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I wouldn't bother paying for training at the CCNA level. Buy "CCNA for Dummies", create a Cisco account and check out their CCNA study materials and daily questions, get the cramsession.com question of the day and study guide. There was an online lab offered in another topic, or you could buy a cheap set of Cisco routers off Ebay. Lots of people have CCNA study bundles with a couple of routers, a switch, and the cables you would need. Shouldn't run you more than about $300.

Bottom line, I don't think someone who already has a good technical background needs to pay money for CCNA training. Save your money for all the training above the CCNA level.

Thanks, Clinton. I've already been looking at the cramsession site and downloaded the free study guides. I think you're right about the CCNA training route. The money factor is one thing, but it would be hard to peel away a week for the CCNA and 14 days for the CCVP. Hell, I'm almost halfway there, I did'nt even know what CCNA and CCVP were until this morning . Now all I need is for someone to suffer along with me......Anthony?

Hey Ron,

I have to agree with Clinton on this too. I know people that spent the money for a week long CCNA session and still failed the exam. I bought two books for the CCNA, "CCNA for Dummies" and the Sybex "CCNA Study Guide" by Todd Lammel. I can't recommend the latter highly enough. I read the two books cover-to-cover and had no problem with the exam. As Clinton has already mentioned, all Cisco certifications build upon the CCNA. Its a good first step.

21 days would be real hard to free up. I am with you I already know more then I did this mourning.. I am willing to suffer, I will download the free guides tonight. Things are always a little easier when you know someone else is suffering with you.

When I did my CCNA I had the mindset that I wanted to learn the material. Once I felt like I had a mastery of the material then I studied for the test. In my humble opinion I feel to many times people put the horse before the cart. I HATE bootcamps, I HATE Test King even worse. I am not implying anyone here used them but I spent years getting my certs and these people go in and take what I trained for and do it in a week. Is that fair?

Greg

gcave, I don't think it is about fair or not fair. For me it's not about the certification, but the quest for knowledge. In the long run, I'm sure going the route you did will be the most beneficial in terms of understanding, and competence with the material. I'm in a position where I may have the chance to take the boot camps on somebody else's nickel, so I would be crazy to pass it up if I get the chance. Even if I can, I may pass on the CCNA portion and take the time to really study the basics in the books and resources mentioned above. I would rather go into a class type environment with at the very least a basic understanding of what is going to be covered. Regardless of the route, it's a journey I'm determined to take and should have done a long time ago.

Knowledge is something nobody can take away from you, and I'm very thankful for the members here who so freely share their knowledge with others. I appreciate you all getting me pointed in the right direction.

Ron