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the OSI model and when and how the IP and IPX protocol suites are applied.
Routing
You must know the difference between a routed protocol and a routing protocol, including some examples
and configuration methods. Internetworking issues are also included in this portion of the exam.
Network security
This section of the CCNA exam is concerned with passwords, encryption, and access lists implemented on
the router, including how access lists are configured and operate under either IP or IPX protocol suites.
LAN switching
The other emphasis on the CCNA exam, beyond routing, is switching. One of the major emphasis areas of
this section of the exam is LAN segmentation, including its benefits and how it is accomplished with routers,
bridges, and switches.
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Cisco career certification and survey
On the test you will be given a confidentiality statement that you must agree with to take the exam, some
information on Cisco career certification, and a short survey about Cisco certifications. You will get a zero
percent score for these items on the score sheet, but donÇt worry, they donÇt count against you.
Taking (And Passing) the Exam
The exam is online and interactive. ItÇs well designed and provides you with every possible opportunity to
pass. Questions are presented one at a time on the screen in an easy-to-read format with online help always
available as you navigate the exam. Unfortunately, there is no subject-matter help available on the test. The
exam doesnÇt exactly set out to trick you, but some questions include false information just to see if you
really know your stuff. Contrary to what you may have heard or believe about this exam, Cisco wants you to
pass the CCNA exam, but only if you have the knowledge required.
One new wrinkle on the CCNA that was implemented late in 1999 is that after you have answered a question,
you cannot go back to review it. In fact, the questions arenÇt numbered, other than which number of the total
79 to 81 questions each one represents. So, answer each question carefully and donÇt click the Next button
until youÇre sure of your answer(s).
To become CCNA certified, you need to get at least a 75.5% on the CCNA examination. Actually, the CCNA
is scored on a point system, and you need to get 755 of the 1,000 points available, or you need to get roughly
60 or 61 of the 79 to 81 questions correct. Or, to look at it another way, you can miss, incorrectly interpret,
misconstrue, or choke on no more than 20 questions if you want to pass.
You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which allows you plenty of time to work through the entire test as
well as review your answers. However, you also must understand that when time is up, the test is over! Bam,
zoom, no last-minute guesses over; done; fini! So, watch the time carefully.
Tip One other thing about taking the test. The physical setup of the testing facility varies from site to site. You
find test centers in training companies, community colleges, universities, and the like. Regardless of how
the testing center is organized, you are assigned to a single specific computer workstation to take the test.
YouÇre not allowed to take breaks, talk to anyone, or get up and move around. Many test centers have
open microphones and video cameras in the room to monitor the test-takers. This is intended to prevent
somebody from cheating or disturbing other test-takers. As strict as this sounds, your best bet is to forget
about it and plan on sitting at your workstation for the duration, quietly taking your exam. Just watch how
much coffee you drink right before the test!
Preparing for the Exam
YouÇre already well on your way to CCNA success by reading this book. Use the Quick Assessment quizzes
at the beginning of each chapter to identify the areas you need to study the most. In addition to this book (if
you really think you need it), many excellent resources are available to help you prepare for the exam. I list
some of the better World Wide Web and other resources at the end of this chapter, on the CD, and in the Part
of Tens.
WhatÇs the best way to prepare for the CCNA exam? It all depends on you. GilsterÇs Law on Test
Preparation is: You never can tell, and it all depends. You need to find the tools that work best for you. If you
have a good deal of experience with networks and Cisco gear, you may only need to bone up in certain areas.
If youÇre new to all of this, you should seek out as many sample tests as possible and keep taking them until
you pass consistently. The sample test I include in Appendix A and those on the CD shouldnÇt be the only
sample tests you use if youÇre fairly inexperienced, or even if you have loads of experience for that matter. A
number of interactive study aids are available, some for purchase and some free to download. (See Chapter
18.)
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Each chapter of this book contains tables and bulleted lists of the items you need to commit to memory for
the test. Use these for general study as well as a last-minute review. Use the questions at the end of each
chapter to test your general knowledge of the chapter contents and when necessary, review the section
referenced in the answer for additional study. Sample test questions are also available in Appendix A and on
the CD. In every case, we list where in the book you can find more information on an answer.
Time-Saver You really need to know the protocols, services, and functions that operate on each layer of the
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