CCNA FAQs & Tips
CCNA is a long topic to talk about and there are many tips that can help you save much time when sitting in the exam hall. From the comments here and information from other places, this article tries to summarize all the CCNA frequently asked questions to save you some time. Please feel free to ask anything that you are unclear about CCNA so that all of us can help you. I will update this article frequently to bring you newest information about this exam.
1. Please tell me how many questions in the real CCNA exam, and how much time to answer them?
Until now, you have 90 minutes to answer 50 questions in the real CCNA exam but if your native language is not English, Cisco allows you a 30-minute exam time extension. But there are a few requirements to get this extension, so the best way is asking your teacher or mentor before taking the exam.
2. How much does the CCNA Exam 640-802 cost? And how many points I need to pass the exam?
It now costs $295 (big money, right?) :)
The passing score is 825/1000.
3. How many ways can I get the CCNA certification?
There are 2 ways to achieve this certification:
- By taking two exams ICND-1 100-101 and ICND-2 200-101
- By taking only one CCNA 200-120 exam
4. I got the CCNA certification, will this certification expire?
CCNA certification is valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or pass a CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, security, voice), or pass the current CCDA exam, or pass any 642 – XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.
5. After completing the INTRO exam (ICND 1), students currently have a three-year window in which to complete the ICND exam (ICND 2) to earn CCNA certification. Will this option still exist?
Yes, students will still be able to take and pass the first exam (INTRO or ICND1) and have a three-year window to pass the second exam (ICND2), before the first exam expires.
6. If students fulfill the exam requirements for the CCNA certification, will they also receive CCENT certification?
No, students who certify at the CCNA level will not earn CCENT certification. The purpose of the CCENT certification is to provide an option for those who aren’t ready for CCNA.
(Information from http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html)
7. Which sims will I see in the CCNA exam?
The popular sims now are EIGRP, Access-list 1 and Access-list 2 sims but no one can guarantee you will not see other sims in your exam. So the best way is practicing all sims on this site.
8. How many points will I get for one sim?
Well, Cisco doesn’t tell how many points you will get for each correctly solved sim but from my experience, you will get from 80 to 100 points for each sim. Cisco maybe is a bit rude for sims because you will just get a few points if you can’t solve the sim completely. So be careful with the sims and try to write all the commands on paper many times before taking this exam.
9. In the real exam, I clicked “Next” after choosing the answer, can I go back for reviewing?
No, this is a very important thing about CCNA exam. You can just go forward! You can visit http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/wwtraining/certprog/training/cert_exam_tutorial.html to be familiar with the exam interface.
10. What is the key to pass CCNA?
The CCNA exam covers many aspects of networking and most of the topics will be asked. But the most important topic is subnetting so make sure you understand how to subnet. Of course other topics are important too so you shouldn’t bypass them.
11. Can I use short commands, for example “conf t” instead of “configure terminal”? Will I get full mark for short commands?
It is another big question in the CCNA exam. Some reports said that you can use the “Tab” and short commands but some said they didn’t work. Sometimes the simulator in the exam doesn’t accept short commands and marks as “incomplete command”. Besides, no one can guarantee it will cost points or not if you use short commands so my recommendation is you should learn the full commands.
12. What are your recommended materials for CCNA?
There are many options you can choose, but below are materials used and recommended by many candidates:
Books:
- Sybex CCNA 6th edition by Todd Lammle
- Cisco Press ICND1 & ICND2 Certification Guide
- CCNA Networking Academy 1-4 (used in Cisco Academy so there is no link)
- Cisco 640-802 CCNA Portable Command Guide
- Cisco Discovery and Cisco Exploration study guide (used in Cisco Academy so there is no link)
The difference between CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration is “CCNA Discovery is designed for students with basic PC skills and can be delivered as an independent curriculum or integrated into broader courses of study at secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. CCNA Exploration is designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills, such as those who are pursuing degrees in engineering, math, or science”. (Reference from “new CCNA faq”).
Video Training:
- CBT Nuggets
- Train Signal
- Testout
From my point of view, these video are just optional materials and they cost much, you can definitely pass the CCNA exam without buying them. If you have strong budget and want to learn in a more comfortable way then buy them! (but it is difficult to pass if just listening to them without reading books, believe me!)
Simulators (luckily, they’re the best and free):
- Packet Tracer (and you can get real exam labs on my site here)
- GNS 3
GNS 3 is really good and it uses real IOS so all the commands are available but these IOS are copyrighted so it is hard to get. Besides, GNS 3 needs much RAM to run so from my experience you should use the Router c2600 with 64MB RAM to run if your labs are simple (like assign IP addresses, hostname, RIP…). If you need to configure OSPF or EIGRP, use higher router. These two simulators are enough to practice labs for CCNA but if you want to learn about other simulators, check out my Free Router Simulators article. Packet Tracer is light, quick and convenient for common tasks but sometimes it doesn’t act like real devices. A good point of Packet Tracer is that Cisco has many good labs (.pkt files) to practice with.
