Preparing for CCNP

[desikan]

Hi all,
I just passed CCNA with 912 score. I would like to start CCNP preparation.
I am rather blank about the study material required for the various papers.
Grateful if any one can suggest which material is most suitable for the 4 papers in CCNP and also any ideas about the preferable order in which these papers can be taken.

Many thanks
Desikan

 

[gwildfire]

Desikan, well done on passing your CCNA. CCNP wise its all a matter of opinion but I have found the Cisco CCNP Exam certification pack excellent, I have also used Learnkey CBT for the first three exams. For the exams some hands on is a must so its worth getting some lab gear if you havent already! I found the BSCI exam the hardest (so far still to take CIT) again peoples opinions will vary on this. Good luck

Visit

http://www.Cisco-Engineer.com

for free Cisco rack access.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Desikan,
Congrats on the CCNA!!!!!

I agree with gwildfire above - get yourself some books, I have always liked the combination of Cisco Press and Sybex.

CBTs can be GREAT, I am using CBT Nuggets as I study for the CCNP myself. I have passed the hard one (Routing) working on Switching now - if you ask me they are all hard and as gwildfire said everyone will have a different opinion as to what to take 1st.

I also like to "google" everything - you would be surprised how much free stuff is out there, I googled "frame relay", "OSPF" etc. - lots of free book chapters and white papers.

Get a good sim - check Boson - they should be coming out with a CCNP one soon. ALSO get some real equipment (EbaY) or online Cisco rack rentals or as listed above - FREE rack rentals.

It is a MUST to get hands on with Cisco equipment, paper CCNAs and CCNPs do not stay employed long. I have had more then one "paper CCNA" go through the Cisco Network Academy with me to learn what he should have - just passing the exam does not get you a job - you need to understand what you are doing.

I wish they were on this post to tell the horrors of being laughed out of an interview!!

Good luck on your CCNP quest!!



E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +