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Considering taking the CCNA course.

TheDruidWizard

I have a BSc in Computer Science and also a minor certification in web development.

However it has been years since I did any networking and would like to earn more qualifications. Something that would be future proof and a demand for in the coming years.

I was thinking about doing the CCNA course either at CCT Education.

Or at CCNA.ie

With the latter it's too soon for me as the next course is in two weeks, but I may consider it if starts again in September.

This may sound like a stupid question, but is there just one single CCNA course or is it broken down into other certifications?

Or is that you earn the CCNA and then branch off into different specialised certifications?

The reason I ask is because the Cisco website lists the CCNA and then lists;

CCNA Routing and Switching
CCDA
CCNA Data Center
CCNA Security
CCNA Service Provider
CCNA Service Provider Operations
CCNA Video
CCNA Voice
CCNA Wireless

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BPatsy

I recently finished a 3 month course with CCNA.ie in Dublin and highly recommend it, Lee's a great teacher and very great in putting things across in simple terms, i had no previous Cisco knowledge at all and now i pretty much know my way around routers and switches all thanks to the hands on labs with real equipment we used in this course, we covered everything necessary including subnetting which i can now do in my head without writing charts down all learnt from taking this class

To go the the CCNA route you can either take the whole exam or you can split it into 2 parts, the ICND1 gets you your CCENT and then the ICND2 on top gets you your full CCNA, depending how clued up it depends on the persons skill base in which route to take but most take the 2 exam route as its a lot to take in in one go.

Also i recommend reading the Todd Lammle books as they explain more simple than the Wendal Odom books im my opinion, also i if you can get hold of any CBT Nuggets videos by Jeremy Cioira as they are great for reference and i seemed to take in and remember what i was learning more from the vids for some reason more than reading books.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask and ill try an answer best to my knowledge mate

TheDruidWizard

Wow that's really cool, thanks a lot.

The CCNA.ie course for three months does look good, but since I'd only just seen it this morning and it starts in just two weeks, I'd rather wait a while.

The CCT school, does one evening a week stretched out over 24 weeks. This would probably suit me better as I work full-time. They said that it prepares people for both the ICND1 and ICND2. So that should be good.

T-K-O

For those thinking about the CCNA

http://www.springboardcourses.ie/results?accept_current_applications_only=1&keywords=Cisco&order=title

TheDruidWizard

I did think about the one in IT Blanchardstown. However since I live in the South side and work-full time in the city centre, it wouldn't be feasible.

So I think I'll go with the other two options.

BPatsy

The course i took was one night a week from 6 to 9pm and tbh you really need to self study as i find knowing the theory behind the method of networking is better than just knowing what to do instead its better to understand why your doing it, i find cramming everything in is not the way to go and im taking my studies in slow and spending good time on one subject and the labbing so it a sinks in, you may find some people dumping the info to pass the exams but havent a clue how to implement a protocol in a network to save their life, dont go the lazy route, take your time and i say the longer the course the better the info will stick with you in the long term.

Also get yourself a copy of Cisco Packet Tracer, its been a lifesaver learning all the commands and great for virtual network topologies.

Ill be sitting my exams hopefully next month now but the longer you study for the more chance you have as anyone will tell you the CCNA aint no walk in the park to pass!

T-K-O

The work experience caught my eye. Very beneficial for guys starting out

BPatsy

T-K-O wrote: »

The work experience caught my eye. Very beneficial for guys starting out

Ive applied to several companies for voluntary work but none have even got back to me, not even a reply to say why. as soon as i got my CCNA im thinking of relocating tbh.

TheDruidWizard

BPatsy wrote: »

Ive applied to several companies for voluntary work but none have even got back to me, not even a reply to say why. as soon as i got my CCNA im thinking of relocating tbh.

That's a shame about not being able to gain experience at home.

I actually am considering moving abroad myself, and the CCNA would definitely be really beneficial.

I was thinking about doing both the ICND1 and ICND2 for 'CCNA Routing and Switching' and then perhaps try to do another for something like 'CCNA Wireless'.

At least then, hopefully this time next year I'll be in a good position for work abroad.

T-K-O

BPatsy wrote: »

Ive applied to several companies for voluntary work but none have even got back to me, not even a reply to say why. as soon as i got my CCNA im thinking of relocating tbh.

That can be frustrating. I have seen requests come in to the company I work for, they tend to be ignored.

As for relocating, we''re strongly considering it. She has a few exams to sit and I'm currently working towards the CCNP.

BTW, Set the date and stick to it!!

@ TheDruidWizard if you are putting the hours in and not starting from scratch I would advise sitting the CCNA in one exam

TheDruidWizard

T-K-O wrote: »

@ TheDruidWizard if you are putting the hours in and not starting from scratch I would advise sitting the CCNA in one exam

That's something to consider.

However, I haven't done much networking since college. My main plan to gather as much notes and online tutorials during the summer as possible to really brush up and start the course in September.

