The CCNA certification has grown significantly in popularity over the last few years. It is a worthwhile addition to the resume of any networking professional.

CCNA Exam Tracks

There are two tracks that can be followed in achieving the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification.

Track 1: Single Exam Path

Passing the 640-801 CCNA exam.

Track 2: Dual Exam Path

Passing the 640-821 INTRO exam and 640-811 ICND exam.

Topics On The Test

List of recommended topics is given below. Please note that related topics not listed below may also be asked on the exam.

Planning & Designing

Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology

Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements

Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements

Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology

Develop an access list to meet user specifications

Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements

Implementation & Operation

Configure routing protocols given user requirements

Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts

Configure a router for additional administrative functionality

Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication

Implement a LAN

Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements

Manage system image and device configuration files

Perform an initial configuration on a router

Perform an initial configuration on a switch

Implement access lists

Implement simple WAN protocols

Troubleshooting

Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting

Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting

Troubleshoot routing protocols

Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration

Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network

Troubleshoot an access list

Perform simple WAN troubleshooting

Technology

Describe network communications using layered models

Describe the Spanning Tree process

Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols

Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols

Describe the components of network devices

Evaluate rules for packet control

Evaluate key characteristics of WANs

Review Of CCNA 640-801 Exam Specifics

Pre Requisites: The CCNA exam has no pre requisites.

Time Allotted: 90 minutes

Total marks: The exam is marked from 300 to 1000. Minimum marks is 300.

Passing Grade: Cisco revises the ccna passing score periodically. Last known pass mark is 849/1000.

Score Report: Delivered immediate on test completion.

Certification validation period: 3 years

Number of Questions: Not fixed. In general the questions range from 55 to 65 in number.

Exam Pattern: The pattern may vary from exam to exam, depending on how many questions are there to be answered. The question types found on the CCNA exam are:

Multiple Choice with Single answer: Student is required to select a single answer from a range of options (generally 4-5) by clicking on a radio button.

Multiple Choice with Multiple answer: Student is required to select a range of options. The number of options to select is specified. The selection is made by clicking on a checkbox. A "v" appears against selected checkboxes.

Drag And Drop: These questions are graphical in nature. Student is required to drag options to different drop areas.

Fill in the Blank: Student is required to type in the missing text to complete the sentence.

Router Simulation: Router simulation questions test knowledge of Cisco IOS in simulated environment. All of Cisco IOS commands are not supported by the simulator, however the task can be performed with the available commands in the simulator. Do note that the exam engine may be slow when switching between the simulator-based questions and the standard multiple-choice questions.

About The Author

SemSim.com provides training resources for Cisco certification exams: CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, CCDP, CCDA. It offers FREE learning resources to students such as study guides and router simulation labs. For more information visit: http://www.SemSim.com : Making Cisco cetification easy!

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