31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam

380 31 Days Before Your CCNA ExamYour CCNA certificate proves that you are disciplined enough to commit to a rigorous course ofstudy and follow through with your professional goals. It is unlikely that you will be hired simplybecause you have a CCNA, but it will place you ahead of other candidates. Even though you havelisted the CCNA on your resume, it is important to highlight your networking skills that pertain tothe CCNA in your job and skills descriptions on your resume.Examining Certification OptionsAlthough passing the CCNA exam is not an easy task, it is the starting point for more advancedCisco certifications, such as the CCNA Security (640-553), CCNA Voice (640-460), CCNAWireless (640-721) or even CCNP-level exams. When you log in to the online certification trackingtool (use the exam report to do this), be sure to view the certification progress link. This linkprovides specific information about certifications you can achieve with your CCNA as the base.If You Failed the ExamIf you fail your first attempt at the CCNA, you must wait at least five calendar days after the dayof the exam to retest. Stay motivated and sign up to take the exam again within a 30-day period ofyour first attempt. The score report outlines your weaknesses. Find a study group and use theCisco Learning Network online community to help you with those difficult topics.If you are familiar with the general concepts, focus on taking practice exams and memorizing thesmall details that make the exam so difficult. If you are a Cisco Networking Academy alumnus,you have access to the curriculum, and Packet Tracer provides an excellent network simulator.Consider your first attempt as a formal practice exam and excellent preparation to pass the secondattempt.SummaryWhether you display your certificate and update your resume or prepare to conquer the exam onyour second attempt, remember to marvel at the innovation and creativity behind each concept youlearn. The ability of our society to continually improve communication will keep you learning, discovering,and employed for a lifetime.