Remember that the CCNA Exam (640-802) was revamped in 2007 so do not waste your time or your money on a preparation package, class, or book that predates this exam format change. The latest books will cover the new versions (anything from 2007 onward will as well) so you’re safe there, but remember this if you go to the library to check anything out. CCNA exam prep costs far less than failing the exam.

CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library (640-801)

CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library (640-801) by Stephen McQuerry is one of the most authoritative (it’s authorized by Cisco) and lauded preparation packages available. Steve McQuerry, CCIE® No. 6108, has prepared several editions of this package.

The library contains two early-stage exam prep tutorials (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1 (ICND1), Second Edition, and Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 2 (ICND2), Third Edition) as well as comprehensive tools designed to teach you the lessons you’ll need to obtain the CCNA.

ICND1, Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1, covers installation and configuration of Cisco products including a simple network, Ethernet LANs, wireless LANs, LAN/WAN connections, and proper network environment management. ICND2, Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 2, expands on Part 1 and covers router and switch output which is crucial in helping you configure and manage the devices.

CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide

Another book that gets showered with praise is Sybex’s CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide: Exam 640-802 by Todd Lammle. It’s a little cheaper than the Cisco authorized package but a lot of CCNA certified professionals cut their teeth with this study guide (many buy both of the packages).

In addition to covering all the information necessary, the package also includes four full-length practice exams using the Sybex Test Engine, 200 electronic flashcards, plus audio and video instruction from the author. Finally, there is a searchable PDF of the entire book included on the CD.

TrainSignal Self-Paced CCNA Exam Prep

Finally, there’s the TrainSignal Cisco CCNA Training package which includes 4 DVDs with 29 hours of training, a Transcender Cisco CCNA 640-802 practice exam, and all the lessons available on PDF, MP3, AVI, WMV, and iPod video so you can learn whenever, wherever.

The lessons are taught by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, CCNA, CCNP, and he has over 10 years of extensive, practical experience with Cisco and Networking technologies. The lesson page will go into detail as to what is covered in which video. For example, video 8 covers Memory Components and Config Files:

Video 8 – Memory Components and Config Files
This Video introduces the student to basic password and security configurations, as well as assigning privilege levels; so, it’s really the foundation for their knowledge of router security as well as the basic password recovery process.

• ROM, RAM, NVRAM, And Flash
• The Boot Process
• Setup Mode
• Startup And Running Configuration Files
• The COPY Command
• IOS Upgrading
• The Configuration Register

Last, but not least, there is a 90-day guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason whatsoever, you can get a full refund.

Between those three resources, you should be able to find one (or all three) that suits or needs and will help you kick that exam in the teeth!

If you’re currently working, ask your employer what certifications they value. If you’re a Cisco network technician, chances are the Cisco certifications are going to be very valuable. Microsoft business certifications are going to be mostly useless to you. While not all certifications are so clear cut (which Cisco certifications should you get?), you can get a simple answer from your employer because they know which ones they value.

The ultimate test is whether you can get your company to pay for your certification as part of a continuing education program. If this is possible, then you know they value it because they’re putting their money where their mouth is!

If you’re not working, the easiest way to find out what’s valued is to look at job postings. Most job postings will list any certification recommendations or requirements. Look at twenty job listings and see which certifications come up most often.

I searched for network technician in Washington, D.C. on Indeed. Of the first ten results, here were the certifications cited:

• A+ Certification – 1
• Cisco CCNA – 3
• Cisco CCENT – 2
• Microsoft MCSE – 1
• Microsoft MCITP
• VMWare – 1
• Citrix – 1

If you want to be a network technician, having a tecnical certification seems very important.

I hope this helps answer the question whether or not you should pursue a technical certification and which one to pursue.

To obtain this certification, you need to train for it. When it comes to certification training, there are usually two options – self-paced computer instruction or classroom instruction. The benefits of each are obvious but I believe that self-paced computer instruction, with instructor interaction as needed, is the best approach because it’s often cheaper and more flexible to our busy schedules.

TrainSignal Training Package

The TrainSignal package includes four DVDs with 29 hours of video training, taught by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, CCNA, CCNP; and it includes a Transcender practice exam. When you buy it, you are given immediate access to the videos online while the DVDs and the training package are sent in the mail. You can watch these anywhere, even if you forget your DVDs at home.

29 Hours of Training Videos

The TrainSignal Cisco CCNA package is better than any classroom package because it’s self-paced and repeatable. You have 29 hours of training videos that you can watch anytime you want. You can watch the videos over and over again, something you can’t do with a classroom. You can watch it on your computer or on your iPod and you can listen to the MP3 files whenever you want. You don’t have to drive to a classroom, you just open your computer.

Transcender Practice Exams

Included in your package is a practice exam from Transcender, a $99 value if you were to buy it separately. The package is less than four hundred dollars and it includes a $99 practice exam. Transcender is one of the leading developers of practice exams, with comprehensive explanations for answers as well as analysis on your performance to identify areas of improvement.

90-Day Risk Free Guarantee

A classroom preparation course can cost you thousands of dollars and does not guarantee you will pass. With a self-paced Train Signal package, you pay less than four hundred dollars and there is a 90-day guarantee. You can try out the package, take the exam, and if you feel the Cisco CCNA Training package was inadequate, you can return it and get your money back. You can return it for any reason whatsoever.

The package is normally nearly $800 but it’s now available for $397. You can learn more here.