For me, it may be easier if it was stretched out over time in two exams. If I then did another in a few months after I'll then have another certificate.

moc moc a moc

T-K-O wrote: »

@ TheDruidWizard if you are putting the hours in and not starting from scratch I would advise sitting the CCNA in one exam

I'd advise the opposite. AFAIK the cost is the same to do the two exams separately, but you have the advantage of less pressure per exam, plus less potential financial loss if you happen to fail one of the exams (which is not uncommon, particularly for the 'combined' exam).

BPatsy

T-K-O wrote: »

That can be frustrating. I have seen requests come in to the company I work for, they tend to be ignored.

As for relocating, we''re strongly considering it. She has a few exams to sit and I'm currently working towards the CCNP.

BTW, Set the date and stick to it!!

@ TheDruidWizard if you are putting the hours in and not starting from scratch I would advise sitting the CCNA in one exam

I moved here last year from Cardiff and didnt realise how bad thing was with finding work here and my only option is Dublin but im not commuting for work as i did it for 12 months and it drained me

Im gonna worry about everything as soon as i get my certificate and reapply to companies when i have it as then i hope i might seem more appealing, its a shame i cant get my foot in the door somewhere as i really enjoy networking and know id fit right in with the right company given the chance.

My Mrs too has exams coming up so hopefully when we are both done we can put all our cards on the table and point which way to go but it never really is that simple is it!

Kinet1c

Try the contracting companies like Ergo/Adecco/Hibernia (probably a few more but that's all I can think of) to try and get a start somewhere.

BPatsy

Kinet1c wrote: »

Try the contracting companies like Ergo/Adecco/Hibernia (probably a few more but that's all I can think of) to try and get a start somewhere.

Cheers mate, will look into them, where are they based?

Kinet1c

Ergo is in Dublin, not sure about the other 2. Never dealt with any of them but have heard there names mentioned in terms of being involved heavily in the contracting side of things.

TheDruidWizard

I've decided to go ahead with the CCNA.ie course starting next September.

In the meantime I've been studying online tutorials on youtube, and now I'm able to subnet and I have a better understanding of the basics.

Can anyone recommend any self-study or home material to use?

I found a few links myself and I'll share them when I get home.

skin69

For self-study Wendell Odom is the best.

whitelightrider

Udemy is also pretty good. Im using Chris Bryant at the minute as a self study option but also have the Todd Lammle book.

TheDruidWizard

For anyone who has done the exam, is New Horizons in the city centre, the only place to do it?

Kinet1c

Check out www.theexamcentre.com It's out in Sandyford.

Worztron

Is a 6 weeks day course (Mon-Fri) too short for the CCNA?

T-K-O

Worztron wrote: »

Is a 6 weeks day course (Mon-Fri) too short for the CCNA?

Depends on experience

Worztron

T-K-O wrote: »

Depends on experience, from scratch there is no way you can cover the material in 6 days.

No, I said 6 weeks.

T-K-O

Yes I edited my post, have you any experience with networks

Worztron

T-K-O wrote: »

Yes I edited my post, have you any experience with networks

CompTIA N+

Cuddlesworth

Worztron wrote: »

Is a 6 weeks day course (Mon-Fri) too short for the CCNA?

I wouldn't have said so, I did it in twice the time self study in the evenings.

Senor Frog

I'm based in cork , I know that CIT does a CCNA course starting in September , it's 2 evenings a week , think its 9 months ( follows the semesters of college). I know that you can sit the exam then out in the FAS building in Bishopstown.

What I am looking for is an online course with access to a live tutor that covers the material in a lot shorter time period , like 3 months . I have covered networking in college and had a good grasp of it, I just need to freshen up and put some time into it . Can anyone recommend an online course, preferably Irish based ?

Cheers.

Cuddlesworth

Senor Frog wrote: »

I'm based in cork , I know that CIT does a CCNA course starting in September , it's 2 evenings a week , think its 9 months ( follows the semesters of college). I know that you can sit the exam then out in the FAS building in Bishopstown.

What I am looking for is an online course with access to a live tutor that covers the material in a lot shorter time period , like 3 months . I have covered networking in college and had a good grasp of it, I just need to freshen up and put some time into it . Can anyone recommend an online course, preferably Irish based ?

Cheers.

CBT nuggets or pluralsight videos will do everything for you that a course that costs ten times as much would. You just need to set aside some time to study.

Kinet1c

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

CBT nuggets or pluralsight videos will do everything for you that a course that costs ten times as much would. You just need to set aside some time to study.

Agree 100%. CCNA may seem like a daunting prospect but with the right resources and time you can easily pass it yourself.

Senor Frog

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

CBT nuggets or pluralsight videos will do everything for you that a course that costs ten times as much would. You just need to set aside some time to study.

Kinet1c wrote: »

Agree 100%. CCNA may seem like a daunting prospect but with the right resources and time you can easily pass it yourself.

In that case I will start with those and see how I fare , thanks for the info guys.