With a change in format, Cisco Systems has retired an older version
of its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam and introduced a
new version the company says will stress mastery of practical,
hands-on tasks without necessarily making the exam harder. In
conjunction with the new exam, Cisco Press has released a new line of
self-study products.
Cisco uses the CCNA exam to verify mastery of small office/home
office networking tasks for small-scale installations, forms the
foundation of the Cisco network installation and support certification
progression. Cisco retooled the newer test (CCNA #640-607) to include more
performance-based elements that stress time-critical concerns.
Additionally, the company says the multiple-choice question bank of
the older exam has been replaced with all-new questions.
The new study materials from Cisco Press include:
- CCNA Practical Studies: A practical lab book featuring scenarios
and exercises for practice on lab equipment, networking simulators, or
remote-access labs. - Cisco CCNA Exam #640-607 Certification Guide: A CCNA study guide
that includes extra credit sections and a new chapter of hands-on lab
scenarios as well as a CD-ROM with #640-607 question banks. - Cisco CCNA Flash Card Practice Kit: An electronic and print
product with more than more than 350 flash cards-in print, PC, and
handheld format and a collection of practice exam questions and 54
CCNA reference sheets. - CCNA #640-607 Preparation Library: A bundle of the other
offerings.
CCNA certifications are valid for a period of three years, with
advancement or recertification at the Cisco Professional level
serving to recertify a CCNA.
Resources:
- Complete information on the CCNA from Cisco, including sample questions and lab scenarios.
- Cisco Press materials for the CCNA