How to Study for the New CCNA Exam with Your Existing CCNA Books
You can choose to pursue the existing CCNA Routing and Switching certification or pursue the new CCNA certification come Feb 2020. However, this post does not talk about the choice, but instead focuses on how to pursue option 2:
You looked at the changes, your situation, and are choosing to study for the new CCNA 200-301 exam that comes out late February 2020. What can you study now to prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam?
Interested? Read on!
Not “You Should the New CCNA,” but “If You Do, Here’s How”
I’m posting this blog post about 8 months before the release of the CCNA 200-301 exam. This post does not tell you to pursue the new CCNA. That’s up to you, and I’ve got two earlier posts from last week that spell out some of the things to consider when making that choice:
CCNA Program Changes and Your Reaction: Keep Studying
CCNA Content Changes and Your Reaction: Keep Studying
If you choose to pursue the existing CCNA Routing and Switching certification now and complete it before Feb 24, 2020, great! However, the study path for the existing exam is clear, with plenty of study resources available. You may not need any guidance at all.
However, most everyone who chooses to pursue the new CCNA now could use a little advice. If you choose to pursue the new CCNA certification (that is, the only remaining CCNA as of Feb 24, 2020, which does not have any words after the “CCNA”), then you have a small problem today. Given how Cisco chose to release information about their certification changes, no one has study material or courses available as of the June 10, 2019 announcement.
This post is about how you can study for the new CCNA 200-301 exam with existing materials while you’re waiting on the new CCNA study products (like my books) to get to market.
Perspective: Compare the Old and New Blueprints
One way to study for the new exam now, with materials built for the old/existing 200-125 exam, is to use any material for the 200-125 exam but ignore topics removed from the exam topics (that is, the exam blueprint). You can do a line-by-line analysis for yourself, but of course, I’ve been deep into the blueprints while writing the new books. Here’s a list of the significant topics not found in the CCNA 200-301 exam (new) vs. the existing CCNA 200-125 exam:
- OSI
- VTP
- RIP
- EIGRP
- eBGP
- IOS licensing
- IOS upgrades
- Most WAN topics (serial, PPP, MPLS, Metro Ethernet)
- APIC-EM
- IPv6 Routing protocols
- IPv6 ACLs
The removal of the “troubleshoot” verbs from the new CCNA 200-301 blueprint creates another challenge when studying with existing materials. The CCNA 200-125 blueprint has 28 exam topics that use the verb “troubleshoot,” while the new blueprint has zero. Any existing material that you use should have significant troubleshooting content; you could save time and skip any materials that are specific to troubleshooting.
Finally, some topics in the blueprint formerly had verbs of “configure” and/or “verify,” but now how a conceptual-only verb, like “describe” or “compare.” In those cases, you could choose to skip any CLI Commands about those topics in your existing study material. The topics include:
- New ET 2.5: Describe… RSTP (formerly configure, verify, troubleshoot)
- New ET 3.5: Describe… First Hop Redundancy Protocols (formerly configure, verify, troubleshoot HSRP)
- New ET 4.4: Explain… SNMP (formerly configure, verify)
- New ET 5.5: Describe… VPNs (formerly configure, verify, troubleshoot GRE)
You could start analyzing the blueprints for yourself, and use my books, and make your own choices. However, if you have my books, read on – I have some more specific suggestions for you.
Useful Data about the Existing Cert Guides Vs. the New Exams
Another way to study now for the new CCNA 200-301 is to follow this study plan. I’ve listed the ICND1 100-105 and ICND2 200-105 chapters (the existing books), along with notes about whether you should study those chapters for the new exam or not.
Here’s what I did to make these recommendations. I looked at each chapter in the existing books and looked at my notes about how I’ve built the new books. (I’m about 75% done writing/revising to create the new books.) For each existing chapter, I scored it:
3: Most useful to study, because I kept most/all of that content in the new books. I might have split it up into multiple chapters, or combined into a new chapter, or ordered the chapters different (I reordered several chapters) but most of the content is in the new books, updated as needed.
2: Medium usefulness to study. If I kept some of the existing chapter in the new book, but not all of it, it gave it a 2.
