A CCNP question

[Shalafi]

I'm sorry if this seems like kind of a noobish question, but I'm in CCNA 3 right now and I'm taking CCNA 4 next semester, but I'm going to pick up the CCNP BSCI lab book to work on in my spare time, and also at college when I can get access to the networking lab. My question is, if I pass the BSCI exam, am I CCNP certified, or do I have to take other CCNP exams?

 

[Lightworker]

BSCI is one of 4 exams required for the CCNP Certification, the others are BCMSN, ONT and ISCW

 

[Shalafi]

that's one big meh, but it's not impossible

 

[fantasticdan]

The CCNP is changing to 3 exams from Summer next year. BCMSN and BSCI will still be valid for a transition period so do those first if you're looking into CCNP stuff. Although you're supposed to start with those anyway .

 

[Vito_Corleone]

Although you're supposed to start with those anyway .

Supposed to, why?

 

[mattjw916]

switching and routing is the core knowledge required for further advancement

 

[Shalafi]

me and some guys who will be taking CCNA 4 next semester are interested in learning everything out of the lab book for CCNA 4 over Christmas break and then while we're in our CCNA 4 class next semester, we'll use our class time to do the BSCI labs in the spare lab we have on campus

 

[fantasticdan]

There's nothing set in stone, you're free to take whichever ones you want but most people seem to do the BCMSN and BSCI first and then the ISCW and ONT. I'd be interested to hear what order people who have the CCNP here did them in.

 

[Vito_Corleone]

I did BCMSN > BSCI > ISCW > ONT. But that was due to my experience levels at the time. If I were working with VPNs a lot I'd have done ISCW first. But yea, I think for most people BCMSN and BCSI should be done first.

 

[Shalafi]

I'm going with BSCI > BCMSN because that approach uses a lot of routing and switching which I enjoy, I'll save ISCW and ONT for last, any preference which to take 3rd and 4th?

what's the differences between the last 2?

 

[xphil3]

I'd be interested to hear what order people who have the CCNP here did them in.

BSCI > BCMSN > ISCW > ONT. This is the natural progression imo, build the network then layer the services. Kind of a no brainer. My actual tests went this way

CCNA(pass) > BSCI(pass) > BCMSN(pass), CCNA(pass) > Composite(fail, pass) > ISCW(pass) > ONT(pass) .... dont ask, lol

that's one big meh, but it's not impossible

What do you mean?

Also, like lenny said... you need all 4 tests + a valid CCNA to become CCNP certified. If you plan to wait for the new version of the ccnp.. you're looking at 3 tests(routing, switching and troubleshooting)

 

[Shalafi]

Well, I do know I need the CCNA certification before becoming CCNP certified.

I'm kind of interested in acquiring my CCNP through self-study with a lab built at home (I prefer working on actual equipment). I'm not 100 percent sure how this will all shake out. I don't mind troubleshooting, I actually like that part of my studies.

I'll try to take it in the order you recommend, that makes the most sense.

On a side note, I'm working on getting A+ certified on the side and I'm going for my A+ in the spring, I'm also going to try to take the Network + exam without actually studying any of the Network + stuff since I heard it's mostly stuff I already know from taking the CCNA courses, it's like really basic networking stuff.

Good idea?

 

[xphil3]

On a side note, I'm working on getting A+ certified on the side and I'm going for my A+ in the spring, I'm also going to try to take the Network + exam without actually studying any of the Network + stuff since I heard it's mostly stuff I already know from taking the CCNA courses, it's like really basic networking stuff.

Good idea?

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the network+. Sure it doesn't expire, but if you're going to get the CCNA then its pretty much assumed that you have the skills and knowledge that it takes to be network+ certified.

Also, for your CCNP studies I would recommend checking out my thread thats stickied.

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1414407

Dont waste your money on real routers, just grab yourself some switches to practice some of the more advanced switching topics(basic switching can be done easily using dynamips).

Good luck.