10 Tips to Pass CCNA Exam

Cisco certification exams have always made even the more experienced individuals nervous and has given many people sleepless nights.

As for CCNA, it might be your first certification exam that you are looking to take. If its your first certification exam then you're bound to have that extra wariness about the examination.

Don't worry, it's but natural. Every of Cisco exams have a touch of surprise every-time. The surprise comes from the way the questions have constructed. Test questions will lead to confusion if you don't read it properly. Like this, there are many small and rectifiable mistakes that generally occur from candidates. Below is the list of 10 tips and suggestions that will help you in clearing your confusion about the CCNA examination.

1) Get a Good Book

The most important step is to start your preparing for the exam with the right book. At the most use no more than two guide books for your preparation. CCNA exam guide by Todd Lammle qualifies as a good book.

2) Get the Feel of the Exam

Before starting your preparation, just go through each and every detail of the exam that you could get. Read about the question types, time given to answer the test etc. a fair reading.

3) Create your own Test

While preparing for the exam, after reading a lesson or two, prepare your own practice test question. Try to create your own scenario based questions and answer it. If possible make a separate question bank book and regularly go through the questions.

4) Master Reference Sheet

I have long used this technique since when I was in school. Make a master reference sheet for every topic which is on the exam. Take a paper and note every of the important points and minute hard-to-remember facts onto a single page. Make visual representations, bullet points and write in your own words about the topic. At the most the master reference sheet should not be more than two pages. It takes time to prepare such a sheet but it is very useful when revising and the in the last days before the exam.

5) Practice test Questions

The most essential part is to practice test questions regularly. Make a point to practice questions regularly. Get practice test question books. Make your targets about practice test questions. Like, I will be giving at least three practice test daily. Browse the Internet and there are innumerable practice test questions.

6) Manage Time

Managing time at the exam center is the toughest part of the exam. Allot time you would take to complete a certain type of question. Normal multiple choice questions should be alloted less time whereas scenario based question more. Practicing test questions come handy here also, more the number of test given will let you know about the your strength and weaknesses. Thus, letting you decide the time you should allot to the question.

7) Video Training is Essential

Be it self-training or institute led training, video training is the most helpful and every one should get video-based training. CBT nuggets CCNA training was the most helpful to me. You can watch the videos as much time as you want and I know for sure that it will clear your doubts.

8) Make the Most of Travel Time

Try to make your travelling time fruitful by making the video training as an audio format and listen while you are travelling. Also, the master reference sheet is of tremendous use in your travelling time.

9) Use Your Resources

Make good use of all the books, internet, and people you may know that can help. Do not hesitate to ask even simple questions. Make use of CCNA forums and online test websites.

10) Train Your Mind

Don't get bogged down by the thing that this exam is the tough and things as so. Train your mind and believe that the exam is actually easy. Cisco has awarded close to 700,000 CCNA certificate till now, if so many people can do it so can you. With adequate practice, optimal use of resources, and self-confidence you can definitely crack this exam.