Hi all, I want to know if the ccna 640-607 exam is worth taking. i know this is the entry level exam for cisco. I am only 19 and doing computer science at uni, but am wondering if it is worth investing the £100 to take the exam + the time taking to learn the material. Also, would this exam be recognised on it's own..or woul i have to follow on with the other exams. I do not want to take the exam if it means being tied down to taking all of cisco's exams to be in a good position. thanks for any advice

Hi nicks, Im studdying for my CCNA at the moment. It is a widely recognised certificate and does not just focus on cisco equipment. It will give you and EXCELLENT networking understanding in both support, design and theory. Sure you will have to learn the cisco IOS but many enterprise networks are using cisco routers so its a big help. However.... it will take your time. I spend on average 5 hours a week in-between work and do very well in exams so go for it if u can spare the time.

thanks for the response toski. Just wanted to know if you are going to continue with the other cisco exams, or do you think it will give you a good foothold in the industry? also, should i take the 640-607 or the new 640-801(?) ? cheers nicks

Np... If you mean further exams like then CCNP and CCIE... then keep dreaming mate. Even after at LEAST 2 years hands on experiance the CCNP and most certainly the CCIE are very difficult. The sheer cost of a CCIE lab exam is in the thousands. But if you can get it.... six figure salary no bother. But honestly its very very advanced. Take the newer exam. Otherwise you will have to re-certify sooner. TosKi

hmm...as i'm only 19, and at university, i'm not likely to use the skills developed with the exam anytime soon. how often do you need to re-certify yourself? Also, what would the type of work you would expect to be doing having the CCNA and the work after CCIE? thanks again for you help (give me a yes or no based on my situation!)

Nicks, A CCNA will set you up for jobs that involve network support and admin. On a lower level... configuring Cisco Routers. Forget about a CCIE... only the best reach that. I would say if you can do it and you have a basic understanding of networking... then go for it.

Nicks, Hi there! If you're still debating whether or not to take the CCNA exam, I say go for it! I feel like I identify with you as I just recently turned 20 years old myself! I got my CCNA certification at the age of 18 and got my CCAI (Cisco Certified Academy Instructor) certification when I turned 19. I'm currently working on my CCNP and I'd like to shoot for the CCIE eventually. I am one of the youngest employees for Dell Computer Headquaters. I owe a very large part of my job success to my Cisco certifications and I believe that it was one of the main reasons why I was hired by Dell to begin with. I don't have a college degree as of yet, but I make as much, if not more, money than many employees that do have degrees with no certs. The certifications are great to have because they demonstrate to employeers that you don't only have a great fundamental understanding, but that you are familiar and up to speed with current technologies. I hope that this is helpful to you. :o) - Dan