simulator, access to a remote CCNA lab, and using the Boson test exam tool will further enhance your skills. CBT Nugget training videos are also another good way to digest more information when used in conjunction with the above recommendations.

Sure, the Cisco book has more content that others on the market, but that is a plus, not a minus. I have interviewed many CCNA’s for networking roles, and you really can tell those who have studied well, and those that just read as little as possible to pass.

3. Schedule your free time

Purchase a small pocket diary, and schedule times for you to study (and stick to it!). We recommend you schedule 2 hours every weekday evening, and 5 hours Saturday, and 5 hours Sunday. More if possible.

That is 80 hours of study in 4 weeks!

4. Start Studying… hard

Get studying, no excuses, no distractions, and stick to your time scheduled. There are good CCNA’s and great CCNA’s. The difference is in how much effort the individual puts into their study (both written and hands-on). 

5. Book your CCNA exam!!

You need a target to aim for, as it keeps you focused. For example, once you have completed our training course, we recommend you book the CCNA exam for a Monday in about 4 weeks time depending on your experience.

6. Getting hands-on experience

Would you want to be operated on my a surgeon who has only read a book about surgery?

It's the same for IT employers when looking to fill a vacancy!

You need some hands-on experience. You can either build your own network lab at home, or attend a hands-on CCNA training course where everything is ready for you. Either is fine, but you must do one of them. Also using a cisco router and switch simulator, plus access to remote labs is recommended.

7. Final prep

Over the weekend before your exam, re-read over your hands-on lab guide if you attended our CCNA course, read over notes you made from the Cisco Study guides, then take the free Boson test exams that came with your Cisco study material.

Go take the exam!

If you pass, that’s great as you deserve it.

If not, don’t worry. Check the Cisco summary sheet they provide you after the exam and re-study on your weak points. If you took our class, come back again for free.

8. After passing your CCNA?

One you have passed the CCNA, do not stop there! Focus in the same way on your CCNP. It is best to begin studying for your CCNP straight away whilst you have so much CCNA knowledge fresh in your mind.