Studying

Wanting to begin the next steps in my career, I started out with laying out a game plan for passing the exam and began by giving myself a realistic expectation of 3-months to pass the CCNA. Considering my networking experience and background, I figured this is enough time to cram in some late night study sessions while still being able to skip a couple nights and "sleep in". After researching my options, I decided to go with the Boson Network Exam simulator to practice Cisco syntax, and Cisco Packet Tracer to create my own networking labs to apply and practice the Cisco fundamentals. A great resource I found that was ultimately a ton of worthwhile research was the CCNA 200-301 Official Certification Guides, make sure to read both books start to finish! Especially if you're still starting out in your career in networking, as while it was a bit mundane at times, it really helped me refine and rethink my understanding of network engineering to what I know now. I'd also like to make a point to bring up Jeremy's CCNA Mega Lab youtube course as well, as this is an exceptional resource, and a excellent insight into creating simulated networking labs in Packet Tracer.

The Actual Test

Realistically, if you've studied, labbed, and reviewed your weak areas, there may be a bit of pre-exam stress, but you should be nore than prepared to pass the CCNA! It will test multiple areas to assess your knowledge on computer networking and security fundamentals, as well as the latest changes in automation and programmability. Again, I highly recommend creating some simulated labs, as this hands-on approach will really solidify and hammer in more of the trickier syntax and engineering concepts. I will say I wouldn't put too much time into studying for the new content, as after a couple of hours of studying the new changes and the materials provided by Cisco around it, I found that this was enough for me to understand and apply the concepts to my own Cisco Packet Tracer labs, and later onto the exam. Use the process of elimination during this exam too - as most of the time if you follow the troubleshooting principles taught and apply them to each question, you'll be able narrow down and root out the answer. Overall, whether you're an aspiring network engineer or a senior just brushing up their certifications, study hard, and I wish you the best of luck!