CCNA/CCNP

[Galaril]

Anyone who has taken/gotten the Cisco Network certs ie CCNA, CCNP able to tell me how many tests are involved to get certified in either of these?

[cartman]

I got mine several years ago. From what I remember, there was one for CCNA, and an option on the number of tests for CCNP. There were three individual tests, or you could take one mega tests that was basically the three single tests bundled into one. The advantage of the one mega test was that if you were weak in the knowledge of one of the three sections, but strong in the other two, you could average it all out.

Thanks for posting this. It reminded me that I need to go through the recert process for these.

[Peregrine]

The CCNA is a single test, or at least it was. When I got my CCNP it was a series of four tests but that was couple of years ago and they may have changed it since then. Cisco's website has all the info about the tests, just browse around in their certification section.

[Galaril]

Can anyone recommend any good books to pprepare for he CCNP test itself?

[Galaril]

Anyone ? Suggestion CCNP study books?

[cartman]

The stuff I used was a few years back. I'm checking on my recert info, I'll let you know what I find in the way of books.

[BrianD]

I got my CCNA a few years ago, but my co-worker just got his in the last couple of months. I finished my CCNP certification within the last 3 months.

The CCNA certification can be done in either one or two tests. Most people recommend taking just one test since it covers all of the material and doesn't go as deep in details.

The CCNP certification take 4 tests. You could do one giant comprehensive test, but you won't want to do that. Each of the 4 tests is a challenge, so you will want to study only one at a time.

The best books are the Cisco Press books. You can do an Amazon search for CCNA and CCNP and find a box-set for each certification. I used only these and passed my tests pretty easily. Of course I deal with Cisco work every day at my job, so I got a lot of experience that way. The other suggestion is to use practice tests. Boson tests are good, and Cert Killer tests will give you question that you will actually see on the exam.

What is your current level of experience with Cisco equipment?

[Galaril]

I just graduated from Graduate school with a MS in InfoSecurity. I got my C GSEC certification from SANS. I have had fair amount of "study" time with Cisco routers and switches but I am a novice really in regards to Cisco.Also, what is the price for the test and is it an online test?Thnaks to evryone so far for there responses.

[BrianD]

Sounds like you've got a good start. The tests can be passed without any real hands-on Cisco experience, but it is easier with hands-on experience. I believe each test is $100 and they have to be done at an authorized testing center.

[Galaril]

Thanks alot, Brain D.

[BrianD]

You are very welcome. Of course if I hear you are ever going to be looking for jobs in the Green Bay market, I'll have to be sure to give you lots of bad information. :)

[Galaril]

Well. I am actually looking at jobs in the Boston area so no problem their.