Websites & Forums:
- Cisco website
- certcollection.org/forum
- examcollection.com
- sadikhov.com/forum
- networking-forum.com
- certforums.co.uk/forums
- mcmcse.com/forums
- proprofs.com/forums
- 9tut.com, 9tut.net of course :)
About Dumps…
If you use dumps like pass4sure, Testking or ActualTest… make sure you understand the concept behind each question. It’s a very big mistake if you just learn which answer is correct without understanding the concept. Notice that in the real CCNA exam, you will be given different IP addresses, subnets and more options to choose; so it is easier to understand them than to learn them by heart. Finally, my advice is you just should use dumps as a final review after finishing the CCNA course.
13. How much time should I spend on each sim?
You should not spend more than 15 minutes for each sim. Recall that you only have 90 minutes so if you spend 15 minutes for each sim x 4 sims = 60 minutes (now the sims have been reduced to 3 but we calculate 4 sims for safe). The 30 minutes left is for solving 40 multiple choice questions. If you are not a native English speaker and have 30-minute expansion (ask your teacher or testing center to confirm) than you can spend 20 minutes for each sim.
14. Can I pass without doing sims?
As mentioned above, each sim will cost you from 80 to 100 points. In the real exam you will have to solve 4 sims that give from 320 to 400 points. Suppose you answer all other questions perfectly then you will get 600 to 680 points but the passing score is 825. It means that you surely fail if ignore them.
From the calculation above, if you miss only one sim the chance to pass is average but if you miss two, the chance to pass is very, very low.
15. I need to know if the exam questions are the same in all the geographical locations?
Yes, the exam questions are the same in all geographical locations. But notice that Cisco has a pool of questions and each time you take the exam, a number of random questions will show up so you will not see all the same questions as the previous exam.
16. I am going to take the exam in a few days and I wonder can we have a pen and paper for IP calculations or calculator itself?
You are not allowed to bring a calculator or anything else to the exam room. You can’t use the virtual calculator in Windows, too. You will receive a rough paper or a small board to write everything you need during the exam. However, you should bring a pen or a pencil because sometimes the exam hall doesn’t have one (yes, some exam centers are not good) and maybe it will make you more comfortable.
17. I failed the exam. Will I see the same questions and sims in my next try?
Cisco has a pool of questions and sims so you will see some same (but surely not all) questions in your next exam. Luckily, the sims are the same (read question 7 for popular sims in the exam).
18. In the exam, how can I access to the routers in the simulator?
As you can see in the exam, there is always one PC connected to the router you need configure. Just click on this PC to be taken to the CLI of the router (no need to type telnet … or do anything else). Of course it is not true in real life but maybe Cisco did it that way to save you some time!
19. I am going to take the exam in a couple of days. Where can I get newest information from candidates who have just passed the exam?
You can visit the Share your experience section in this site, scroll down to the bottom of that page to read newest information about CCNA exam.I really want to say thanks to all candidates who are willing to share experience after taking the exam. It is an invaluable gift for CCNA candidates.
20. I passed CCNA. Do you have any site similar to 9tut.com for CCNP?
We have digitaltut.com for ROUTE, certprepare.com for SWITCH and networktut.com for TSHOOT, voicetut.com for CCNA Voice, securitytut.com for CCNA Security and dstut.com for CCDA. We always try our best to bring you newest information about these exams, hope you enjoy these sites too!
21. I am going to get my CCNA exam and I have a question: in the drag and drop questions are the answers must be arranged?
It depends on the questions. If the question clearly states that you have to arrange the answers in a given order (for example, from smallest to greatest; from lowest to highest; step 1,2,3…) then you have to arrange them correctly. In most cases, you don’t need to arrange them so don’t worry and don’t try to learn the order shown in the materials you use before taking the exam.
22. Hi all, I want to ask if out of 5 questions in the sim 1 or 2 questions are answered wrongly, do we get 0 marks for that sim or get something for other correct answers?
You still get points for the parts you answered correctly so try to answer as much as possible for that sim.
Is there anything you want to ask, just ask! All of us will help you.
(Please don’t ask for copyright materials here)
Couldnot clear CCNA in first attempt :(
Can someone tell me when (after how many days) I can take the second chance at the earliest.
5 days from the completion of your test date
@Paul
I’d recommend practicing without using tab. I’ve heard off multiple different sources that some labs have the function but then others don’t.. So I guess it’s best to be prepared!
I also heard that you can potentially lose points using it, but I’m hoping that’s just a myth.
Hi All,
Can some one help with a latest dumps please
My Email id :- kiran_bandari20@yahoo.com
Regards,
Kiran
Hi Guys,
Where can I download the latest version of PACKET TRACER ???