1: Low usefulness to study. An existing chapter from which I kept any small topic for the new books gets a 1.
0: Zero use for studying for the topics in the new exam blueprint. EG, nothing in the exam blueprint lists or implies RIP or VTP. The existing books have chapters that cover only those topics – so those chapters get a 0.
Here’s the list for the ICND1 100-105 Cert Guide.
| ICND1 Chapter | Study Priority? | Notes |
| 1 | 3 | |
| 2 | 3 | |
| 3 | 2 | |
| 4 | 3 | |
| 5 | 3 | |
| 6 | 3 | |
| 7 | 3 | |
| 8 | 3 | |
| 9 | 3 | |
| 10 | 2 | |
| 11 | 3 | |
| 12 | 2 | |
| 13 | 3 | |
| 14 | 3 | |
| 15 | 3 | |
| 16 | 3 | |
| 17 | 3 | |
| 18 | 3 | |
| 19 | 0 | |
| 20 | 2 | |
| 21 | 1 | |
| 22 | 1 | |
| 23 | 3 | |
| 24 | 1 | |
| 25 | 3 | |
| 26 | 3 | |
| 27 | 3 | |
| 28 | 3 | |
| 29 | 3 | |
| 30 | 3 | |
| 31 | 1 | |
| 32 | 3 | |
| 33 | 2 | |
| 34 | 2 | |
| 35 | 0 | |
| 36 | 0 |
Here’s the list for the ICND2 200-105 Cert Guide.
| ICND2 Chapter | Study Priority? | Notes |
| 1 | 0 | Duplicate of ICND1 Chapter 11 |
| 2 | 3 | |
| 3 | 1 | STP/RSTP becomes a concept topic |
| 4 | 1 | Chapter is devoted to troubleshooting |
| 5 | 0 | VTP |
| 6 | 2 | |
| 7 | 3 | |
| 8 | 3 | |
| 9 | 0 | EIGRP is not in the new CCNA blueprint |
| 10 | 0 | |
| 11 | 2 | Chapter is devoted to troubleshooting, but I kept some in the new books anyway. |
| 12 | 0 | eBGP is not in the new CCNA blueprint |
| 13 | 1 | |
| 14 | 2 | |
| 15 | 2 | |
| 16 | 0 | Duplicate of ICND1 Chapter 25 |
| 17 | 0 | Duplicate of ICND1 Chapter 26 |
| 18 | 3 | |
| 19 | 3 | |
| 20 | 2 | |
| 21 | 0 | Duplicate of ICND1 Chapter 24 |
| 22 | 0 | No IPv6 routing protocols listed in new CCNA Blueprint |
| 23 | 0 | |
| 24 | 0 | |
| 25 | 0 | No IPv6 ACLs listed in new CCNA Blueprint |
| 26 | 1 | |
| 27 | 3 | |
| 28 | 2 |
Study Plan: Read Sequentially, and Skip 0’s, Maybe 1’s, Maybe 2’s
Before my new books come out, you can study with the old books for the new exam. Just use them as usual, but for a subset of the chapters. That is, begin by reading the intro and “Your Study Plan” at the beginning of the book. Use all the review tools in the book and at ciscopress.com. Just skip some chapters.
Which chapters should you skip? Make your choice based on the ratings in the tables. If you think you only have time to finish the chapters with a “3” rating, just read those. If you have time to read the 2’s and 3’s, read those.
Also, take a close look at the table for ICND1, and the ratings for chapters 1 – 18 (the first half of the book). They’re mostly 3’s, with some 2’s – you could complete half of the ICND1 100-105 book before even slowing down to think about which chapters to skip!
Buying Existing Books? Consider Buying ICND1 Only
I wrote this post for those who already own the books, but if you’re considering buying the existing books now, to study for the new exam, follow the plan.
Buy the ICND1 100-105 book (and not the 2-book library), complete all the 2’s and 3’s chapters before my first new book comes out. It’s late June, and the new “CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Vol 1” is due late September. That ICND1 100-105 book might be enough to keep you busy until September.