• Associate Computing Professional (ACP)
• Information Systems Analyst (ISA)

Five fall in the processional level:

• Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
• Certified Computing Professional (CCP)
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• Certified IT Consultant (CITC)
• Certified IT Compliance Professional (CITCP)

There are usually three exams per certification and recertification is required annually. Fees include an annual fee and a recertification fee.

ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, is the accreditation body for technical certifications and when a particular program is accredited, it’s recognized as being a reputable certification. They provide accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 65 for product certification programs and is overseen by the ANSI Product Certification Accreditation Committee (ACC). They are responsible for accreditation of all certifications, not just technical certifications, which includes certifications from sanitation products to solar energy, food service equipment to sealed insulated glass, and many more.

Technical certifications seek accreditation and compliance with ISO 17024, the international standard that sets out the criteria for an organization’s certification program for individuals. It’s meant to demonstrate that the program defines what it examines, the exam must be independent, and the exam must be a valid test of competence (which is arguably a broad measure).

In general, ANSI accreditation is seen as the highest standard and one that is recognized by governments around the world.

The Certification Exam Map is separated into four tabs. The first tab contains the Table of Contents, along with an explanation for how the map is laid out. The next three tabs list the entire universe of Microsoft Certification materials indexed by Exam, by Certification, and by Competency.

By Exam Mapping

In the “By Exam Mapping” tab, the sheet lists all of the exams, the name of those exams, the product/technology it governs, along with the associated credential and the associated partner competency. For example, this is what it lists for 70-562 – TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development:

• Exam #: 70-562
• Exam Name: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development
• Product/Technology: Microsoft Visual Studio 2008
• Associated Credential: MCTS
• Associated Partner Competency: Competency – Custom Development Solutions, Specialization – Web Development; Competency – SBSC, Specialization – Networking

By Certification Mapping

The “By Certification Mapping” tab is the one that is probably going to be the most useful for you, as it lists all the exams necessary to obtain a particular certification. The Exams list is linked to the web, so that it may be kept up to day. The listing shows the Credential Series, the Certification by technology, followed by required exams.

By Competency Mapping

The competency mapping is likely the least valuable tabs, at least initially, because most students approach certification from the credential. If you are trying to find out what Microsoft certifications could apply to your area of expertise, this tab is perfect. This tab shows each competency, followed by a specialty, and then the credentials that are best suited for your needs.

For example, if you want the Advanced Infrastructure Soluionts Competency, Active Directory Specialty, then you will want to pursue: “MCSE, MCSD, or MCDBA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or MCITP: Database Administrator or MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.

Plus at least one of:
Exam 70-294; Exam 70-297
Exam 70-640
Exam 70-647
Exam 70-648
Exam 70-649

The importance of the Microsoft Certification Exam Map can’t be overstated, it’s an important first step in finding out which certifications are right for you. The map is very valuable because it can save you a tremendous amount of time trying to figure out which credentials you should pursue. Once you’ve obtained a credential, the map can explain where the “low hanging fruit” are so you can start putting more credentials on your CV.

(Photo: cameronparkins)

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Technical certifications are becoming more and more important in our economy and getting a Second Shot voucher makes getting the certification that must easier. By giving yourself a free chance at a second exam, you can take off much of the pressure of the first exam!

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The origins of technical certifications go back to the late 1980′s and early 1990′s, when companies would offer technical courses for their staff. Novell Networks wanted their technical support staff to be competent in Novell products, so they put them through rigorous training programs and tested them on their ability. Those who passed were given technical certifications. They demonstrated technical competency.

This soon expanded to other companies like Cisco, Microsoft, etc. Companies wanted their technical support staff to be complete in their technical knowledge. Gaps would prove costly for customers, so each company wanted to make sure their stuff was 100%. As these programs expanded, they were outsourced. As companies learned the value of this technical expertise, they began asking to send their own support staff to these programs. This is how the technical certification business was born.

Nowadays, technical certifications are a requirement for many job roles. A diploma has value, but a technical certification with a product or class of products is worth far more. It demonstrates someone’s ability to work hands-on with a particular system, which a diploma cannot prove. Recertification, which involves retesting the candidate, ensures that they are up to date with the latest technology and trends.

Technical certifications have become so important that employers will put them as requirements on a job listing. It’s not uncommon for a job listing for a candidate working with Cisco products to list Cisco technical certifications as a pre-requisite. They know they can save money by hiring someone who is already well versed in Cisco technologies, they don’t need to spend the time and money training them.

If you want to put yourself ahead of your competitors, get a relevant technical certification!

(Photo: soundman1024)

Cisco recommends that candidates prepare themselves by taking Cisco Express Foundation for Account Managers v1.3 course on the Partner Education Connection, though private instruction is always an option.

The PMP is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is a very valuable and difficult certification to obtain. If you’re a project manager who meets the eligibility requirements, you should consider obtaining this certification. In the defense industry, a PMP is a very important pre-requisite.

Eligibility Requirements

You must have a secondary diploma, such as a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Then, you must have five years of project management experiences with over 7,500 hours spent leading and directing a project. You must also have thirty-five hours of project management education.

If you have a four year degree, such as a bachelor’s or equivalent, then you need only three years of proejct management experience and 4,500 hours spent leading and directing project tasks. The requirement of thirty-five hours of project management education remains the same.
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Exam & Recertification

The exam is a grueling four hours with 200 questions and costs $405 to member of PMI and $555 for non-members. The credential maintenance cycle is every three years and requires 60 professional development units (PDU). You earn PDUs through activity and education, such as volunteering your services or attending seminars and conferences. It’s always valuable to start obtaining PDUs early in the three year cycle so you aren’t rushing to complete them in the last six months.

For more information, I recommend you review the PMI’s PMP handbook.