How to pass the CCNA Exam in 30 days
Study Guide
If you’re reading this article it means you wanted to pursue CCNA Exam. Then, you’re in the right place.
CCNA(Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a 120-minute exam that costs you $300 but it’s worth it.
Pre-requisites
- Discipline
- Laptop
- Pen
- Book
All you need to remember is Google is with you every time, except when you’re in the exam. Whatever information you need ask Google, even if you have any questions ask experts, or your co-workers, join LinkedIn groups, or ask people who can help you with this, but don’t sit silently until you figure out the solution for it.
Note Making
It is very important for everybody, whether you use a Book and a pen or software, but it is the most important key to pass the exam.
My personal favorite is Notion: It is a productive tool, where you can write, add code, add images, embed web pages, add github links, etc.
There are other applications, such as One Note, and Key Note and some people still like to use Microsoft Word. No matter what you make good notes, which also might be used in the future.
Mind Mapping
Most people use applications for this but I like to use my notebook. Some Mindmapping tools are https://www.mindmup.com/ I recently used this, and it was good.
Let’s start: CCNA Exam is divided into six parts
- Network fundamentals — 20%
- Network access — 20%
- IP connectivity — 25%
- IP services — 10%
- Security fundamentals — 15%
- Automation and programmability — 10%
Now, Take a pen and book and also check your schedule for the week. Plan accordingly, at least spend 3 hours a day, and make that a day goal, complete a section in 5 days. So that you can be able to finish the section in 5 days. Or you can also build a strategy based on the weightage of the exam.
Division
Divide each section, what are the topics you know, and what are the topics you don’t know? Spend more time on topics you don’t know. Spend a day to make your plan for the CCNA Exam. Let me help you with my strategy for Section 1 (Network Access). As you can see I spent 3days on the Network Fundamentals section, which includes practice tests.
Mostly, section 1 is focused on the OSI Layer and TCP/IP layer. Focus, and spend more time on which has more weightage and where you lack skill for instance, I always get confused at the subnetting, when I was preparing I spent more time on subnetting. Practice and spend more time on practical stuff on the packet tracer.
Section 2, I spent 8 days on the Network Access. Because I focused and spent most of my time on packet tracer for this section for building, and understanding VLANs. It mainly focuses on Switching concepts, STP, VLANs, and WLANs.
Section 3, I spent 8 days on this section because it has more weightage of 25% in the CCNA Exam, I don’t wanna lose marks in this section. IP Connectivity covers IP Addressing & Subnetting, IP Routing, and Ethernet basics. It also requires practical knowledge.
Section 4, I spent 3 days on this section, it has 10% of the marks in the CCNA Exam. It covers mostly on protocols, NAT, and QOS.
Section 5, is my favorite section. I spent 3 days on this section. This section requires basic Network security concepts, ACLs, and Secure device management.
Section 6, I spent 4 days on this section. This section mainly focuses on how automation can be required in Networking, Integrating REST-based APIs, Configuration management, and JSON-encoded data. I have a little knowledge of Python which helped me in this section.
Now after each section don’t forget to take practice tests.
At the end of all the sections take a full test, and check your knowledge.
Section 1 (3days) + Section 2 (8days) + Section 3 (8days) + Section 4 (3days) + Section 5 (3days) + Section 6 (4days) = 30days
“Your dedication and Note-making are the keys to passing the exam”
Resources
Note Making
Mind Mapping
CCNA Course
Paid
- https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/on-demand-e-learning/implementing-and-administering-cisco-solutions-ccna-v2.0/CSCU-LP-CCNA-V2-028094.html?ccid=ccna&dtid=website&oid=cdc-ccna-rec-training
- https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-networking-fundamentals-course-ccna-start/
- https://www.udemy.com/course/ccna-complete/
- https://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training/cisco/ccna
Free
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8W9oMNSuwo&list=PLxbwE86jKRgMpuZuLBivzlM8s2Dk5lXBQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLqWGysORXA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsRwv7CQ0G8&list=PLFHOoRUI-sbQHs-iVdUTg492vuJEtU05-&index=2
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiQR5rTSshw
Recommended YouTube Channels
Checklist
- https://learningcontent.cisco.com/documents/marketing/study-plans/2023_CCNAExam_StudyTool.pdf
- https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/certifications/cisco/free-ccna-study-guide
Books
- https://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Certification-Dummies-Computers-Paperback/dp/B00FFB9KNC
- https://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Certification-Study-Guide-200-301/dp/1119659183?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
- https://www.amazon.com/CCNA-200-301-Official-Cert-Guide/dp/0135792738?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
- https://www.amazon.com/CCNA-200-301-Official-Cert-Guide/dp/1587147130/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/147-1402956-8586813?pd_rd_w=d1Vbp&content-id=amzn1.sym.3bab075c-1a14-40c5-9538-32fa6dff1246&pf_rd_p=3bab075c-1a14-40c5-9538-32fa6dff1246&pf_rd_r=JNH1X2C4JYKSA9510V4G&pd_rd_wg=vdnfR&pd_rd_r=9abe040a-1148-49ac-a8c0-3bc4c775ac34&pd_rd_i=1587147130&psc=1
Conclusion
In conclusion of this article, I have explained my strategy and how you can create one too, even if you don't want to get certified, it's still fine to gain knowledge. You can also opt for the Free CCNA Certification from NetAcad, which you can add to your resume. Remember, it's all up to you and your preparation and let me know if you need any help creating the strategy of the CCNA Exam. Wishing you all the best for your future!
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