Ccna

[ric449]

I have a few questions about it, since I am planning to quit college (the course is teaching me nothing useful) and take a CCNA instead.

1) How long does it take to learn all that is needed to pass the exam?

2) How much of the exam needs to be correct to pass?

3) Is the exam expensive?

4) Is it multiple choice like the A+, or is it more complex?

5) What job could a CCNA get me? I am interested in running a network, basically keeping it running and fixing any problems, I guess this somes under network admin? Could it get me there?

And, a last question, unrelated but I thought I would stick to one thread. If I had a DSL/Cable modem and a switch, with 2 computers connected to the switch, would it be as simple as connecting the modem to the switch to allow both computers to access it? Or would a router be necessary?

[mbossman2]

Originally Posted by ric449 1) How long does it take to learn all that is needed to pass the exam?

it depends on what you bring to the table...the more networking you know, the more you can focus on the specific configuration commands etc

Originally Posted by ric449 2) How much of the exam needs to be correct to pass?

You need to score in/above the 700's (about 70-75%)

Originally Posted by ric449 3) Is the exam expensive?

~$125

Originally Posted by ric449 4) Is it multiple choice like the A+, or is it more complex?

It is multiple guess but there is also some practical components to the exam (IOS commands) as well as some case studies/scenarios

http://www.practiceexams.net/

Originally Posted by ric449 5) What job could a CCNA get me? I am interested in running a network, basically keeping it running and fixing any problems, I guess this somes under network admin? Could it get me there?

The CCNA prepares someone for an installation and troubleshooter of LAN/WAN's

Cisco's official verbiage:
The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

The most common jobs of a CCNA are: post sales/installation engineer for resellers (they make work what the presales/CCDA engineer and sales guy position as a solution) or as an onsight technician for a medium to heavily networked company.

the CCNA is only 1 bullet in the gun of an IT guy, you should also have knowledge of PC's, servers and their various O/S's as well designed and implemented networks tend not to be big problems once set up (unless something goes kerflewy). The ONLY IT guys who get to sit around and do nothing (or appear to do nothing) are mainframe guys.

Originally Posted by ric449 And, a last question, unrelated but I thought I would stick to one thread. If I had a DSL/Cable modem and a switch, with 2 computers connected to the switch, would it be as simple as connecting the modem to the switch to allow both computers to access it? Or would a router be necessary?

Unless your modem has the ability to do NAT (sharing a single public IP address between several private IP addresses/computers) then no, you will need a router to accomplish this or have multiple IP's assigned by your ISP/DSL provider.

[ric449]

Thanks for the help. You said CCNA is only one bullet in the gun, which other certifications would compliment this? A+?

[mbossman2]

A+, Microsoft, Novell, anything...the more you have the more attractive you are to an employer.

you can also look here:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=111769

[Buckfast]

Having cisco security(ccns) is also supposed to be somehting good to have now