THE CBT NUGGETS TRAINING
GUIDE TO THE CCNA R/S
So you want to earn your CCNA. But where do you start?
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification is a starting point for many IT professionals. It’s designed for network
specialists, network administrators, and network support engineers with 1-3 years of experience. Because it’s an entry
level cert and applies to so many job roles, it’s an extremely popular certification.
To earn your CCNA Routing and Switching certification, you will need to pass the following exams:
100-101 ICND1/CCENT and
200-101 ICND2
OR
200-120 CCNA
(composite of the 100-101 & 200-101)
The CCNA 200-120 composite exam is geared toward individuals looking to renew their CCNA. So, for the purpose of
this guide, we will focus on the path requiring you take the ICND1 and ICND2 exams. For information on the 200-120
exam, please see Cisco’s website. Fun fact: The ICND1 exam is also required if you are interested in earning your CCENT
certification. So if you take the ICND1 en route to earning a CCNA, you’ll earn your CCENT in the process!
100-101 ICND1 Overview
Questions: 40-50 questions
Time: 90 minutes
Passing Score: 800-850 out of 1,000, depending on
total number of questions
Cost: $150
Register: Pearson Vue
The ICND1 is an overview of a variety of topics.
Compared to the old ICND1 exam that was retired
in early 2013, the 100-101 ICND1 includes more
subnetting (VSLM), more depth (NAT, ACLs, VLANs),
and more updated technology (OSPF and IPv6).
To make room for everything that has been added,
some topics have been de-emphasized. There’s less
GUI, as well as less “taste-testing” of subjects such
as WiFi and security, which had been previously
included to give you a sampling of the technology.
CBT Nuggets Resources
Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Course
In this course, trainer Jeremy Cioara covers exam
objectives and equips you with the skills necessary to
successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small
branch office network.
Exam Walkthrough: Cisco ICND1/CCENT 100-101 Course
In this course, trainers Keith Barker and Anthony Sequeira
guide you through the details and the strategies needed
to ace the exam.
CCENT Exam Walkthrough Webinar Recording
In this webinar recording, Keith and Anthony give you a
“behind-the-curtain” look at the ICND1/CCENT 100-101
exam.
ICND1 2013 New Topic Breakdown Nugget
Jeremy also made a Nugget that covers new exam topics.
200-101 ICND2 Overview
Questions: 50-60 questions
Time: 75 minutes
Passing Score: 800-850 out of 1,000, depending
on total number of questions
Cost: $150
Register: Pearson Vue
Because there is so much more in the revised
ICND1, the ICND2 is able to go even deeper.
ICND2 has a lot of troubleshooting. It also has a
lot more routing (EIGRP, multi-area OSPF, OSPF3),
switching (STP, etherchannel), management (SNMP,
syslog, NetFlow), and scandal prevention (IOS
licensing).
“
CBT Nuggets Resources
Cisco CCNA ICND2 200-101 Course
In this course, trainer Jeremy Cioara covers the exam
objectives for the new ICND2 200-101 exam, including
VPN, EIGRP, OSPF, HSRP, IPv6, and more.
Exam Walktrough: Cisco ICND2/CCNA 200-101 Course
In this course, trainers Keith Barker and Anthony
Sequeira cover how to take the ICND2 200-101 exam,
including topics such as routing fundamentals, OSPF,
point-to-point protocol, and more.
CCNA is a door opener. It shows you took the time
and effort to learn something. Then it’s what you
know that carries you.
Jeremy Cioara
CBT Nuggets trainer
Other Study Tools
Hands-On Labs
Books & Apps
Virtual labs are a great way to get hands-on
experience and can be an integral part of your exam
prep. Whether you’re looking to simulate, emulate,
or build your own lab, explore our Cisco simulator/
emulator recommendations:
If you find yourself looking for additional ways to help
learn the material, try reinforcing your knowledge
with some of the following supplements:
GNS3 - emulator
VIRL - Cisco’s Virtual Internet Routing Lab
Boson’s network simulator - simulator
MicroNugget: Building a CCNA Home Lab
Cisco Packet Tracer - simulator
CCNA Routing & Switching Study Guide with Sybex
Study book recommendations
Anki Free Flashcard App
And of course, you can read more about the CCNA
exams directly from Cisco.
Trainer Q&A:
You may have a lot of questions about the CCNA R/S certification exams. It just so happens our trainers have a lot
of experience with those exams. Here’s some of the FAQs we see, along with responses from a couple of our rock
star trainers.
Q: I have been studying for my CCNA but am having
a hard time with the test. I work in the field and
know a lot of the basics, but when the question
comes on the test I completely drop my train of
thought. Any suggestions on taking a test that
seems too daunting at times?
A: For ICND1 and ICND2, check out the exam
walkthroughs from myself and Anthony Sequeira.
That will assist in showing the logic and methods
we use when going through an exam. If you are
not yet a subscriber, try a free 7 day trial and you
can watch the videos there. - Keith Barker
your own home lab?
A: They each have their own set of pros and cons.
Simulators come geared with scenarios so they
help you practice the command AND teach you
something. Emulators and home labs are great
tools as well, but you need to go into them with
end goals in mind, otherwise you will end up
wasting a lot of time. - Jeremy Cioara
Q: How can I boost morale after failing a test multiple
times?
A: You may be taking tests too close together. Rest
Q: Are there any recommended netsimulators we
for a few days and regroup. - Jeremy Cioara
can practice on (aside from the CBTN videos)?
A: I recommend using GNS3 for the routing and/
or purchasing a small amount of routers and
switches for a physical home lab. - Keith Barker
More ways to rebound from a failed exam can be
found here.
Q: What study strategy do you use for cert exams?
Q: Where is the best place to buy equipment for
A: Fake yourself out and tell yourself that you need
building labs?
to teach someone else by x date. - Jeremy Cioara
A: Hands down, eBay. - Jeremy Cioara
“
Q: What’s better– simulation, emulation, or building
Up your study game with these 10 tips.
Don’t learn it to learn it. Learn it to know it.
Keith Barker
CBT Nuggets trainer
Need more coaching?
If you’re a Premium customer, you can take advantage of our Accountability Coaching to help get you ready for test day.
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