CCNA Exams

CCNA Exam Options
Single Exam Option
640-801 CCNA : Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices
OR
Multiple Exams option
1. 641-821 INTRO Beta : Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO)
2. 640-811 ICND : Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices

The recommended course(s)/training are:
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices ( ICND 2.0 or ICND 2.1 )
Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies ( INTRO )

CCNA Recertification
With the retirement of 640-607 in September 2003, the available options to recertify are 640-801 or any other Professional or Cisco qualified specialist track.

Validity
CCNA certifications are valid for three years.

Cisco Agreement
Accepting the terms of Cisco Career Certification and Confidentiality Agreement is a very important part of obtaining Cisco Certification, failing which the application processing of certification may be halted.

Exam Description
The 640-801 is the exam available for aspirants pursuing Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification. Since 640-607 has retired, the article solely concentrates on the 640-801. The CCNA (640-801) exam focuses on the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND) course as well as the new Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) course. The courses and the exam ensure that the successful candidate has the important knowledge and skills necessary to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices. The exam also includes topics on Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections.

Objectives
The following topics listed are the most likely ones on which the testing will focus during the exam. Topics related to this may probably be tested further in detail too.

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

Since troubleshooting is very simplified and methodic when the OSI layered model concepts are clear, the extensive focus on the OSI model still remains in 640-801 exam along with the rest of the basic content. The enhancement is in the Dial on Demand Routing (DDR) and the Config-register and some switching concepts.