Thank you very much inadvance
Hi All,
Can some one help with a latest dumps CCNA 640-802 Q & A , please
My Email id/ ysms2020@hotmail.com
Best Regards,
Yousuf
On various sims we can check our config is correct by pinging other routers/hosts etc. Does Cisco award points for checking our config even if the question doesnt say anything about verifying?
Thanks
this is one great site….
regards
Hey Guys, just wanted to say thank you for your help! Just got back from taking the test and passed with an 867. The three sims (VTP, EIGRP and Access List) were all on the test. Weird thing was I had a ton of IP-V6 questions that I’ve never seen before. I’m guessing they were the test questions for the next exam and didn’t count. So don’t panic if you see them come up!
Thanks Again!
Can anyone confirm that the Windows calculator is NOT allowed on the CCNA?
Also, sims and subnetting aside, what makes up the bulk of the remaining questions, ICND 1 or 2 material?
There are no calculators in the exam at all. Its good to practice the subnetting chart and write it out while the exam tutorial happens so you dont eat into your exam time. That will save you valuable time.
Passed today with a 900. Thanks to 9tut! I had the vtp, eigrp and access list 2 sims. I had them the first time around too so I imagine they are appearing the most on exams right now.
I had questions on stp, rstp, frame-relay, various show commands used and assigning ip addresses efficiently which is why its good to memorise the subnetting chart. There was no ipv6 questions on this exam but on the first I had about 4.
I also had a question about DCHP conflicts and what it does with them. There was an image of the table showing 2 different ip addresses. One was ping and the other was through gratious-arp. I had no idea what that was about.
Thanks again 9tut!
@ MJH LOL! I had that DHCP question also! And I had no idea!
hi this is bharath,can any one send ccna dumps,sim in my mail id.
bharath_s@live.com
kindly send me latest vaild dumps(in india)..my mail id bharath_s@live.com
Hey everybody !
I am taking the CCNA next wednesday..
Can anybody explain to me, how the Sim labs appear in the test?
are they follow each other, or they come separately .
and how you answer their questions, are they on different screen, or they are like packet tracer activities, in the same window.
Good Luck for everyone who’s taking the test.
Sam
hajh@my.gvltec.edu
@Sam: They come separately and you answer them on different screens.
my dear friends i need latest thums…. plz send it to my id : bilthil@yahoo.co.in
can anyone send me latest dumps. I would like Avinash to send me dumps. My contact : lebishvick@yahoo.ca
hi all, i have exams in 20 th of june can someone help me and tell which dump i can use
@Sam, Definitely take the practice part of the test before you begin. It will give you a feel for the interface. It’s not much different from what your used to in packet tracer. Good luck!!
can anyone say that from where get the simulation practice..
gksa_himchuli@yahoo.com
can we use ? in CCNA exam plzzzz answer to me 9tut , i really really love ur answers
Hi Friends,
Can some one help with a latest dumps CCNA 640-802 ..
pls send to my mail id bharath_s@live.com
how or where can I get packet tracer ????
hi all
can any one give me latest dumps….i have to give exam on 14th june 2011….kindly send me dumps….
yoursfali@yahoo.com
http://www.4shared.com/document/1EVn780f/TK_CCNA640-802_v218_New_Versio.html
http://www.4shared.com/file/qN8nC9fo/CCNA_DragDrop_EIGRP_RIP_NAT_an.html
Hi Guys, just like two years back, is there any option available like “Second Chance” etc promotion in which if anyone gets fail then he got another chance for free. waiting for your kind response.
@Adil: No, if someone fails he has to pay again to get another chance.
hyy all!! i am going 2 take CCNA exam 640-802,, can any send me question and answer because I one a know how real exam like hotmail ID:dipesh010@hotmail.co.uk……another question i want to ask is do i get good job after finishing CCNA exam?? and how many marks do i need it to pass CCNA exam…I am living in UK i am sure the country does not mater when it comes to exam…
Searching all the posts but can’t seem to find my answer. I am practicing the VTP sim with Packet Tracer. I click on SW-AC3 and get into the CLI priviledged. When I do show mac-address-table. The MAC address is not listed. what am I doing wring thanks?
You only use dumps to have an idea how the exam was composed; what are the possible questions that you may encounter last but not the least tricks on the exams that you need to tackle. Dumps are not 100% Accurate, you have to make a research, study to make sure you understand the concept of Network concept and Cisco devices configuration and troubleshooting, Meaning if you have a concrete understanding about Networking you will find that there are some answers from dumps that are incorrect. so bottom line is, you can’t trust the dumps 100%.
Just my opinion…
@Dipesh
Pass mark for CCNA is 825/1000.
Regarding your first question, getting a job based only on CCNA is difficult unless you already are working in networking and are upgrading your skills, its not impossible just difficult.
