Cisco CCNA Exam Tracks

Published on this site: August 18th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

With the latest version of the CCNA exam, Cisco offers two possible CCNA exam track options of either one or two exams.

1. The Single Exam approach

   Exam Number: 640-801 CCNA

   The exam consists of 55-65 questions over 90 minutes and covers all CCNA exam topics
   

The topics covered on the exam include:

• Planning and Designing
  
• Implementation and Operation
  
• Troubleshooting
  
• Technology

2. The Two Exam Approach

   Exam Numbers: 640-821 and 640-811
   
   The two exam approach consists of 640-821 exam (Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies, or CCNA INTRO) and 640-811 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, or CCNA ICND)

   640-821 CCNA consists of 45-55 questions over 75 minutes and covers the topics:

   • Planning and Designing
     
   • Implementation and Operation
     
   • Troubleshooting
     
   • Technology

640-811 CCNA consists of 40-50 questions over 60 minutes and covers the topics:

• Design and Support
  
• Implementation and Operation
  
• Technology

Either approach will allow you to successfully become a CCNA after passing the required exams. There are advantages to taking either of the exam tracks and these include:

Single Exam Approach (640-801 CCNA) Advantages:

• Only one exam required to become a CCNA and it covers all topics
  
  
• More time efficient than taking two exams
  
  
• More cost effective than taking two exams. Exam cost when taking this approach is $125.00 US versus $200.00 US for the Two Exam approach.

Who Should Take the Single Exam Approach?

Take the Single exam approach to the CCNA if:

• You cannot afford the expenses of the two exam approach
  
  
• You are looking to reduce the time spent obtaining the CCNA
  
  
• If you are well prepared for the exam topics on the CCNA exam than the single exam approach is the way to go. This approach is generally recommended for more experienced candidates such as those who have experience with networking technologies.

Two exam approach (CCNA ICND & CCNA INTRO) Advantages:

• Exam is broken up into 2 smaller sections of CCNA exam topics
  
  
• Allows more time to learn and understand topics of each exam
  
  
• Excellent for candidates new to Cisco technology
  
  
• Who Should Take The Two Exam Approach?

Take the Two Exam Approach to the CCNA if:

You can afford the expenses associated with the cost of the two exams. You are new to Cisco technologies and networking basics.

You will be successful following either approach if:

• You have a complete understanding of all CCNA exam topics
  
  
• Have experience with router configuration/simulation
  
  
• Have completed numerous configuration examples and questions on CCNA topics

The CCNA exam is the precursor to other higher level Cisco certifications. Successfully completing the CCNA exam will allow a candidate to pursue other Cisco certifications such as:

• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
  
• CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)
  
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)