How to Study and PASS the CCNA in 2023/2024

Summary

In this video, Garrett shares his journey to earning the CCNA certification and offers valuable tips for passing the exam. He explains how, after initially failing the test, he improved his study habits, utilized resources like YouTube channels, flashcards, and labs, and eventually passed. Garrett emphasizes the importance of scheduling study time, taking notes, practicing with labs, and focusing on key topics like subnetting, VLANs, and routing. He concludes with advice on creating cheat sheets and staying organized, helping viewers confidently prepare for the CCNA exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Garrett obtained his CCNA in April after studying for about six months while working as a help desk technician.
• 📅 Garrett initially failed the exam due to underutilizing resources and not dedicating enough study time.
• 📚 He recommends downloading the CCNA exam guide and creating a schedule to stay organized while crossing off completed topics.
• 📺 Watching YouTube videos on relevant topics is highly encouraged, with channels like Jeremy’s IT Lab, Keith Barker, David Bombal, and others being particularly helpful.
• 📝 Taking notes during videos is crucial for retaining information and can be useful later for troubleshooting at work.
• 📇 Garrett suggests using flashcards, with Jeremy’s Anki flashcards for specific topics and his own Quizlet flashcards for comprehensive review before the exam.
• 🧪 Doing labs is vital for mastering CCNA topics, and while free options like Packet Tracer exist, he found Boson NetSim to be more helpful.
• 📑 Important topics to focus on include Layer 2 (especially VLANs), subnetting, Layer 3 routing, and OSPF configuration.
• 🔁 He stresses the importance of regularly refreshing learned material to prevent forgetting previously covered topics.
• 📝 He recommends creating personalized cheat sheets with key details, practicing them beforehand, and potentially using them during the exam if allowed.

Q & A

What job was Garrett working in while studying for the CCNA?

Garrett was working as a help desk technician while studying for the CCNA.

How long did it take Garrett to study for and take the CCNA exam?

It took Garrett about 6 months to study for and take the CCNA exam.

Did Garrett pass the CCNA exam on his first attempt?

No, Garrett failed the CCNA exam on his first attempt. He believes it was because he didn’t fully utilize available resources and didn’t dedicate enough time.

What tool was Garrett given during his CCNA exam to help him take notes?

Garrett was given a blank sheet of paper at the testing center, which he used to write notes during the exam.

What major change did Cisco plan for the CCNA in 2023, and what happened to that plan?

Cisco had planned to make changes to the CCNA exam in 2023, but they later confirmed that no changes were made.

What does Garrett recommend doing to stay organized while studying for the CCNA?

Garrett recommends downloading the exam guide and creating a study schedule to stay organized. He also suggests crossing out topics that have already been learned to track progress.

Which YouTube channels does Garrett recommend for studying for the CCNA?

Garrett recommends YouTube channels such as Jeremy’s IT Lab, Keith Barker, David Bombal, Network Chuck, Network Kings, Network Bruh, Network Direction, C Bros, and Paul Browning.

Why does Garrett suggest taking notes while watching study videos?

Garrett suggests taking notes because it helps with memorizing the material. He also mentions that the notes can be useful after the exam for work-related troubleshooting.

What two types of flashcards does Garrett recommend using while studying?

Garrett recommends using Jeremy’s IT Lab's Anki flashcards for specific topics and his own custom Quizlet flashcards for overall revision as the exam date approaches.

What key topics does Garrett highlight as important to study for the CCNA exam?

Garrett highlights Layer 2 topics (especially VLANs), subnetting, Layer 3 routing, and OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) as important topics to study for the CCNA exam.