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CCNA 640-801 Exam Tips and Preparation
Introduction
How to get the CCNA
Who is the Exam for?
The One-Exam Path or Two-Exam Path
Content in the New CCNA 640-801 Program
CCNA: 640-607 VS 640-801
Recertification
CCNA Objectives
640-801 Objectives
Exam specifics for 640-801
Summary
Introduction
In the IT industry, the Cisco Certified Network
Associate (CCNA) program is hugely popular and is in
fact Cisco's most popular certification. CCNA was
introduced in April 1998 and is the entry-level
certification for the Cisco Career Certification Program.
Ciscos globally recognized certifications certify the
competence of Internetworking professionals in the
areas of routing, switching and connectivity. And
CCNA is the first step in this route.
The significance of CCNA isnt just because it is the
first step for Cisco certification, but it is in addition
proof of a solid foundation in networking. It is a
prerequisite for CCNP, CCDP, and CCSP certifications,
and recommended for CCIP certification.
CCNA has again been updated in 2007. There are new
exams - CCNA 640-802 and CCENT. Learn More: New
CCNA 2007 Update

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How to get the CCNA
Candidates have two paths to approach CCNA
certification:
a single-exam path that includes exam #640-801
OR
a two-exam path that includes exam #640-821
(Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies, or
INTRO) and exam #640-811 (Interconnecting Cisco
Network Devices, or ICND).
CCNA has again been updated in 2007. There are new
exams - CCNA 640-802 and CCENT. Learn More: New
CCNA 2007 Update
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for CCNA certification.
Who is the Exam for?
It is important to know why you are getting certified.
CCNA is meant for anyone involved or interested in
implementing or supporting networks. A CCNA
professional should be able to manage simple
networked, internetworked environments incorporating
routers and switches. This involves working on Internet
connections, extranets or intranets.
Do you have a professional interest in networks or
networking? Do you want to work in the
internetworking field? How does CCNA fit into your
career development plan
(http://www.jidaw.com/careerplan.html)?
CCNA is used by many to enhance career growth in
these relevant fields.
CCNA candidates are usually individuals who are
seeking:
CCNA 607 vs 801

Career & Certification
Links





Foundation level credentials in the fields of
networking and internetworking.
Skills and knowledge required for the implementation
of LAN and WAN technologies.
IT career enhancement towards Network management
The One-Exam Path or Two-Exam Path
Candidates now have two paths to approach CCNA
certification: a single-exam path that includes exam
#640-801 or a two-exam path that includes exam #640-
821 (Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies, or
INTRO) and exam #640-811 (Interconnecting Cisco
Network Devices, or ICND).
With the two-exam path, candidates can now test their
networking knowledge in two stages.
Previously before June 2003, you could only achieve the
CCNA through one exam 640-607. Registration
closed for 640-607 closed in October 2003. But you can
still achieve your CCNA via one exam. You can do this
by taking the exam, 640-801, which is the replacement
exam for the 640-607. 640-801 was launched on June
30, 2003
Since it is an entry-level certification that has no pre
requisites, the new changes are particularly
advantageous to IT newcomers and those new to the
networking arena.
Although Cisco recommends that individuals with little
networking experience should choose the two-exam
option, you are free to choose the CCNA path to take.
With the two-exam approach, candidates need to take
the required exams within three years of each other to
earn their CCNA. Each of the exams is 30 minutes
shorter than the typical Cisco exam, i.e. 60 minutes
instead of 90 minutes. Note that passing only one of the
exams (ICND or INTRO) alone does give you any
certification title.
While the two-exam path aims to give an easier entry
into the Cisco world of networking, the 640-801 exam is
the recommended approach for you if:
You already have some computing and networking
experience
And/Or
You who cant afford to spend the time and cost
associated with taking two exams rather than one.
Ciscos Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
exam 640-801, the single-exam option to the Cisco
Certified Network Associate certification, is basic level
exam for IT professionals who have the knowledge and
skills necessary to select, connect, configure, and
troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices.
The content of this singe exam is in effect a combination
of the content of the two exams in the two-exam path -
Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies
(INTRO) and Interconnection Cisco Network Devices
(ICND).
The focus of this write-up is the CCNA 640-801 exam
path.
Content in the New CCNA 640-801 Program
According to Cisco, The revised CCNA 640-801 exam
is designed to better assess the networking skills of
entry-level candidates. The CCNA curriculum includes
understanding the functions and operations of local area
networks (LAN), Cisco IOS fundamentals, wide area
networks (WAN), virtual private networks (VPN), and
Storage Area.
The CCNA 640-801 exam tests more in-depth
knowledge of the ICND 2.x course. The exam covers
topics such as:
1. Switching configuration
2. OSPF and EIGRP routing protocols (Open Shortest
Path First and Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing
Protocol)
3. VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking)
These topics were not covered in the 640-607 exam.
CCNA: 640-607 VS 640-801
For summary of the similarities/differences in the one
exam path - the previous CCNA exam (640-607) and
the current one exam CCNA path (640-801), click this
link: http://www.jidaw.com/ccna607vs801.html
Recertification
With the introduction of the new two-exam path, Cisco
is offering a new recertification option as well. The new
ICND exam qualifies as a recertification exam. CCNA
certification is valid for three years.
Candidates can recertify in several ways: through the
new ICND #640-811 exam, the most current CCNA
exam or by passing any exam at the Professional or
Cisco Qualified Specialist level with the #642 prefix.

