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Unlocking the CCNA Journey – Expert Insights and Strategies

Written by Francesca El Attrash-Ukaejiofo | June 14 2024

On Thursday, June 13th, we hosted an engaging webinar, "Unlocking the CCNA Journey," in collaboration with Cisco. If you missed it, don't worry! Here’s your chance to catch up on the wealth of knowledge and strategies by our expert panel.  

The Importance of Preparation 

As Malcom X once said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This wisdom is especially true when it comes to pursuing the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Proper preparation is the cornerstone of success in this challenging yet rewarding journey.  

 Meet Our Experts 

Our panel of seasoned network professionals shared a treasure trove of information about the CCNA certification process: 

  • Mike Parusa, Consulting Systems Engineer at Iron Bow Technologies 
  • Ness El-Haggan, Emerging Solutions Architect at Iron Bow Technologies 
  • Paul Lukacs, Consulting Solutions Architect at Cisco Systems 

 

4 Key Takeaways to Keep in Mind for CCNA 

 1. Demystifying the CCNA Certification: The journey to CCNA certification can seem daunting but our experts broke it down into manageable steps. They stressed the importance of a structured study plan and emphasized hands-on practice as a critical component of success.  

 *Pro Tip: The exam is timed, and you cannot skip and come back to a question. 

2. Expert Guidance and Personal Insights: Our speakers drew from their own experiences sitting the exam, offering practical advice on overcoming obstacles in the CCNA journey. They highlighted essential study resources, recommended timelines, and shared strategies to stay motivated throughout the process.  

*Pro Tip: Don’t just jump in without a light at the end of the tunnel. Set a date and work towards that date. Be realistic, life gets in the way.  

3. Real-World Application: The panelists discussed real-world scenarios where CCNA skills come into play. From the “256 Method” that makes subnetting easier to testing your understanding of networking commands, they demonstrated how these skills are vital in practical settings.  

 *Pro Tip: Before you start the exam, make a quick reference guide on a sheet of paper for formulas or algorithms that you know could trip you, so you don’t waste time trying to figure it out during the exam. See example below.  

 

4. Next Steps and Continued Growth: The session concluded with valuable advice on further specialization and ongoing professional development. Our experts provided resources and guidance for those looking to expand their knowledge and advance their careers.  

 *Pro Tip: Cisco U. and Cisco Networking Academy have hours of content to help you prep and practice for the exam.  

 Watch the Recording 

Missed the live session? You can still access the full recording and absorb all the insights shared by our experts. Watch the recording below:

 

Ready to Advance Your Networking Career? 

Whether you’re just beginning your CCNA journey or aiming to refine your skills, this webinar offers the insights and motivation you need. Dive into the resources shared during the session and consider how they can help enhance your career path. 

For any questions or further guidance, please reach out at https://ironbow.com/contact-us. We’re here to support your journey to CCNA certification and beyond.