The CCNA Routing and Switching credential is a top networking certification in the field of IT. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most recognized and respected certificates in the world. Cisco CCNA R&S is designed to help the candidates improve their career and salary potentials. It offers one the opportunity to certify his/her ability to configure, troubleshoot and operate switched and routed networks. Those individuals who desire to earn this certification must pass the associated exam(s).
There are two options of exams that you can choose for this credential. There is the composite test, which is a single 200-125 exam and there is the option of taking two exams, 100-105 ICND1 and 200-105 ICND2. The students with no experience in the industry are advised to take the two-part exam to build up their skills and knowledge level. The 100-105test is the entry-level exam that leads to the award of the CCENT certification. The candidates who take it will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to pursue the CCNA certificate. After taking 100-105 ICND1, one can proceed to sit for 200-105 ICND2. However, those examinees who have some level of experience in the industry can go ahead to write the composite exam. It consists of the two tests but taken together without any break. You should check the certification webpage to learn more about theexam topics and objectives.
Overview of exam details
The certification exams contain questions on a wide range of topics covering TCP/IP studies, which are the most extensive routing protocols with comprehensive branches. There are numerous topics that are required to be covered before attempting the exam. Many test takers believe that the exam is difficult to pass. Well, you must be ready to devote some time to study itscontent to achieve success in the exam. If you are not confident in your ability to handle the questions successfully, it is recommended that you start your path with 100-105. This will equip you with the knowledge of fundamental concepts and components of networking infrastructure and will prepare you for the more extensive 200-105 exam topics. By passing Cisco 100-105, your confidence level will be boosted and you can look forward to take the second part of the exam.
Although the certification exam is extensive, it is actually a very quick one. The 200-125 test is made up of about 60-70 questions. A large part of the exam questions is based on real-world scenarios. The candidates are given a total of 90 minutes for the completion. Even though there are not many questions, the testis still considered to be tough. The students who prepare adequately also find the exam questions and the duration a bit stressful, because there is so much to do within such a short time. To help you prepare and get ready for the test, we have put together some study tips. By following thesehints, you will cover the basis and you will have less stressful time dealing with the exam questions.
Study tips
- Get appropriate study materials
The certification exam covers extensive topics and the candidates are required to develop competence in all the areas. To help you achieve this, you need to get the right study materials. How do you get the rightmaterials? First, go through the exam objectives and topics. You should get the official study guide and read it diligently. It should function as what it is designed for – to guide you through your exam study. The study guide highlights everything you need to learn before taking the test. It also includes some resource tools to help you with your preparation. By reading the tutorial, you will know what to look out for when choosing your study materials. Besides, go through the certification webpage to explore the training resources on the platform. There are books, training courses and a load of learning materials. Use the latest editions of the book. The details of how to get it can be found on the official Cisco website. There are other tools online that will help with your preparation. It is essential that you develop competence in working with binary mathematics before you start studying with the book. This will impact significantly on your calculation speed.
- Develop practical experience
The CCNA Routing and Switching certificate requires your knowledge of theory and practical aspects of the exam content. It is great to understand the theoretical components of the test, but it is also important to have practical knowledge. You should be able to use the theoretical information you have learnt in real life networking and troubleshooting environment.
- Take study notes
As you study for your test, take notes of important details. This note will serve as a refresher for you few days to your exam. Have a dedicated note pad where you document what you have read and studied. To make your learning fun and interesting and to make reading the notes more effective, it is recommended that you use colorful pen instead of the boring black or blue one. Colored pens will make the note attractive to study.
- Take practice tests
This is very critical for your exam preparation. You need to be strategic about how you work with practice tests. First, create a plan of how to go about your study and include practice tests at interval of the topics. Put a deadline to these preparation tools to check your knowledge level based on what you have learnt. While taking the practice test, you will discover areas that need improvement and you can work on those topics. Do not leave your practice tests to the end of your study. Doing this will deprive you of evaluating yourself in time and you will miss out on important improvements.
We believe that these study tips will help you pass your exam(s) and lead you to the Cisco CCNA R&S certification.
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