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CCNA

The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification identifies a person who has demonstrated entry level knowledge of Cisco's products and networking theory.

CCNA Service Provider

I received an email announcement today regarding Cisco's new CCNA Service Provider certification. This is in addition to the already available CCNA Service Provider Ops certification.

There are two exams that need to be passed in order to achieve this certification, the SPNGN1 and SPNGN2.There are no prerequisites.

You can check out the full list of exam topics on each exam page, but needless to say the list is extensive. By the end of the certification, you should have a good introductory understanding of the following:

Cisco Wireless Certifications Get a Refresh

Cisco recently updated their wireless exams to version 2.0 for both CCNA Wireless and CCNP Wireless.The new version brings a much needed update that is more in line with current Cisco wireless technologies.

Some of the updated content includes more recent versions of WLC and client software. They've also expanded 802.11n support and added more information about Video over wireless and Voice over wireless. Check Cisco's website for more details.

CCNA Cert Library, 3rd Edition

A couple months back, I blogged about the pre-order status of the new CCNA Library, 3rd edition. Well, the new edition is now available for purchase. If you are looking to begin your studies toward a CCNA, this would be an invaluable place to start. 

The library includes two books, one for each of the two tests you can take to achieve the CCNA certification. Alternatively you could read both books and take the single CCNA exam. The library also includes updated practice questions, videos, and a network simulator.

CCNA Labs...Networking for the Real World!

Well, the CCNA Voice 2011 series has just completed on CBTNuggets and now I have my dream opportunity. A couple years ago, I approached CBTNuggets with an idea on a series called "CCNA Labs" - I wanted it to be a hard-core hands on series, similar to CCIE Labs but at the CCNA level.

Now, my ideas are changing a little bit. I've met one too many people who are new to the Cisco world that say things like, "sure, I know how to configure a Cisco router...but what does a router really do again? Where would that go in a company? What's that do again?"

CCNA Official Cert Library, 3rd Edition

The latest and greatest CCNA Certification Library is available for pre-order. The seasoned author, Wendell Odom, has updated the material from previous releases with new content and exercises.

In addition to the books to prep for ICND1 and ICND2, the library includes a test prep engine, a network simulator, and videos. With 1500 pages included, this package is a great resource for anyone starting out on their CCNA journey.

The library package is scheduled to be available October 14, but you can pre-order today.

CCNA Voice Official Cert Guide

Coming soon to a bookstore, web browser shopping cart, or a shelf near you - the CCNA Voice 640-461 Official Cert Guide.

Authored by Jeremy Cioara and Michael Valentine, this book covers the basics of implementing Cisco Voice over IP solutions. Contents include:

  • Basics on VOIP and Unified Communications
  • Managing Endpoints and End Users
  • Handling Calls
  • Telephony Features
  • Voicemail
  • Troubleshooting

Certifications

Welcome to the Certification section of Tekcert. This page has been specifically created to link together all of the information relevant to specific certifications. Scroll through to find the cert you are working toward and check out the resources that are listed. Be sure to check back periodically as updates are made.

CCNA (including ICND1 and ICND2)

CCDA

Official Exam Certification Guide:

Administrative Distance

If you find yourself forgetting the default administrative distance values after you’ve completed an exam, this post is for you.

When routers learn of a route from more than one source, they need a way to pick the “best” one. Administrative Distance is used when such a situation arises. Lower administrative distances are considered more reliable than higher AD’s. The following table is a quick reference for those studying for exams and need to memorize the default administrative distances on Cisco gear:

 

The Essentials of CCNA Webinar

Have questions about the CCNA Certification? Then have a look at the Webinar recording Cisco has posted on their learning network site and it will likely be answered.  This is a one stop shop for getting every detail you could want regarding the CCNA certification. 

The recording is 2 hours long, the first 40 minutes is the presentation and the rest is Q & A.  If you don't hear anything the first minute or so it's because they were having audio issues, but if you fast forward a bit you'll hear it.

Here's the link: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-11417 (basic CCO login required)

Cisco Live 2010

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 12:  Traffic travels on t...

I've arrived at Cisco Live 2010 in Las Vegas - someone has said this is the largest Cisco Live event (attendance-wise) ever. With the mobs of people walking by, I believe it! If you're attending the conference, I'll be presenting a CCNA Voice session on Wednesday at 12:30pm...stop by and say hi!

CCDA

Cisco has an entry level design certification called the Cisco Certified Design Associate, or CCDA. This is similar to the CCNA in that it is a foundational certification that goes a mile wide and an inch or two deep. If you have passed your CCNA and you are looking for the next challenge, take some time to consider the available options...

  1. Specialize in an area of networking with Cisco's Voice, Security, or Wireless CCNA Certifications.
  2. Take your CCNA level knowledge to the next level and focus on the CCNP
  3. Focus on the design track, starting with the CCDA.

If you are interested in persuing the CCDA, there are some great resources to get started. First, check out the Tekcert articles section for writeups on the CCDA or on specific topics that align with exam topics. Also, check out the Exam Topics, CCO login required.

An Interview with Me: CCNA Voice

InformIT just posted an interview with me from the last Cisco Live! event (why'd they rename it from Cisco Networkers anyway? I liked that better) about the CCNA Voice certification. Here's the links, if you're interested; I'm keeping them here for my own reference. It's not every day you get to meet someone like Jeff Doyle!
CCNA Voice Interview, Part 1
CCNA Voice Interview, Part 2
***Disclaimer - these interviews were recorded before the CCNA Voice was announced by Cisco. Up until that point, they informed me that the only pre-req. for the CCNA Voice would be a CCENT certification (which still makes more sense in my mind) rather than the CCNA.

Free CCNA "Book"

I ran across this "book" while randomly surfing the net. I REALLY like the concept - it's a CCNA study book...sort of...with step-by-step labs and so on. If someone were interested in CCNA study materials (just exam focused), I don't think I'd recommend this...it's too much material and a little dated (IGRP, IPX, etc...)...but if someone were wanting to get into networking & technology - what great material to do so! You end up learning a little about everything by time it's said and done (I stopped skimming somewhere around Knoppix).

Here's the link to the site: http://www.lulu.com/content/815026

CCNA Voice...It's Finally Here!

My latest work has finally come to fruition: Cisco Press CCNA Voice. In approaching this book, I took a different strategy of writing. Rather than focusing solely on covering exam topics, it's written from a "let's build a VoIP network...step-by-step." It contains configuration example after configuration example, which is what I love when I'm looking for technical documentation. Check it out!

CCNA Specialties - $250.00/exam? Is This a Typo?!?

I just went to register to take the CCNA Security exam...it looks like all the CCNA specialty exams are $250.00! I just took the CCNA Voice a couple months ago and it was $150.00... I'm hoping this is a mistake...

UPDATE: Called and spoke with both VUE and Cisco Certification support folks...it's not a typo - the CCNA Specialty Exams are all $250.00/attempt. Ouch. Apparently, the CCNA Voice exam I took earlier was a "pre-release" version & price.

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Dr. Radut