Introduction
The CCNA is somthing I’ve wanted for myself for a long time. So I buckled down and decided to check it off my list.
After studying for 4-6 hours a day for 2 months, here’s how i did it.
Jeremy’s IT Lab
I chose Jeremy IT Lab’s CCNA v1.1 200-301 Complete YouTube lecture series for a few resons, but the main one being that its free. 💰
I really liked YouTube’s ability to watch videos at 2x playback speed as this allowed me to complete the lecture series faster.
Jeremy’s complete course consists of:
- 126 YouTube Videos
- 71 Anki Flashcard Decks
- 48 Cisco Packet Tracer Labs
I would watch each video, and then quiz myself with the flashcard deck. If I felt confident that I absorbed the information I would then complete the associated Packet Tracer Lab.
Rinse and reapeat.
Cisco Packet Tracer
The CCNA requires you to get hands-on and comforatble with Cisco IOS and the Command line interface (CLI) and thier network simulation tool: Cisco Packet Tracer is the easiest way to do it.
There are more advanced tools for simulating and emulating networks, such as GNS3. However, Cisco Packet Tracer requires minimal setup, is free, and comes packaged with all the devices and images needed for the CCNA out-of-the-box.
Additionally, Packet Tracer is needed in order to complete the practice labs offered in Jeremy’s course.
Boson ExSim-Max
Boson ExSim practice exams are the best practice exams for the CCNA, hands down. No question.
I used a lot of practice exams and study apps and found that the Boson practice exams were the most accurate at capturing the real-world feel of the actual exam.
at $99 for a 1-year subscription, it’s 100% worth every penny if you’re serious about passing the CCNA.
Official Cert Guide
For my readers out there, make sure to check out Wendell Odom’s CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide.
This library help me futher understand complex topics like STP, NAT, and OSPF and will help to fill in any information-gaps.
Thanks!
Big shout out to the resources listed above for helping me pass the CCNA exam.
I hope you’ve found this information helpful and best of luck in your IT journey!
-AA