If you think you might go for the existing CCNA, you have time – 8 months with diligent study is attainable. Also, if you fall just a little short, you will have already learned at least half of what you need for the new CCNA. Here’s a link for the CCNA 200-125 library.
Is This You? Weigh In!
I am curious. If you’ve chosen to pursue the new CCNA, and are getting started studying now, what’s your plan? What will you study? Will you wait, or get started now?
Hi Mr.Odom iam currently studying for my CCNA using your OCG icnd1 100-105 but iam half way through your book iam kinda stumped on whether to continue to get current before Feb 23 2020 or go new exam my thing is I have had to go back to refresh my mind on certain topics so I can retain it in memory which causes me to take more time what I mean to say is iam not sure I can pass two tests before the Feb 23rd due date.What should I do? I value your opinion on this matter.Thank You Sir.
Michael,
I will make two suggestions. Take a few minutes, think, and visualize a path to passing the existing CCNA by Feb 23 (probably Feb 21, given the 23rd is a Sunday.) Now study with that timeline in mind for a month or two, give it a real try. Then re-evaluate.
Why? Well, a lot of what you would study soon, on the current ICND1, will be in the new CCNA. So little time wasted – and even if you learn something that’s not on the exam, it may still be useful for your real job in other contexts. But think of you plan, write it down, visualize your success, work towards that goal. And if you need to pivot, and go for the new, so be it – but you’ll be that much closer.
Alternatively, if you look at the timeline and just think “no way”, then study now for the new CCNA. I’ve given the beginnings of that plan in the latest post in this blog.
Hope this helps,
Wendell
Hello Mr. Odom
My question is the next:
Are we going to see DevNet topics the in the new CCNA book that you are releasing in September?
Are you going to release new CCNP books with DevNet in order we can study?..
Can we use IDEs like pycharm or eclipse to work with python for DevNet?
Hope you answer as soon as possible..
Thanks a lot…
Hi Elvin,
Answers…
Yes, my new books will cover all the topics in the new blueprint, including the “DevNet” topics. The blueprint lists most of those as “network automation and programmability”, but I get what you mean. 🙂
As for books etc on the DevNet certs, I can’t promise any products personally, mainly because I can’t talk about future products. In fact, normally I can only talk about products once I’m finished with them. This time it’s weird – I’m still wrapping CCNA books after announcement. Short version, can’t really talk about the future, that’s up to the publisher. check http://www.ciscopress.com/newcert for their announcements. Also, DevNet will likely start to post info about how to study for the new certs with their great content – watch for that!
Sure, use all the IDEs you want – not a problem. I actually think those help you learn – I’m personally a big fan.
I think that was all of your questions…
Wendell
Thanks a lot Mr.Odom, all my questions were answered..
Hope you have a great time..
Dear Mister Odom Wendell,
I’m Hugues, Belgium student -:) thank you for your books, they really help me to pass the ICND1 last week.
And now I really don’t know what I need to do, study for the new CCNA exam, or studying for the ok ICND2.
May be it will be easy to finish the ICND2(all my previous study cover some part of the labo of (routing protocols and troubleshoting), and study for the new exam next year (end of the year).
Is that what I have to understand?
I ll thank you very much for the time you take to respond to my question!
Hugues.
Hi Hugues,
I definitely think that you could complete your study for ICND2 before February 23, 2020. Of course it depends on time available, but because you have already passed ICND1, I would think you would need maybe 75, or 100 at most, hours to learn all of ICND2.
Wendell
Hello Wendell,
Thank you very much for this clear response.
Just a little small question again.
What is the most important for the future, this certificataion (ICND1+2) , or the new CCNA?
Do I need to study the new ccna after February to be up to date? or pass to something up (CCNA Data Center or Security or Wireless, IOT…?
I’ll thank you already for the time you take to read,
Have a Nice Day!
Hugues.
Hugues,
The key is to always be learning. Whether than leads to another certification or not does not matter as much. That said, I personally think that certifications are a good way to keep many people focused on continuing to learn. With that in mind, I’d ask you: what’s most interesting to you related to your career goals? What’s most interesting of all the projects you might work on in the next year or two in your current job? Use those questions to guide your choices of what to study.
Hello Wendell,
That’s the best response of ever.
