CCNP training path - study group request

rolion

Hello,

I'm 'forced' to upgrade my CCNA to CCNP due to expiration of my three years certification.The job market is "slow" so i am not seeing as a priority to get paper certs.
I own a full rack lab for routing and switching plus study materials.

I'm looking for somebody on the same path to work together as a study group as if i have to do it myself,i would never finish despite begining learning months ago (always being side tracked).

I can see it doing it by remote access to my rack,virtual meetings,sharing materials and not lastly sorting out labs and milestones with a weekly meeting around a Guinness for team building

Any one interested and struggling as myself,please let me know...

Thanks.

accensi0n

If your CCNA is expired, I believe you need to take it again before you can be CCNP certified.

rolion

My CCNA cert is not expired yet,but to keep it / renew it for another 3 years you have to retake CCNA or one of the CCNP exams.
So,why not study for Composite as from July ,Cisco will change the structure of the exams...

accensi0n wrote: »

If your CCNA is expired, I believe you need to take it again before you can be CCNP certified.

NullZer0

Count me in... I'm planning on the BSCI next month. I keep getting side tracked with Juniper so this may be just what I need :-)

Gonzovision

I'm just about to complete my CCNA in the next few weeks. I was wondering which next step would be most beneficial. Should I go for CCNP or down the Microsoft route. In fairness from a work point of view Microsoft would probably be better as I have had little contact with Cisco devices. But from a personal viewpoint I'd prefer to continue down the Cisco route. Any advice?

accensi0n

I'm preparing for the BCMSN at the moment so I'd be happy to take part in relation to that.

I'll then be preparing for some CCSP exams though and then coming back to the CCNP track.

NullZer0

Nice, fancy getting the ball rolling on this so?
Just starting to get motivated again now that I've more free time after settling into new job.

Maybe we could get a mailing list together too or something like that?

accensi0n

iRock wrote: »

Nice, fancy getting the ball rolling on this so?
Just starting to get motivated again now that I've more free time after settling into new job.

Maybe we could get a mailing list together too or something like that?

Sounds good.

Rolion, what CCNP exam do you plan on starting with?

rolion

Hi all,

I think of doing the Switching first and then Routing OR going Composite straight.

I suggest that we analyze the exam objectives for each exam and follow-up as per Cisco book.Allow around 3-4 days for each chapter / objective,do some practice labs then over the weekend ,meeting and troubleshooting and fixing and Q&A and so on...

I have three switches that can be set with remotely telnet access and seven routers.For the beginning,i think that Packet Trace from Cisco will do the trick,or any other Cisco Switch/Router simulator.

I like to set the first touch on the study on Monday so anyone willing to come on-board is more than welcome ! !

Please advise...

NullZer0

Nice,

I've also dug out the BSCI Lab Portfolio, haven't used it in a while.
Anyway, I built the majority of the labs in it with Dynamips and all are working perfect with the exception of one or two :-)

accensi0n

My switching lab consists of two 3550's and three 2950's which I can setup for remote access.

accensi0n

So lads, anyone want to get the ball rolling and set up a mailing list or irc channel or something?

FYI,
Today I'm labbing up STP from the BCMSN authorised self study guide and from the lab portfolio.

dlofnep

Hi,

Afaik, You don't have to do the CCNP to renew it. You can do one of the extended streams - like the CCNA Security.

accensi0n

dlofnep wrote: »

Hi,

Afaik, You don't have to do the CCNP to renew it. You can do one of the extended streams - like the CCNA Security.

Correct.

"CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or pass a CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, security, voice), or pass the current CCDA exam, or pass any 642 - XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam."

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html

dlofnep

I wanna start studying for my CCNA - so if you guys get a channel going, let me know and I'll join.

NullZer0

Cool, yeah - can we get a channel going?
Seems like the best option to start with anyway because I'm usually snowed under! :-)

groper77

Anyone doing the new ccnp track? the route,switch and troubleshoot exams seems an easier track than the current one only 3 exams required and alot of ccna overlap. I have a couple of 3750's to use

NullZer0

I'd prefer the old track. I'm starting with the old track and may have to use those exams as credit for the new track. See how I progress I guess.

The old track seems better to me for things like VPN technologies etc.

groper77

True they seem to have left out alot of security stuff too like the troubleshooting module though looks interesting.

NullZer0

IRC Channel - #CCNP-Study on Freenode

dlofnep

Grand I'll join when I get home and idle in there.

accensi0n

#CCNP-Study on Freenode is now active so if your preparing for cisco exams and want to ask questions, organise group study, request access to equipment....get in there!

rolion

Hi,sorry for the silence.What is this Freenode !?

I was thinking of face to face meetings AND/OR emailing ?

accensi0n wrote: »

#CCNP-Study on Freenode is now active so if your preparing for cisco exams and want to ask questions, organise group study, request access to equipment....get in there!

