Cisco CCNA Exam Tracks

With the latest version of the CCNA exam, Cisco offers two possible exam track options of either one or two exams.

 1) The Single Exam Approach

  •  Exam Number: 640-802 CCNA
  • The exam consists of 50-60 questions over 90 minutes and covers all CCNA exam topics

2) The Two Exam Approach

  • Exam Numbers:  ICND1 and ICND2
  • The two exam approach consists of 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2
  • 640-822 ICND1 consists of 50-60 questions over 90 minutes
  • 640-816 ICND2 consists of 45-55 questions over 75 minutes

Either approach will allow you to successfully become a CCNA after passing the required exams. There are advantages to taking either of the exam tracks and these include:

Single Exam Approach (640-802 CCNA) Advantages:

  • Only one exam required to become a CCNA and it covers all topics
  • More time efficient than taking two exams
  • More cost effective than taking two exams. Exam cost when taking this approach is $150.00 US versus $125.00 US each for the Two Exam approach.

Who Should Take The Single Exam Approach?

 Take the Single Exam Approach to the CCNA if: ·

  • You cannot afford the expenses of the two exam approach
  • You are looking to reduce the time spent obtaining the CCNA
  • If you are well prepared for the exam topics on the CCNA exam than the single exam approach is the way to go. This approach is generally recommended for more experienced candidates such as those who have experience with networking technologies.

Two Exam Approach (CCNA 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2 ) Advantages: 

  •  Exam is broken up into 2 smaller sections of CCNA exam topics 
  • Allows more time to learn and understand topics of each exam
  • Excellent for candidates new to Cisco technology

Who Should Take The Two Exam Approach?

 Take the Two Exam Approach to the CCNA if: ·

  • You can afford the expenses associated with the cost of the two exams
  • You are new to Cisco technologies and networking basics

You will be successful following either approach if:

  • You have a complete understanding of all CCNA exam topics
  • Have experience with router configuration/simulation
  • Have completed numerous configuration examples and questions on CCNA topics

The CCNA exam is the precursor to other higher level Cisco certifications. Successfully completing the CCNA exam will allow a candidate to pursue other Cisco certifications such as:

  • CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
  • CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)
  • CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert)