101 CCNA Questions
Click here for pdf versionWe are often asked about the CCNA qualification. Hopefully your questions are answered here. If it isn't then please drop us a note to help at networksinc.co.uk and we will add the answer here.
Before the Exam
The CCNA is an exam created by Cisco back in the 1990s. Passing it signifies that you are able to install and troubleshoot small Cisco networks or work as part of an IT networking team. back to top
You can only book via Vue at their website www.vue.com. back to top
The cost changes from time to time but in the UK it is about £140 including VAT. back to top
You can sit the exam at your local testing centre which you can search for via www.vue.com back to top
How much studying is required?
It all depends upon your experience and how much time you can dedicate to studying. As a rough guide we would say about 2 months if you can find 2 hours per day. We have an article on your various study options here. back to top
Doesn't it take 2 years to pass?
Only if you are studying it as part of a university course or taking the Cisco Networkers Academy. The reason the academy course takes so long is because you are only doing lessons once or twice per week so at that rate it will take some time to learn everything you need to know. back to top
You may want to learn a bit about networking fundamentals before you tackle the CCNA qualification. You can read a Network+ book first but there would be no need to pass the exam for that. Our CCNA materials cover networking basics so if you are reading our CCNA study guide or coming on our CCNA training course you will be given everything you need.
During the Exam
The CCNA exam is not designed to trick you or catch you out. It is designed to test your knowledge of the CCNA syllabus topics such as routing, basic security, IP addressing, VLANs. You will be given 90 minutes to answer about 50 questions. The questions will be a mix of hands on practical exercises on router simulators, multiple choice, drag and drop and scenarios to answer. The pass mark is around 833 out of 1000 marks but you have no way of knowing how the questions are weighted and some will carry no marks and others high marks. back to top
Can I take anything in with me?
No. The testing centres are very strict so any bags, phones and even your wallet have to be locked away. You will be given a marker pan and a sheet of plastic coated paper which you can use to write on. You are not permitted a calculator. Also, if you discuss your exam questions with anybody after the exam Cisco have the right to strip you of your qualification. back to top
As soon as your time is up the computer screen will inform you if you have passed. The testing centre will give you a stamped result which you can use until your certificates arrive from Cisco. You should receive an e-mail from Cisco once you pass telling you how to get your logos and certificates so long as you give them permission to contact you via e-mail which you can do on the screen just before you exam begins. back to top
It acts in much the same way as a live Cisco router or switch but is software based. For all intents and purposes it is as if you are configuring a live Cisco device. You can type commands at the prompt and configure IP addresses and routing protocols. The '?' will work at the relevant command prompt. back to top
It is estimated that half of those taking the CCNA exam pass on their first attempt. If you prepare properly, study hard and follow a proven study model you should pass first time. back to top
After the Exam
Can I get a job with the CCNA?
There would be little point in taking the CCNA if there was not some tangible result to be obtained after taking it. There is an article on what you can do with the CCNA here. back to top
Salaries vary depending upon your experience and location and of course market forces. Contract rates are a lot higher than salaried rates and London pays more than roles outside London usually (but not always). Other things may affect your rates such as security clearance. It is very hard to predict what you can make because much of it comes down to flexibility and your ability to negotiate.
There is a CCNA salary survey conducted by Alberion which gives CCNA salaries as £42,152 in London and around £34,000 outside London. Contract rates are £318 per day in London and £302 per day outside London which is about £72 ,000 to £76,000 per year. back to top
You have lots of choices. You can become a CCNA specialist in security, voice or wireless or become a Cisco professional by passing four CCNP exams. You could go onto pass the coveted CCIE which is the Cisco expert level. CCIE's are amongs the highest paid IT professionals in the world but it can take two years or more of hard work to pass that exam. back to top
You can search on the internet on various job sites such as www.jobserve.com or www.contractoruk.com. If it is your first time going for a contract you may want to use an umbrella company who can advise you how to work through them and maximise your tax efficiency. They will usually claim the money from the company you are working for and help you claim for refreshments and travel. I advise using an accountant who is familiar with IR35 tax rules and take out insurance protection via www.pcg.org.uk. back to top
About Paul Browning
| Paul Browning owns Networks Inc. Ltd who have been teaching Cisco courses in the UK since 2002. Customers include BT, Shell, British Army, Jaguar, Ford and many many more.
Paul also owns the worlds only complete end-to-end CCNA training site www.howtonetwork.net which is one of the fastest growing training sites in the world. Paul believes that anybody can pass their Cisco exams if they are prepared to put the work in and follow a proven successful study method. He is the only person in the UK to have authored his own Cisco CCNA study guide - CCNA Simplified.
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