JJJJNR

Very interested in this, am looking to get certified also, but I have no exp with cisco apart from reading up on ICND1 (without doing the exam etc)

Can I join, or is the CCNP to advanced for me...

dbeermat93

Hi

I have completed the ccnp last month finishing with the ont troubleshooting exam.I am now considering doing mcsa as a lot of it companies look for databse skills as well as networking and i feel the mcsa is the next logical step.Can anyone give advice of self studying for the mcsa as regards books/nuggets/forums etc.I would be happy to send on all training materials i used for the ccnp, certification guides and cbt nuggets.

Cheers

Dbeermat.

accensi0n

JJJJNR wrote: »

Very interested in this, am looking to get certified also, but I have no exp with cisco apart from reading up on ICND1 (without doing the exam etc)

Can I join, or is the CCNP to advanced for me...

You can certainly join the IRC channel. There hasn't really been anything else happening beside from idling in there.

moonboy52

dbeermat93 wrote: »

Hi

I have completed the ccnp last month finishing with the ont troubleshooting exam.I am now considering doing mcsa as a lot of it companies look for databse skills as well as networking and i feel the mcsa is the next logical step.Can anyone give advice of self studying for the mcsa as regards books/nuggets/forums etc.I would be happy to send on all training materials i used for the ccnp, certification guides and cbt nuggets.

Cheers

Dbeermat.

Going to do the ICND part 1 through FAS in waterford in june. I have an IT degree, but that was way back in 2005 so i am going to have to study hard to try and pass this.

I would be very grateful for your training materials to aid me in my endeavour.

Many thanks Dbeermat

rolion

Hello All,

Just received an email from Cisco.Things going seriously against me...
I'm plannning in registering a domain where we can setup a board and share the "training experience".
Also,we can meet in a public place,in a weekend and begin some training path...

Dear Cisco Career Certifications Professional:

Your CCNA Cisco Career Certification will expire on 06/2010.

The demand for trained and qualified professionals continues to grow making your Cisco Career Certification more important than ever. Now is the time to recertify or move ahead to the next level of certification. If your certification expires, you will be required to repeat the entire certification exam process in order to regain your certification.

Renewal requires certification holders to register and pass the appropriate certification exam(s) before the expiration date to meet the recertification requirements. There are several recertification options. For information regarding recertification requirements visit the Cisco recertification website at www.cisco.com/go/recertification.

For information on Cisco Career Certification exams such as how to register for an exam, visit www.cisco.com/go/certifications/exam.

Please plan your recertification exam attempts in a timely manner to avoid decertification. Visit our Exam Policies website at www.cisco.com/go/exampolicy for more information about our exam retake policy and other pertinent exam information for recertification.

For commonly asked questions about the Cisco Career Certification program, visit Certification Online Support (at http://www.cisco.com/go/certsupport.).

Regards,

NullZer0

Okay... I'm back and I am extremely guilty of avoiding study!

I've been distracted with other technologies alot lately because of my work.
Now I've decided to stop making excuses and get on with it.

I've completed the BSCI study guide twice but I still don't feel that I know the topics in enough detail so I'm going to move on to study for the ROUTE exam (most of the topics are the same - IS-IS isn't covered).

I think that maybe a Dublin Area Cisco User Group would be a good idea and I figure why not as there is already MTUG (Microsoft Technology User Group).

Starting out, do you think we could arrange some sort of a "lab meetup" where we can pick a specific technology and work on this for a full day (or perhaps evening).

If people are interested maybe we could work towards eventually organising some events similar to those MTUG are running.


Let me know what you all think - I may have one or two contacts that would be interested in participating but I would need to be able to show interest from enough people first :-)

accensi0n

iRock wrote: »

Okay... I'm back and I am extremely guilty of avoiding study!

I've been distracted with other technologies alot lately because of my work.
Now I've decided to stop making excuses and get on with it.

I've completed the BSCI study guide twice but I still don't feel that I know the topics in enough detail so I'm going to move on to study for the ROUTE exam (most of the topics are the same - IS-IS isn't covered).

I think that maybe a Dublin Area Cisco User Group would be a good idea and I figure why not as there is already MTUG (Microsoft Technology User Group).

Starting out, do you think we could arrange some sort of a "lab meetup" where we can pick a specific technology and work on this for a full day (or perhaps evening).

If people are interested maybe we could work towards eventually organising some events similar to those MTUG are running.


Let me know what you all think - I may have one or two contacts that would be interested in participating but I would need to be able to show interest from enough people first :-)

I'd definately be interested.

Picking a technology/features before meetings beforehand would keep the meetups focused.

Laptops running GNS3 and remote access to home labs are a definate possibility.

MyCisco

iRock,
i have registred a domain that can help us in the day by day training and information exchange.
i know Cisco is using "mycisco" portal for tech and sales support so i think is a good ideea to use it for our purpose as well !
i need some help in putting up the web site for the launch so who is able to come and share some time,share some ideeas and make "our domain" workable ,is more than welcome.
tks.

NullZer0

Nice!
Drop me a DM - I have a dedicated server if you want to get this online.


Thanks,

rom

also interested. IT Degree and completed CCNA about 12 months ago. Did first module of CCNP but stopped after 3 months due to lack of motivation. I use a pure GNS Lab on OS X, Starting Networking and Security Master in Sept also.

