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Cisco CCNA Testing Center
In order to do their best,
candidates should know what to expect at the testing center for the Cisco CCNA certification exam. Since testing center guidelines may vary from one
center to another, we recommend that the candidates call the local testing
center to check about the guidelines. Here are some points providing
information on what you can expect at the exam center and exam
descriptions.
Exam Description
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The Cisco CCNA exam can be taken in one
single exam or also in two exam option. 640-801 is the single exam
option and the two exam option is 640-821 & 640-811.
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‘640-801 CCNA’ is the single exam
option of Cisco certified Network Associate certification. This
examination was earlier 640-607 and has now been upgraded to 640-801.
The duration of the examination is 90 minutes and the number of
questions asked will be in the range of 55-65.
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‘640-821 INTRO’ is the introduction
course on Cisco Networking Technologies. The duration of the examination
is 75 minutes and the number of questions asked will be in the range of
45-55.
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‘640-811 ICND’ is a course on
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices. The duration of the
examination is 60 minutes and the number of questions asked will be in
the range of 40-50.
Test of Skills
These exams certify that the
successful candidate possess the knowledge and skills in the categories
given.
640-801 CCNA
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Cisco Networking Devices (selecting,
connecting, configuring and trouble shooting)
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Extending Switched Networks with VLANS
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Determine IP routes
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Manage IP traffic with Access Lists
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Establish Point to Point connections
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Establish Frame relay connections
640-821 INTRO
This is the first
of the qualifying exam for those pursuing the two exam option and is the
introduction to major network components and their purpose and
functioning. The areas covered are:
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Network Types
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Network Media
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Switching Fundamentals
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TCPI/IP addressing and routing
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WAN Technologies
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IOS Devices (Operation and
Configuration)
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Manage Network Environments
640-811 ICND
The second
qualifying exam for those pursuing the two exam option and is related to
skills in Interconnection of Cisco Network Devices. The areas covered are:
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Cisco Networking Devices( select,
connect, configure and trouble shoot)
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Extending Switched Networks with VLANS
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Determine IP routes
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Manage IP traffic with Access Lists
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Establish Point to Point connections
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Establish Frame relay connections
Registering
for the Examination
The CCNA exam is conducted online by
Pearson VUE and Thomson Prometric.
Pearson VUE
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Pearson VUE provides innovative
electronic testing solutions that enhance the performance, reliability
and security of high-stakes testing programs throughout the world.
Pearson VUE is the computer-based testing business of Pearson, the
international media company. The link for Cisco certification is
http://www.vue.com/cisco/
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Individuals can use exam certificates
(vouchers) to pay for IT certification exams. CCNA test vouchers can
also be purchased by testing centers, corporations, academic
institutions and other organizations. These vouchers can be
electronically purchased or can be ordered from a store near you place.
Look up the website of Pearson VUE to find out more information.
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Vouchers are non-refundable and
non-returnable and expire within 12 months. It can be used via the Web,
testing center or Pearson VUE call center.
Thomson Prometric
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Thomson Prometric provides a fully
integrated testing system for corporations. It has clients with the
government, academic and professional Associations. The link to the site
is
http://securereg3.prometric.com/
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Prepaid certificates called CCNA test
vouchers are available for test partners, corporations, schools and
government agencies. These vouchers can be purchased electronically or
through the regional voucher sales and service team. Look up the website
for more information.
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Minimum vouchers per order are three
and the vouchers are non-refundable and non-returnable. The expiry date
is provided and printed on the voucher at the time of purchase. Vouchers
must be redeemed at prometric client and testing programs only.
Jobs and Salaries
The typical work
day for this job is checking error and performance logs of the network,
building new server for applications to be deployed, troubleshooting the
network (bandwidth and remote connectivity issues). As for the salary
there are many online surveys for CCNA Cisco certification. The average
salary presently is around US $47,173. The openings in network
administration are quite a few. The most common job titles for CCNA being
Network (support) engineer, Systems administrator, Senior network
engineer, Network operations, Consulting systems engineer, Systems
engineer, Network Trainer, Network Management (supervisory), IT engineer.
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Re-certification: If you have taken a Cisco CCNA
certification exam before, find out your Cisco ID and specify it before
you start with your registration. This will ensure that you get proper
credit for the exam and will help avoid any duplicate records.
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Reach before time: We strongly suggest reaching the test
center before time. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the
appointment.
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Sign the logbook: You may be asked to sign-in the logbook
upon arrival as well as upon departure. Do check on this.
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You must carry your identification: You will be required to
show a valid identification (ID), perhaps including a recent,
recognizable photograph. If the supervisor questions your ID, you may be
required to show another ID. You should check the testing center
guidelines on identification and take all supplemental identification
documents with you.
Generally Accepted Identification:
The following MAY not be accepted as valid ID:
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Read the testing center regulation form carefully: You will
be provided with a Testing Center Regulation form by the supervisor.
Read the regulations carefully and comply with them during the test.
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Sign the confidentiality statement: The supervisor is
responsible for asking you to sign the confidentially statement at the
test center indicating that you will not reveal exam questions to other
students after the test.
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Supervisor sets up your test computer: The supervisor will
ensure that the Cisco certification test displays on screen before
handing over the machine to you.
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Ask for sheets for scratch work: Scratch papers will be
provided to you at the testing center. These are sometimes only
available on request. Ask for some blank scratch sheets to do
calculations and rough work. Jot down important points and tables (such
as powers of 2, binary representation tables etc) before exam starts.
This can be a big time saver. Do not take the scratch paper out of the
testing room on completion of exam.
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Items not allowed in the testing room: The candidate is not
allowed to bring in the testing room personal items such as:
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Your session may be audio and video taped: Do not attempt to
talk or communicate in any form to anybody in the testing room. Your
session may be taped and can lead to immediate disqualification .
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On exam completion: You will be explained by the supervisor
what to do when you complete the exam. If not, or if you are unclear
about what you should do, ask it yourself before beginning the exam.
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Do not take with you the the testing material from the testing
room: Return all of your testing materials, including the scrap
paper, on the completion of your exam to the supervisor.
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Certified copy of the exam result: Your supervisor will give
you a certified copy of the exam report on completion of the test. This
will list your score indicating strengths and weaknesses in the various
test areas. Ask the supervisor for the certified copy, if you do not get
it.
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