One of the most effective ways to self-study for the CCNA (Cisco Certified Networks Associate) is to read a CCNA book. You have many choices in today's market. If you want to improve your chances of a first-time pass, read these 5 tips to ensure that you don't buy the wrong CCNA book:
1. Which version of the CCNA is the book written for? - Check the current version of the exam to make sure that the book you want to buy is current. You will regret it if you buy the book which is for an older version and outdated. The exam is revised and new versions are put out by Cisco frequently. It is a good idea to check the Cisco website for the current exam code and to match this with the book you are going to buy to ensure it is current.
2. Are practice exams included in the CCNA book? If you want to have practice on CCNA questions before the actual exam, practice exams are a good way to do this. Once you have done the practice exams, you will know which topics you are already good at and which need further revision.
3. Computer simulated exams - It is extremely useful to have a feel for how the real exam feels like before going to the test centre. Some books come with practice exams which are just written quizzes but some go a step further to include a computer simulation with a test engine. Since the real exam costs some money, it is useful to have a simulation before attempting the real thing.
4. Are the authors CCIEs? - The CCIE certification is the highest certification given to Cisco certified persons. I always look for this to ensure that the authors are able to write technically correct instructional material. You can also look to see if they have relevant job and teaching experience. It is also useful to check for the same technical certifications and background of the technical reviewers (if any).
5. Is a soft-copy available? - Sometimes you don't really want to bring a thick book along to study on your long journey. What I will do is I will make sure the book I buy has a PDF soft-copy of the CCNA book so that I can simply print the relevant chapter I want to study on that day.
1. Which version of the CCNA is the book written for? - Check the current version of the exam to make sure that the book you want to buy is current. You will regret it if you buy the book which is for an older version and outdated. The exam is revised and new versions are put out by Cisco frequently. It is a good idea to check the Cisco website for the current exam code and to match this with the book you are going to buy to ensure it is current.
2. Are practice exams included in the CCNA book? If you want to have practice on CCNA questions before the actual exam, practice exams are a good way to do this. Once you have done the practice exams, you will know which topics you are already good at and which need further revision.
3. Computer simulated exams - It is extremely useful to have a feel for how the real exam feels like before going to the test centre. Some books come with practice exams which are just written quizzes but some go a step further to include a computer simulation with a test engine. Since the real exam costs some money, it is useful to have a simulation before attempting the real thing.
4. Are the authors CCIEs? - The CCIE certification is the highest certification given to Cisco certified persons. I always look for this to ensure that the authors are able to write technically correct instructional material. You can also look to see if they have relevant job and teaching experience. It is also useful to check for the same technical certifications and background of the technical reviewers (if any).
5. Is a soft-copy available? - Sometimes you don't really want to bring a thick book along to study on your long journey. What I will do is I will make sure the book I buy has a PDF soft-copy of the CCNA book so that I can simply print the relevant chapter I want to study on that day.
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