I failed my first exam on last 3rd february and, I intend to take my 2nd exam on 15th Agust.
So, what questions and labs must I except? Please it´s very important for me!
If there are 3 sims, is it likely that they are worth at least 300 points? That would leave 700 points to be earned from 40 questions, is that right? That means each question is worth 17.5 points, and if 825 is passing, then you have to answer at least 30 out of 40 correctly [300 + (30 * 17.5) = 825]. I know this is cutting it close but just to get an idea, it sounds like you should score full points on the sims and then miss no more than 6-7 of the remaining questions to be on the safe side. Then again, maybe the questions are weighted differently?
@x919: Each question is weighed differently, drag and drop questions give you more score than normal questions.
Approximately How much dump questions should I have to do before getting CCNA exam ?
Ok thanks. I have a particular question, if someone can help out, regarding autosummarization. I’m looking at a diagram here where routers A and C have subnets from the same network 20.0.0.0 /8. More specifically, subnets are configured as follows: on A, we have 20.1.1.1 /16 and 20.2.2.2 /16. Now, unless my math is wrong, these two summarize to 20.0.0.0 /14. Why is the autosummarization sent to another router (B) showing up as 20.0.0.0 /8? How does A know that those subnets are part of the same network which includes subnets on C? There are subnets 20.3.3.3 /16 and 20.4.4.4 /16 on C, but why is the summarized mask also set to /8, thus sending the same summary to B and creating potential problems with the discontiguous routing?
Actually, I might have gotten it, but can someone confirm? I forgot to mention that the routing protocol is EIGRP. As I understand, EIGRP summarizes at classful network boundaries, an option that can apparently be disabled – if you disable it, does it mean it would summarize more accurately? Also, I am still a bit confused about the distinction between classful and classless routing protocols. What, if any, is the relationship between EIGRP being a classless protocol and the fact that it takes classes into account when it summarizes?
Hi 9tut! is it possible to take the same exam if you fail in the first atempt and repeat with in 180 days? Lubanzo
1. Which statement about access lists that are applied to an interface is true?
A you can config one access list,per direction,per layer 3 protocol
B you can apply only one access list on any interface
In Dumps Ans: A…is it correct
2. In which circumstance are multiple copies of the same unicast frame likely to be transmitted in a switched LAN?
A in an improperly implemented redundant topology
B when a dual ring topology is in use
3. You are working in a data center environment and are assigned the address range 10.188.31.0/23.You are asked to develop an IP addressing plan to allow the maximum number of subnets with as many as 30 hosts each.Which IP address range meets these requirements?
A. 10.188.31.0/27
B. 10.188.31.0/26
C. 10.188.31.0/29
D. 10.188.31.0/28
E. 10.188.31.0/25
In Dump ANs: B but I think A is correct because /27 is give more subnetworks with 30 hosts
4. Which three statements accurately describe layer 2 Ethernet switches?(choose three)
A. Microsegmentation decreases the number of collisions on the network.
B. if a switch receives a frame for an unkown destination,it uses ARP to resolve the address.
C. In a properly functioning network with redundant switched paths,each switched aegment will contain one root bridge with all its ports in the forwarding state.All other switches in that broadcast domain will have only one root port.
D. Establishing vlans increases the number of broadcast domains.
E. Switches that are configured with vlans make forwarding decisions based on both layer 2 and layer 3 address information.
In Dump Ans: ACE ….is this correct..?
5. Which PPP subprotocol negotiates authentication options?
A. LCP
B. NCP
C. ISDN
D. DLCI
E. Slip
in Dump Ans: LCP
6. Which two of these are characteristics of the 802.1Q protocol?(choose two)
A. it is a layer 2 messaging protocol which maintains vlan configurations across network.
B. it includes an 8-bit field which specifies the priority of a frame.
C. it is used exclusively for tagging vlan frames and dose not address network reconvergence following switched network topology changes.
D. it modifies the 802.3 frame header,and thus requires that the FCS be recomputed.
E. it is a trunking protocol capable of carring untagged frames.
IN Dump Ans : D & E Please tell me is this correct…?
7. A network engineer wants to allow a temporary entry for a remote user with a specific usename and password so that the user can access the entire network over the internet.which ACL can be used?
A. reflexive B. extended C. Standard D.Dynamic
In dump Ans: D…please tell me..how this..i didn’t understand…..
hi to all. i just want to ask if the passing score of CCNA exam is still 825/1000? some of blogs of ccna that i browsed said it was 849/1000. hoping for immediate response tnx.
@geizer: 850 was the old passing score of older CCNA version. Now the passing score of CCNA 640-802 is 825.
Please can you tell me what is the latest dump for CCNA because i want to tanke the exam in the next week please help. thanks
Deepukumar: I think that right answers are A and D. Trunking protocols are dot1q and ISL, not VTP.