Every “students” have to remember it.
Studying Continuing to study but never forget to focus of the goals of your study.
Thank you,
Wish you the best for your next books.
Hugues.
Hi Wendell,
I got certified for CCNA in Dec 2018, had planned to do CCNP as well. Since cisco has revamped all cert levels, shall I go for the existing CCNP or wait till the exams are out in Feb 2020.
One more thing I noticed is CCNA is no longer required for attaining CCNP ?. So in this way candidates can now go directly for CCNP ? 😃
Just read your other post, CCNA knowledge is required for CCNP Enterprise. However Cisco mentions not required I guess they made the CCNP level bit easy perhaps. I think it might help someone who would achieve the new CCNA. What are your thoughts on this Wendall ?.
Hi Mansoor,
I’ll be talking about some of this next week on Safari – stop by if you’re part of that service. https://learning.oreilly.com/live-training/courses/ccnp-enterprise-navigating-the-2019-cisco-ccnp-enterprise-certification-exam-changes-and-setting-your-course-for-certification-success/0636920304326/
I do expect to blog a little more about those decisions, but a short answer… There’s lots to consider. I’m a big fan of passing ROUTE and SWITCH now – counts as the new CCNP Enterprise CORE – and then you have lots of options. But if you wait for CCNP Enterprise Core, no reason to wait to study – lots of overlap.
On the CCNA as prereq thing, I don’t think they’ve made CCNP easier at all, and Cisco stressed that in their webinars and at Cisco Live. It’s a practical thing. Say you learned CCNA stuff on the job, want to pusue CCNP. Having to pass the exam is an unnecessary barrier – so they removed it. On the slip side, if you know nothing about networking, CCNA – both content and exam/cert – serve as a great guide and goal to learn the basics. But you can still choose whether to go for it all (knowlede/skills AND pass the exam) or just get the knowledge/skills, ignore the exam, and move straight on to CCNP.
Wendell
I am just now starting to study for both exams for CCNA. How long would you give each test to study for before Feb 2020? 4 months for ICDN1 and 3 for #2 or what are your thoughts?
Justin,
I’ve just gone through a more detailed analysis getting ready for a 2-hour Safari course next week about the new CCNA. I think it works better to also think about time per week that you will really do (not hope to do, but really do), and think about time needed. Some opinions:
Ignoring geniouses and those with legit learning disablilities – that is, keeping it mainstream – I think CCNA takes 100-200 hours to achieve.
It takes less if you:
Are generally a fast learner
Are generally good at math
Are a fast reader/comprehender
Willing to spend $ on tools (better tools = less time spent)
Willing to study at least a little 5-6 days a week (more frequent study = more effective study)
It takes you longer if it’s the opposite, of course.
So, soul search, and give yourself an estimate of time required.
Then, how much do you know already? I count 100-200 for someone knowing nothing going in. If you know 20%, you’re 20% less time to finish.
Then do the math. How many weeks til Jan 31, 2020? roughly 28 at this point. If you can devote say 6 hours a week, 6*28=168. Did your estimate show you needing less than 168 hours? Then go for it!
Why count weeks based on Jan 31, 2020? To give you 3 weeks to take (and retake) the existing exams.
Sorry for the long answer. Short version: Plenty of time to start today, or even August, probably September for most people and still get CCNA R&S. Depends on your, and amount of time, etc.
Wendell
I saw in ciscopress that you are going to release ccna volume 1 and ccna volume 2 for the new ccna certification.
1- Is the volume2 an improved version of volume 1 or is it going to be the continuation of volume 1 to pass the new ccna certification?
2- Can I pass the new ccna cert just studing the volume 1 book?
Wilme,
Thanks for asking.
The volume of content won’t fit in one physical book, so we’re publishing it as two volumes. Once both are out, we’ll sell them as a 2-book set (for a little cheaper) called a “library”. (In publisher-speak, a library is a cardboard box with multiple products in it.) So if you were using the book(s) alone, yes, you would need both.
Wendell
Hi Wendell,
As someone on the cusp of starting studying for their CCNA, this post is really helpful. Thank you for making it! I think I may wait and take the new certification but I will see how I go.
