CCNA by myself??

[nomad]

Hi i have a question -can i prepare myself to CCNA without any courses??
i bought 2 books -for INTRO and INCD and want to use it.
and than cram test ;

what else do i need??

i saw network simulator but cost 149$ do i really need this ???
if yes maybe somebody wants to sell it cheaper if dont need anymore??

thanks for all answers in advance.

bye

[deddard]

If you are good at cramming, then yes, you could prep for the CCNA from books - but make sure you have access to lots of them, as I have not seen a single book that covers everything you will be tested on.
Do you have any experience with cisco equipment? it makes all the difference if you do, as some of the questions are on troubleshooting. If you don't have any experience, consider the network academy (depending of course on funding) - I'm in the final semester now and I think it's one of the best decisions I've made.

Alternatively, look on ebay for equipment - many people go this route (buy a couple of routers and switches, and play around with them at home) but this can cost a fair amount.

[Erik]

I took the first two courses in the Cisco Academy, and unfortunately won't be able to get to take the last two. I really wish I could though as I think they are a great help, and offer availability of actual equipment to use. I am graduating in May, and plan on studying the rest of the CCNA material on my own.

From my experience I think that you would be well advised to have some sort of hands on experience. Whether you use some actual routers and switches (can get very expensive and involve other possible problems) or simulators is up to you. I guess you could get by if you are able to remember all of the stuff just by reading. I know for me though that I can read about how something happens a hundred times and not get it, but do it once myself and pick it up immediately.

The CCNA has some very Cisco hardware specific questions on it so be prepared.