Since there are so many IT majors in gaming

[Krevy]

I figured id ask you guys maybe someone can help me out. Im a recent graduate from college looking to get a CCNA. Unfortunatly im undecided on if i wanna get a course or learn it myself. Anyone have experience in getting a CCNA and how they got it?

Thanks

[Ramirez777]

I received my CCNA in high school taking it is a course. We used a web based learning service in conjunction with a book. Honestly you should just do it yourself, as the intructor really didn't offer any insight.

Also, you should go for the CCNP, as a CCNA doesn't really mean anything to companies; no offense. Although, you should train through the CCNA course work before going through the CCNP course work.

I worked with a CCIE who was simply brilliant, but you have to essientially devote your life to becoming such.

[Raugh]

CCNA is totally possible by just reading the book, depending on how good your memory is, how much time you have to devote. (The sooner you finish the book the less info you will forget from the start)

Higher cisco certs I would reccomend getting in a company that will pay for the training courses.

[Nighthawk]

CCNA has gotten more difficult to get here in the past few years. They've (thankfully) added a simulation section to the test where you have to work on a mock router/switch to troubleshoot and fix a problem. If you haven't ever been on a device of that nature, you'll most likely take forever on that part of the test and fail by running out of time.

Due to this, CCNA does indeed hold some value for resume padding and in an interview. Back when I started in networking the CCNA was such a joke it was virtually ignored. Memorize 250 multiple choice questions, go take the test that took from that pool, and whamo... CCNA without one bit of networking knowledge or experience. When I used to go into interviews they'd ask if I have any certs and I'd respond, "No, I actually know what I'm doing."

Nowadays, they do have value. Clearly, CCNP moreso since it's the next step beyond a CCNA certification.

[Krevy]

Well i decided to buy the book... Majority of the topics I already know however there are a few i could use a good reading on.

Anyone know a good simulator for cisco devices (while i understand google is there im really looking for someone who used one and can speak from experience)?