Just out of curiosity, do you have an estimated time for when Vol 2. might be out of the new CCNA book (linking to Wilme’s question)? Do not feel you must answer if this is difficult, I’m just interested!
Many thanks,
Matt
Hey Matt,
Glad the post is a help! Even if you start informally now, hope that you’ll at least get started – would definitely get you rolling once you choose a vector and get serious.
Sure, on timing, Vol 2 is scheduled out by end of the calendar year. Vol 1 is due Sept 20th, but that’s still not set in stone – and then there’s the time to get it out to the various channels.
Wendell
Thank you, Wendell!
Matt
Hi Wendell,
I am wondering if new books you are writing for CCNA Vol 1 and Vol 2 are the same thing? Or just slightly different variation?
Thank you!
Hi Brendan,
Vol 1 and Vol 2 are different books. Combined they cover all the new CCNA 200-301 exam topics.
Wendell
Hi Mr. Odom!
Great article you have there.. my name is Eric and I am about to start my CCNA R/S using the Cisco NetAcad Curriculum and looking at how the structure is I might not be able to know enough to take the CCNA R/S.
Would it be the best option to wait and for the new syllabus or use the current materials I have to self study
— (I believe knowing stuff under CCNA 200-125 would still be a applicable on the job so why not?) —
until there are materials on the new syllabus?
I would really appreciate a response! Bless!
Hi Eric,
I’m not quite following the specific question you’re asking, but I like your enthusiasm! Taking a crack at an answer:
– Yes, there’s lots of overlap between CCNA 200-125 and CCNA 200-301, so studying for the existing 200-125 is good prep.
– 200-301 is smaller in terms of volume of topics in my opinion, so for some topics studied for 200-125, you may already know more than you need to know! Which is good.
– I wouldn’t expect an Acdemy course starting now to get to the end of the 200-125 curriculum before Feb 23, 2020, as many of those last 4 semesters. But if they use the material but in a compressed timeframe, sure there is still time to learn CCNA 200-125 material and pass the exam by Feb 23 2020!
Hope this helps…
Wendell
I am just starting my CISCO certification journey. Given all the changes I’ve decided to do the new CCNA exam. I noticed that CISCO offers online learning & labs for ICDN1 & ICDN2 through their Learning Network Store. Are you aware if they’re going to do the same for the new CCNA 200-301 exam?
Thanks.
Hi Shameer,
Welcome to the world of Cisco certifications! Hope you enjoy the process.
I haven’t seen any specific announcements from Cisco about their labs. That said, the folks at Cisco that create their learning and certification products, called Learning@Cisco, are making a huge number of changes, so I’m sure they’re very busy making changes. Short version, I don’t know, but I’d predict:
They will have labs.
They will try to have them out 2/24/20.
Stay tuned!
Wendell
Hello! So with the new CCNA book out for preorder, I was wondering if you think it’d be best to study ICND1 first to get some basic networking knowledge or should I go ahead and purchase the new CCNA book since there is just one CCNA now? I work as a helpdesk currently but would like to re learn networking, cheers!
Hey Kenny,
If you haven’t started yet, and are ready to get going, I’d say study for the new exam. The new CCNA 200-301 exam has some newer topics and a little more breadth. As usual, when Cisco updates a certification, they do try and make the new version more relevant based on changes in the industry. If you’ve not spent money on resources yet, I’d say start towards the new CCNA given that it’s out in only 5 months.
However, note that there is a fair amount of overlap, in fact, a lot of ICND1’s content is in the new CCNA. So learning about the ICND1 content (and even passing that exam) isn’t a bad use of time. Never a bad idea to learn new things in a knowledge-based job like many in IT.
Hope this helps,
Wendell
Hi mr Odom and thanks for the great books. I wanted to ask something. I was reading now the ICND1 book and specifically the chapter for NAT but I realize that I will not have enough time to finish both books until February. The point is i bought the 200-301 book and I am not sure where to start…can you give me your lights please? I also enjoyed the book so far! Thanks in advance.
Hi Asterios,
You’re welcome!