CCNA Objectives
Although the exam title, format and requirements keeps
changing, the focus of CCNA remains constant. The
focus of all CCNA exams has been to ensure that the
successful candidate has important knowledge and skills
necessary to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot
the various Cisco networking devices.
CCNA: IS IT FOR YOU, although based on the retired
640-607 exam, is an article that gives details of the
CCNA focus, read the article here:
http://www.jidaw.com/ccnaarticle.html
640-801 Objectives
With 640-801, the objective categories have been
simplified into four areas: Planning & Designing,
Implementation & Operation, Troubleshooting and
Technology.
Planning & Designing
Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology
Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design
requirements
Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user
requirements
Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology
Develop an access list to meet user specifications
Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements
Implementation & Operation
Configure routing protocols given user requirements
Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway
addresses on routers and hosts
Configure a router for additional administrative
functionality
Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch
communication
Implement a LAN
Customize a switch configuration to meet specified
network requirements
Manage system image and device configuration files
Perform an initial configuration on a router
Perform an initial configuration on a switch
Implement access lists
Implement simple WAN protocols

Troubleshooting
Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network
troubleshooting
Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
Troubleshoot routing protocols
Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
Troubleshoot an access list
Perform simple WAN troubleshooting
Technology
Describe network communications using layered models
Describe the Spanning Tree process
Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN
environments
Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols
Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its
associated protocols
Describe the components of network devices
Evaluate rules for packet control
Evaluate key characteristics of WANs
Exam specifics for 640-801
The exam consists of 55 to 65 questions including
multiple choice, drag and drop, and simulation
questions. A candidate has 90 minutes to complete this
exam with a required passing score of at least 849.
Exam Tips and Preparation
Exam Interface
You need to be familiar with the nature of exam and the
exam interface.
Cisco Career Certifications exams includes the
following test formats: multiple-choice single answer,
multiple-choice multiple answer, drag-and-drop, fill-in-
the-blank, and simulations. Prior to taking the exam,
candidates should become familiar with how all exam
types function-especially the exam simulation tool. Such
practice will allow candidates to focus their exam-taking
effort on the exam questions rather than how to
correctly use the tools.
Exam Focus for the 640-801
With the exam changes in the 640-801 is to ensure that
only those who actually learn Ciscos stuff and can
practice it can get certified. It has made CCNA tougher
but it has also increased the credibility and value of the
exam. It is indeed very hard to simply cram some
materials and braindumps and pass the CCNA, without
being able to configure a router.
Whats the exam like? There is a heavy focus on Access
Lists, Switching, Routing protocols, Subnetting and
simulation.
Subnetting is key in the exam. You have to know how to
subnet very well. Can you subnet in your head? You
really need to be comfortable with subnetting before you
take the CCNA. If you have doubts start practicing now.
Practice and understand access-lists very well. What are
your access-list commands and what do they do?
Simulation
You need to build your speed in doing simulations. In
the exam, simulations can make or mar your efforts. To
