Has Any one done the CCDA

[dahhbuzz]

Hi
There does not seem to be any posts here regarding the CISCO's new CCDA exam. Has/is anyone atempting to do/done this as I am considering this. Would appreciate any insight into this. Thanks

 

[qz01gs]

I have friends who have done it saying its very hard. They used the CCDA Self study Guide by Diane Teare. Its strongly recommended.

 

[xenolith]

I have begun my studies on it, but have little to offer on the subject. I am using Cisco Press CCDA Self Study and Top-Down Network Design (second edition) as my books currently.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587051419/002-6425425-3293650

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587051524/002-6425425-3293650

Depending on how I feel about the material after these two books, I may read another book. I hate to use 1 source for any study and prefer different publishers. Unfortunately the Sybex CCDA book gets horrid reviews at Amazon.

My plan is to finish these 2 in about 2 months, then spend a month of preparing and driving down specifics, and test in January.

I am one of two network admins at an ISP/CLEC and am becoming more involved in network design as we are offering more private WAN services. One thing I have already picked up that I had never considered before is thinking from the big picture, then work your way down. Instead of approaching a network by choosing equipment then checking to see if it supports everything, fully analyze your needs and choose equipment that meets those needs later in the design process.

Hope this helps some
Josh

 

[dahhbuzz]

Hi
Thanks & xenolith for the input. Looks like Diane Teare book is the way to go. BTW xenolith do you have a CCNA and qz01gs did your friends have CCNAs b4 doing the xam. I dont but I have some expreience with CISCO networks. I just want to make sure I am on the right track here

 

[xenolith]

Yes, I have my CCNA and several years of experience in networking (primarily on Nortel routers and switches). If you are comfortable with the concepts of networking, how IP addressing works, subnetting, routing protocols, etc, you would probably be fine. If you find yourself struggling with it, it may be a good idea to pick up a CCNA book and for now just reference the sections you need some input on as you go.

 

[qz01gs]

Yes my friends have got CCNA and nearly CCNP and they said it was a tough exam

 

[nogarap]

My CCNA expires in december, so I'm hoping to kill 2 birds with one stone, and go for the CCDA. All the reports I hear are that it's pretty rough, so I'm 'trying' to relish the challenge. Teare book is recommended everywhere I look, so I'm ordering that from Amazon today.
Can anyone recommend a second book?
Cheers and good luck everyone

 

[xenolith]

CCDA will not renew your CCNA. A 642 or higher test will do so though.

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html

 

[nogarap]

Xenolith, that was a timely intervention. Did a CCDA used to renew a CCNA or is that purely the product of my clapped-out mind? I sweated blood over that CCNA, was made redundant, and the only time I've touched a router since, it's been putting it into or taking it out of a rack. So I've never used the wretched thing, but I don't want to let it go. Think I'll be starting a thread, what's the easiest 642 exam!
Thanks again, Xenolith!

 

[xenolith]

Honestly I cant say if the CCDA test would renew the CCNA or not. If I had to guess, I would say no as both are associate level certifications. When a coworker had to renew his CCNA, he chose to take 642-501 SECUR. It seen it as a good extension of his CCNA knowledge and he prefers security work. This test is being replaced by 642-551 Securing Network Devices. This is one of the tests required for Cisco Firewall Specialist.

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/l...ning_certification_type_home_extra_level.html

Another option may be to go for 642-801 BSCI, part of CCNP.

Of course, you could always take 640-811 ICND or 640-801 again. That may be the easiest thing-just to brush up on what you learned before just to keep it valid.

Either way, good luck!

 

[nogarap]

Xenolith, you're a very helpful person. Thank you for the info, and the kind wishes. Better hit the books between now and December.

 

[qz01gs]

CCDA doesn't re-certfity CCNA you will have to pass any 642 exam or take the 801 CCNA Exam.