If you’re in the ICND1 100-105 book chapter on NAT, that’s chapter 27. Assuming you’ve read chapters 1-16 as well, you need to also read:
The CCNA 200-301 Vol 1 chapters on STP/RSP (9 & 10), L3 switching (17), and everything beginning with chapter 19 (OSPF, IPv6, and Wireless LANs.)
In the Vol 2 book when it comes out, you can skip Part 1 (which mimics old ICND1 100-105 chapter 5, 25, and 26).
Hope this helps,
Wendell
Mr Odom do you think that is better to finish the icnd1 book for the information it carry’s, or I am covered by the new one anyway?
Well, the new book covers all the exam topics in the new exam. But there’s plenty of overlap. It’s not a waste of time to keep reading the ICND1 book at all. Maybe I’ll post some blog posts about the transition…
Thank you Mr Odom. That will be awesome!
Mr. Odom. I have looked for the new full 200-301 simulator but cannot find it. Will there be a new 200-301 available for purchase?
Thanks!
Tim
Hey Tim,
I’m not involved in the Sim any more, but I’m 99% sure there will be one. But I won’t speak for the publisher. I’d suggest a quick tweet to @Ciscopress if you’d like to learn more.
Wendell
Mr. Odom,
I’ve been blessed with a great job where they are requiring me to obtain my CCNA within six months. I have decided to pursue studying for the 200-301 exam between now and 24 February 2020. If I’m able to do between 25 and 30 hours a week for studying (I’m essentially being paid to learn right now even though I’m doing some networking responsibilities on switches, etc) for November, December, January and February plus what’s left of this month of October 2019, would that be adequate time to be prepared for the exam?
Hi Dan,
The question of time is impacted by many factors, including how fast you learn, how much you know beforehand, and how well you do in taking tests. That said, I’d estimate you have… 120 hours of study time available in these next few months? Then for sure I think it’s enough time. For perspective, I estimate the new CCNA at about 75% as much content as the existing (soon-to-be-old) CCNA 200-125, and the new exam has less hands-on skill required (aka less time, as hands-on skills take more time.) So short answer: yes!
Wendell
Thank you, sir! Especially for such a prompt response! I was expecting it to be a few days or so before I’d get on. 🙂
That should be “before I’d get one.”.
Hello Mr Odom.
I need an advice:
What is Cisco going to do in order to test the associate level of knowledge currently found in the Data Center and Cloud concentrations?, how could I start to prepare in those areas? jumping right to the core exams from the CCNP?
Hi Javier,
Taking the one at a time, I can give you my opinion, based on what I read. Your question is probably better asked at the Cisco Learning Network, to Cisco (learningnetwork.cisco.com). But here’s what I see:
Data Center: CCNA DC goes away, so CCNP DC core is the starting point. To prepare now for those, I’d look at the exam topics for CCNP DC Core and compare to the current (soon-to-retire) DC exams and look for overlap. Wherever you see overlap, that’s what to study.
Cloud: I don’t see any significant CCNP-level cloud topics. I have to believe they will appear at some point, but I’d say if you care about DC and cloud, do the above for DC for the short term.
Hope this helps a little…
Wendell
Thank you so much, Mr Odom.
hello I hope you see this but I just bought the ccna book, and I was wondering should I go front to back on this book or focus on certain chapters? thanks
Justin,
If you’re going to read them all, and you wanted to jump around a bit, I’d say: complete vol 1 through part 6. Then if you jump around, complete the chapters part by part.
If you’re asking whether you can focus on some, does that mean you skip others? Or skim them? If so, that’s really a question of what you personally already know. Every chapter in the book discusses topics that fit within the exam topics.
Also, you can use the exam topic list found at cisco.com/go/certifications, which lists the percentage by exam domain as well. That can give you some idea of where to spend more time or less time.
Would it be possible to update the “Notes” section above, beside the chapters with “Study Priority? 1” , and let us know the section titles you kept? This way we can go back and read them.
Hi Dan,
Your idea makes some sense if when writing I had kept notes about each specific small section in the old book that I kept in the new. Alas, that’s not the case.
Have you finished all the 3’s and 2’s?
