For the last month I have been studying for the Cisco Certified Entry Level Network exam (ICND1) .  I am currently waiting for my account details to update in the Pearson VUE system so I am able to book the exam.  I feel pretty confident about the material, I work with some SOHO routers and know the basics of IOS navigation etc, and I have a few switches and 1721’s I have been practicing Vlan configuration on and port security.  I fear my biggest challenge will be the same as all the other candidates…subnetting.

I understand the formulas and have been able to nut out the practice exams from measure up (that came with the cisco press book) but I am still making some basic arithmetic mistakes when calculating the subnet ranges or working out what mask to use for a given number of subnets.

I used the Cisco press book my Steve McQuery and also the CBT nuggets videos with Jeremy Chiorra (which are fantastic) and I am quietly confident, however I don’t want to waltz into the exam only to fall flat because of a rookie mistake.

I think my study plan for the next week will consist of subnetting questions nightly, a review of the chapters in the Cisco press book as well as my notes and some vlan and serial configuration practice on my home lab.  If all goes as planned I will schedule the exam for the 23rd of November, lets see if I can stick to it!

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