CCNA Certification/Appendix A - About the Exam
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Acknowledgements — Introduction — The OSI Model — Application Layer — Transport Layer — Network Layer — Addressing — Routing Protocols — Data Link Layer — Switching — Physical Layer — Router Operation — Advanced Addressing Topics — Advanced Routing Topics — Advanced Switching Topics — Security — WAN — Configuration — Conclusion — References — About the Exam — Cisco Router Commands — Quick Reference Sheet
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[edit] About the Exam
The purpose of this page is to make you more familiar with the test itself, what options you have, and how to sign up.
[edit] The Available Exams
To receive the CCNA certification, you must pass either:
- the CCNA INTRO Exam (620-821) and the CCNA ICND (620-811)
- the combined CCNA Exam (620-801)
[edit] The Material Covered In Each Exam
The CCNA INTRO covers "Network Types, Network Media, Switching Fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP Addressing and Routing, WAN Technologies, Operating and Configuring IOS Devices, and Managing Network Environments." More information about the CCNA INTRO is available from Cisco.
The CCNA ICND covers "Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections." More information about the CCNA ICND is available from Cisco.
The combined CCNA covers all topics cover on the INTRO and ICND. More information about the CCNA is available from Cisco.
[edit] Which Should You Take?
The cost of taking the taking the combined CCNA test is significantly lower ($125 or $150 in some countries) than taking the INTRO and ICND Exams ($100 each). The only disadvantage to taking the combined CCNA is that you will be tested on a larger amount of information. The INTRO and ICND Exams allow you to focus on smaller subsets of the entire course.
[edit] The Format of the Test
All tests are given on a PC at the testing center. Everyone who is comfortable using a computer should have no difficulties using the testing software. If you like, you can take a practice test to get the hang of the program.
All questions into one of the following categories:
- Multiple choice
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Drag-and-drop
- Simulated lab
The multiple choice questions requires you to select a circle next to the correct answer. Some questions will have multiple correct answers. In these cases, you will usually be told how many answers you should select.
The fill-in-the-blank questions require you to enter the word that missing from a sentence. You must type the answer exactly right to receive credit.
The drag-and-drop questions require you to click and drag a button or icon to another location on the screen. Often you will have to order multiple items into a list with the correct order.
The simulated lab will give you access to a theoretical network with multiple routers. You must be able to navigate the routers, find the cause of a malfunction, and fix it. To prepare for these questions, you should practice on a real lab set-up or on a network simulator until you feel comfortable. There are many software network simulators. One of these is available here.
[edit] Signing up for Exams
You can sign up to take the test with Pearson Vue. As of now, Pearson Vue is the only authorized testing center for CCNA certifications. You should be able to schedule the time of your test and will be able to select the location from a list of Testing Centers in your area.
