Key Takeaways:
- The article serves as a guide for individuals pursuing CCNA certification, offering recommendations for effective study materials to enhance exam preparation.
- It provides a curated list of the best CCNA certification books, detailing each resource's strengths, authors, and key features to assist readers in choosing the most suitable study materials.
- Beyond traditional books, the article emphasizes the importance of practical learning tools like flashcards and hands-on labs, aiming to reinforce theoretical knowledge and enhance understanding.
- Acknowledging the difficulty of the CCNA exam, the article suggests a blended learning approach. It encourages candidates to combine recommended books with online training courses, such as Simplilearn's CCNA certification program, to ensure a well-rounded and comprehensive preparation strategy.
Brief Overview of CCNA Certification
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized accreditation that validates the foundational skills and knowledge required for entry-level network professionals. Administered by Cisco Systems, the CCNA certification covers a wide spectrum of networking concepts, including routing and switching, network security, wireless networking, and more. As a stepping stone for individuals aspiring to build a career in networking, achieving CCNA certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of fundamental networking principles and the ability to implement and troubleshoot Cisco networks.
The CCNA certification is not only a testament to an individual's technical proficiency but also serves as a valuable asset in the competitive IT job market. Employers often seek candidates with CCNA certification as it signifies a strong foundation in networking, making certified professionals highly desirable for roles ranging from network administrators to support engineers.
Importance of Selecting the Right Study Materials
Selecting the right study materials is crucial for success in achieving CCNA certification. The complexity and breadth of the CCNA exam topics require comprehensive and reliable resources that cater to various learning styles. Choosing the right study materials can significantly impact the effectiveness of preparation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the concepts and enhancing the likelihood of success on the certification exam.
Effective study materials should not only cover the exam objectives but also provide practical insights, hands-on exercises, and real-world scenarios to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Different individuals may have distinct learning preferences, and the right study materials should accommodate diverse needs, whether through comprehensive textbooks, interactive online courses, or hands-on labs.
Investing time and effort in selecting high-quality study materials tailored to individual learning styles can streamline the preparation process and build a strong foundation for success in the CCNA certification journey.
Top 5 CCNA Certification Books
If you’re working toward your CCNA certification, you’ll probably want to review some CCNA books that can help you learn the material before your exam. We’ve put together a list of the five best CCNA exam preparation books to help you become increasingly proficient in the knowledge areas that will appear on the CCNA exam
1. CCNA Preparation Library (640-801)
This CCNA exam preparation book is authorized by Cisco and is considered to be one of the best CCNA books for the exam. This library consists of two basic exam preparation tutorials for the CCNA exam: Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1 and Part 2. The focus of Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1 includes simple network, Ethernet LANs, wireless LANs, LAN/WAN connections, and proper network environment management. Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2 provides expanded knowledge on the Part 1 concept along with router and switch output concepts.
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (640-802)
This is another popular CCNA exam prep book widely suggested by CCNA certified professionals. Authored by Todd Lammle, this book is a popular resource for CCNA exam candidates because it contains full-length practice questions. Along with all the important concepts of Cisco network devices, this library includes four full-length CCNA practice tests.
Watch this video to learn more about CCNA certification.
Related learning: Is a Cisco Certification Worth It?
3. Cisco CCNA Exam Flash Card Practice Library (640-607)
This CCNA exam prep library includes more than 350 CCNA exam prep questions based on real-life industry scenarios. You can also get a CCNA question bank including 500 CCNA practice questions for evaluating your proficiency on CCNA knowledge areas. These CCNA exam flashcards are great for last-minute exam cramming!
4. CCNA Exam Certification Guide (640-607)
The CCNA Exam Certification Guide – Third Edition has gained great reviews from participants as a well-organized preparation book for the CCNA exam. This CCNA exam prep book contains internetworking functions of each layer of OSI reference model, functionality of Cisco IOS® software and TCP/IP and IPX protocols, segmentation of networks using routers, switches, and bridges, as well as use and configuration of Catalyst switches, STP, and VLANs.
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5. CCNA Practical Studies (640-607)
This Cisco Certified Network Associate Practical Studies book is useful for both CCNA Exam 640-607 and 640-801. This CCNA book gives you hands-on networking lab scenarios. CCNA Practical Studies is a comprehensive guide that provides insights on remote access-based lab environments and includes more than 500 pages of lessons and information on the CCNA exam syllabus.
[Related read: Is doing CCNA Certification really worth for Networking Professionals?]
Other CCNA Training Resources
Because the Cisco CCNA exam is relatively difficult, most candidates find the best value in combining the information from the references listed above with online training courses. Simplilearn’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification training program features a blended learning delivery model that combines self-paced eLearning with instructor-led options and includes:
- 14 full-length audio-video chapters covering the complete CCNA curriculum
- Content divided into two modules to facilitate taking each individual certification exam separately
- Practice lab with hands-on exercises for comprehensive learning
- 24/7 access to course content and practice lab
To know more about CCNA certification training or register with the training program, explore Simplilearn’s CCNA certification training page.
You can download our free eBook Guide to the Top Cisco Certifications for more information about the CCNA and CCNP exams.