CCDA Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition
Reviewer Name: David Mahler, Technical Trainer/Network Administrator
Rating: **** out of *****
The CCDA Exam Certification Guide (Anthony Bruno, Cisco Press, ISBN 1-58720-076-7) is a
good choice for CCDA candidates from a large range of experience and backgrounds. As a
technical trainer I look for texts that present material in a way that is clear to understand and
emphasizes recall and review. I look for clear diagrams and charts that are relevant to their
context and aid understanding of difficult concepts. This text meets all these objectives well. The
text is labeled as a “Self-Study” guide. However, I would recommend it regardless of whether the
reader is receiving formal training or is studying independently. This is a good text for someone
who has completed the CCNA program and wishes to broaden his or her knowledge by going for
the CCDA
Many of my CCNA students read a chapter of their text and wrongly assume they have acquired
enough knowledge about a topic. With a few review questions they find they understand less
than they initially thought, but they know what is lacking. Anthony Bruno’s text gives so many
opportunities for review. Review questions and summaries are included at the beginning and end
of every chapter.
Bruno’s text includes “Do I Know This Already?” quizzes at the beginning of every chapter and
“Q&A” at the end of every chapter. “Do I Know This Already?” gives readers a good idea of their
strengths/weaknesses in knowledge before starting a chapter. It even allows for skimming or
skipping chapters based on solid understanding of a concept. The Q&A at the end of every
chapter allows one to test understanding and review what didn’t quite sink in the first time. The
only drawback to these sections is that there are several errors, which are somewhat frustrating
and can confuse readers. There is also a CD-ROM that provides an exam simulation for final
preparation for the CCDA. This saves so much time in searching the web/other texts for practice
questions.
The explanations of concepts are generally high quality. However, there are areas that assume a
level of understanding that not all CCDA candidates have or are expected to have. Some
explanations could stand to be a bit clearer and contain errors. However, a little on-line research
can go a long way to fill in some gaps a reader may have. All in all it cuts the middle between an
experienced candidate and someone new to networking well.
The illustrations and charts are first-rate. I always find Cisco Press’ illustrations to be superior to
other texts in clarity and relevance to the text. Charts are included every time they need to be to
aid understanding. The most important charts are reproduced in the summaries of every chapter.
This is something I always find lacking in non-Cisco Press texts.
I would definitely recommend this text to my students going for the CCDA. Someone who reads
the text, goes through all the review questions, and conducts on-line research/study should be
well prepared for the CCDA. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who has not already gone
through a CCNA program or has CCNA level experience (just do that first!). On a scale of 1-5, I’d
rate this text a 4.