NullZer0

Lads maybe we can exchange skype or MSN?
I don't know about you guys but I'm usually swamped with either work or study so its increasingly difficult to even get a chance to read boards

MyCisco

I'm working on setting up the site " www.mycisco.ie " with a site template and in background a version of eportal,such as vBulletin Suite. The domain is hosted with Digiweb .

My intention is to create a local portal for users to virtually meet to discuss / share training tips ,jobs, experience from day-to-day work, ideeas and whatever else that relates to Cisco technologies and is affecting us.

Also a news feed,newsletter,blogs,photo,calendar..CMS !

I may need help to set it up,not quite sure how or what,but basically that is my plan.Whoever has ideas and time,is more than welcome.

Hopefully the portal will be up&running by next week.Then,i'll try promoting it and attract some traffic,hopefully with lots of feedback.

Keep in touch...

MyCisco

An update:

http://www.mycisco.ie/forum/index.php

I'll need your input,help and ...

Regards...

rolion

I'm quite confused by the way Cisco has put it up on their web site the options for passing CCNP.

There is the link

My CCNA cert expires in 2 months,time is not a constraint.

My Q for you:which path/track i shall use in order to re-certify my CCNA and also,keep me on the track for CCNP !?

I'm i correct choosing Path 3 ?

Can i sit 642-812 BCMSN safely !?

Please advise.

accensi0n

rolion wrote: »

I'm quite confused by the way Cisco has put it up on their web site the options for passing CCNP.

There is the link

My CCNA cert expires in 2 months,time is not a constraint.

My Q for you:which path/track i shall use in order to re-certify my CCNA and also,keep me on the track for CCNP !?

I'm i correct choosing Path 3 ?

Can i sit 642-812 BCMSN safely !?

Please advise.

Have you any experience with the BCMSN topics?

You have till July 31st to take the BCMSN. May be a better idea at this stage to prepare for either the Switch or Route exams.

If you don't pass any of them before July 31st you will have to pass the CCNA exam again if you want to get the CCNP.

logic

Better off sticking to the new CCNP track Route, Switch and TSHOOT, unless like accensi0n said, you already have topics in one the older modules covered.

NullZer0

Where are you all at with your studies now?

accensi0n

iRock wrote: »

Where are you all at with your studies now?

BCMSN exam this Friday. :eek:

How you going?

sargeras

1st hello to every1
interesting topic u have for CCNP, any suggestions for CCNA, since i plan to start learning from this june, it would be rly helpful thx

logic

Getting ready to sit ccna voice exam in the next week or two. Then on to Route.

jayflame

Hi All,

Glad to see some people are getting together as a study group.

Wish the same could be done for what I am training for.
you guys appear to be a little further ahead of me, though I hope to catch up soon

I have quite a large collection of study material for several levels, including a collection of IOS files that I am willing to share/upload.
As you can imagine, it is taking up some required space and want it to go to good use.

I don't want to interfere with anyone's training, and if anyone has any redundant material/equipment for study, I am all for sharing.

Currently working for an ISP that uses Cisco equipment so may be able to get my hands on other routes and switches at a later stage, but looking for what I need to get me through CCNA.

Any suggestions or assistance would be greatly appreciated, and if there's anything I can do in return, only happy to help.

Good luck with all the studies and exams:)

rolion

Where we stand with studies ! ?
I'm not aware of any meetings or common training plans...Or,i'm wrong in saying that !

I'll begin studying for BCMSN - old SWITCH exam.Thanks for advices...

accensi0n

Passed the BCMSN exam this morning. My main focus over the coming months will be ASA and PIX firewalls but I do plan on going through some material for the BSCI, ISCW and ONT exams soon.

accensi0n

sargeras wrote: »

1st hello to every1
interesting topic u have for CCNP, any suggestions for CCNA, since i plan to start learning from this june, it would be rly helpful thx

Learn all the CCNA material. Build a lab if you can. Learn to subnet in your head.

rolion

Congrats...happy day ! !

Can we meet and chat over a pint,sometime !?

Thanks...

accensi0n wrote: »

Passed the BCMSN exam this morning. My main focus over the coming months will be ASA and PIX firewalls but I do plan on going through some material for the BSCI, ISCW and ONT exams soon.

NullZer0

rolion wrote: »

Congrats...happy day ! !

Can we meet and chat over a pint,sometime !?

Thanks...

What he said!

My main focus will be PIX and ASA also. I have a couple of PIX to ASA migrations coming up.

Fun times :-D

rolion

Lads,sorry,no offense but i don't drink other than...tea ! Organic tea due to some medical conditions ! !
Re chat,i just want to meet and try to start something purely social based on the Cisco techie..

I'm doing myself CCNA - renewal by getting the Switch exam and then all the way up to CCIE Security,if i'll still be online by then !
So pix and asa...my pleasure !

logic

Congrats on the exam!!

PIX / ASA, something I really need to learn too, unlikely to find a real world network without some (unless junipers/sconicwall/etc are being used). Have a pix501 at home with no idea how to configure it.