prepare well you need to have access to simulators or
real routers. The actual number simulation questions
may vary from three to five. Essentially, the exam will
test your ability to configure routers and switches in
different scenarios. These scenarios are designed to test
your knowledge of configuration and listing commands
as well as your ability to pay attention to detail, and
your ability to analyze and troubleshoot scenarios.
Simulations have been noted to be slow during the exam
and when switching between the simulator-based
questions and the rest of the exam. Even if the simulator
engine appears slow, dont let this throw you off balance
during the exam.
Time management
The test is 90 minutes. To get a good score and keep
your CCNA dreams and hopes alive you must manage
your time well. Determine how long you will spend on
each question. Remember that you cant go back after
answering a question. This means you cant review
questions youve answered. As noted simulations are
usually slow and will take more time. They also weigh
heavily in your exam scores. So take your time on the
simulations and dont panic or rush. Note that there will
be a lot of subnetting. Be able to subnet fast.
OSI model, the Access lists, the Subnetting etc,
questions are time consuming. But concentrate,
understand the basics and be ready for calculations.
Exam Preparation for the 640-801
How you prepare for CCNA depends largely on your
current knowledge and experience of networking and
your chosen certification preparation option. Options
include instructor-led training, e-simulations, practical
labs, practice tests, study materials, etc.
Books and simulations are the most popular preparation
tools. However, for efficiency and effectiveness, if you
have the funds and time, it is advisable to include
instructor-led training in your preparations.
While there are new books on the market now for 640-
801, note that your existing 607 study guides and
materials are still useful, as long as youre aware of the
old and new content
(http://www.jidaw.com/ccna607vs801.html) and you
can make up for the new content.
Summary
As you must know now, preparation is the key to
passing your CCNA. Practice, Practice and Practice. -
subnetting, access-lists, and simulations. Dont skip any
area while preparing for this exam. It is an exam you
must be prepared for. Paper certification or cramming
cannot work with the CCNA.
Are you well informed and prepared for the CCNA
now? You must learn to pass the CCNA and you must
be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to
pass the CCNA.
All the best with your CCNA!
Jide Awe
Jide Awe is the Founder of Jidaw.com.

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What Do you Have to Say? Post Your Comments about this
article Here
COMMENTS for "CCNA 640-801 Exam Tips and
preparation":
June 7, 2007

Ed Boyer from
Maryland says:

Dead-On

I just took the CCNA 640-801
Today. I passed but barely. I was
not ready for Trunking and VTP
questions. All the points that you
say to focus on are 85% of the
questions. I wish I had found this
article sooner.

April 18, 2007

Paresh from Seattle,
Washington says:

CCNA tips & then the differences
between old and New CCNA

Nice article. Definitely helpful to
make u understand where to
focus :).

January 17, 2007

Ivory Johnson from
New Albany IN, USA.
says:

I read your article and it was
good to see young men making
great progress. I work at a
technical school in New Albany
IN, please keep up the good work
and stay in touch.


More on Cisco and Cisco Certifications:
Cisco CCNA Resources
CCNA 640-801 Exam Tips and Preparation
Cisco Network Certifications
CCNA Responses from Cisco's Director Certifications



For more coverage and information related to this topic,
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CCNA Resources
http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/ccna.html
Cisco Network Certifications
http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/cisconetcerts.html
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