| · "Brain dumps" People have been rampantly using brain dumps to pass the test. Using brain dumps is unethical, nonetheless many have used it to gain their certifications. There are companies that offer 100% pass guarantee.
Below is an excerpt taken from an internet editorial concerning this problem [1]:
"The exponential growth in the number of computer-related certifications coupled with the relative ease of their acquisition has led to their devaluation in the eyes of many people in the technology field. In some cases, exam content is easily found by certification seekers (through less-than-honorable methods such as "brain dump" web sites) allowing them to gain certification without knowing, or even understanding, the concepts being tested. Certifying agencies have responded in various ways. Some certification tests have incorporated hands-on testing, although there is no evidence that this reduces cheating or improves reliability or validity. Many have explored anti-cheating methodologies (e.g., Caveon [1]) or expanded their exam content. Others have simply raised the price of certification, in a bid to reduce exam resits (and increase the profit margin per head). Faced with this difficult problem, many certifying agencies have not made any changes."
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| · Exam information A CCNA candidate must prove familiarity & expertise with Cisco's IOS, TCP/IP, LAN and WAN management, routing and routing protocols, the OSI model, LAN troubleshooting, and be familiar with a variety of network protocols, some Cisco-specific and some not.
The test (Cisco code 640-801) is a Computer-adaptive test that presents 60 questions within a 90 minute period; the test will quickly ascertain which areas an examinee is weak on and focus on those. The test includes multiple choice questions (including many multiple-answer questions, e.g. 'which three of these five options'), matching questions, and simulated 'lab' questions that provide a virtual network consisting of several routers and switches to test troubleshooting skills. A grade of approximately 85% is required to pass.
There is also a two test option using the INTRO (Cisco code 640-821) and ICND (Cisco code 640-811) tests. This allows the candidate to focus on certain subjects.
The certification is valid for three years; at that time a CCNA holder must either re-take the certification exam or take an exam for one of the Professional or Specialist level certifications, such as CCNP. At one point, the CCNA re-certification exam was different from the CCNA exam, but this no longer seems to be the case.
Note: test codes are current as of December, 2004
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