Wendell
I just finished up to Chapter 19 yesterday in ICND1 (didn’t notice this blog until after, and saw Chapter 19 is gone). I’m doing Chapter 20 now, and I see there’s a 1 on several of the next chapters, so I wanted to make sure I don’t miss something. I did just purchase your new CCNA 200-301 book today, so when that arrives (if it’s not already out of stock haha), that will help, but in the meantime I’m just trying to get what I can in without back tracking too much (and then get CCNA 200-301 volume 2 in late December).
So if you’re trying to skip the ICND1 chapters you don’t need for the new exam, and skip the ones for which it’s only some benefit to read, I’d say two options:
Read the ACL and NAT chapters in ICND1 – you’ll find those in the new CCNA Vol 2, substantively unchanged, or
I’d say from where you are today:
Move on to the IPv6 chapters. 4 of the 5 IPv6 chapters in ICND1 (chapters 28 – 32) are 3’s on my scale, and are substantively unchanged for the new CCNA Vol 1 book (Chapters 22 – 25 in the new CCNA Vol 1).
Sounds like a great plan. Thanks very much for your help!
Dear Mr. Odom,
I just passed my CCENT two weeks ago (Thank you Lord Jesus and thank you Mr. Odom!!), and am on Ch. 3 for ICND2. Just in case I’m unable to sufficiently prepare by Feb 23, and as I already have your ICND1 and ICND2 book, COULD YOU PLEASE PUBLISH a book with ONLY the new material for the new CCNA exam as a sort of supplementary text for those who already have your older OCG library? And I’d suggest your include your wonderful numerically prioritized chapter guide from above!! This way we just need to purchase one supplementary book if we don’t make the deadline and reference your “study priority” for the remaining portion!
Thank you!!
Crystal
Hey Crystal,
Congrats on passing ICND1!
Thanks for the suggestion and feedback on offering a product with only the new material. I’ll bring up the idea to the publisher. I don’t think it’s likely, but this transition is different than any we’ve done with Cisco, so who knows. Just thinking out loud, would an eBook of the chapters that are substantively new do the trick? Or is your plea more one of saving $, so a “deal” on the eBook versions of the new books for anyone owning the old books (just so you can see the new content) – is that more like what you’re after?
Wendell
Hello,
I was thinking just those chapters which are substantively different. Because I’m going to go through the ICND2 book anyhow, and won’t really require a good portion of that information again by way of the new CCNA books. And I would gladly purchase this “supplementary version” regardless of weather or not I get my CCNA by the twenty-third of February…
Thank you for considering!
Hi,
I’ve just passed CCENT on Network Academy and I’m thinking about getting a certificate at Pearson. What do you think, is it good having an exam in the old system or should I wait and get certificate in the new system?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Balazs. I’d say definitely yes, get your certificate/credential. Your CCENT will be valid for 3 years from the date you passed, even with all the changes.
Hi Mr. Odom,
I have a question regarding CCNP Security Study plan. I don’t know if you’re only discussing about CCNA or about this topic as well but I feel you’re the best person to ask this question to.
Actually I am starting to prepare for SCOR(350-701) which is core exam for CCNP/CCIE Security. Now there is some Official study material by Cisco available on their website as below:
1) CCNP and CCIE Security Core SCOR 350-701 Official Cert Guide Book, Premium Edition eBook and Practice Test
2) CCNP and CCIE Security Core SCOR 350-701 Complete Video Course (Video Training) —- Price= 319 $
3) SCOR E-Learning Course —Accessible only for 180 days — Price= 500 $
Now I need a suggestion as which one should I choose between 2 & 3 ? Should I go for Video training or for E-learning course ?
Getting both will be costly for me so don’t want to spend extra, please suggest what is the best option for study ?
Moreover, Please do suggest if you think Book + video lectures/E-learning would be enough to pass this exam, if not, then please suggest any other useful study resource or option.
I would really appreciate your response on this.
Thanks,
Ahmad
Wendell, I’m looking for some feedback from people who have recently taking the new CCNA exam, can you pls point me in that direction????
Darryl,
I’d say look at:
Learningnetwork.cisco.com
Reddit/r/ccna
Wendell