The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) was one of the most time-consuming exams I've ever tackled. It required every ounce of effort I could give, but the journey was incredibly rewarding.
The One-Month Sprint
After working a side job that left me feeling frustrated and stagnant, I decided I needed to level up. I had been learning at a slow pace, but I realized that approach wasn't working for me. I decided to set a hard deadline: one month to prepare.
I dedicated 19 full days to intense study, averaging around 10 hours a day—sometimes stretching to 12.
The 300+ Lab Milestone
During this period, I completed over 300 labs to ensure the concepts were etched into my muscle memory. I have posted those in the Projects section, as I was able to document them properly.
- Jeremy's IT Lab: ~120 labs (Highly recommended)
- Netsim Exam Labs: ~120 labs
- Neil Anderson's Udemy Course: ~60 labs
I even completed the "Mega Lab" from Jeremy’s IT Lab three times. The first attempt took me a whole day!
My Recommendation on Courses
If you have a strong willingness to learn and can identify essential concepts on your own, you might not strictly need Netsim or extra paid courses. Focus on understanding the core domains first. Jeremy's IT Lab is more than enough.
Community and Support
The r/CCNA Reddit forum was my go-to for motivation and insights. However, it can be a double-edged sword; seeing "fail/pass" threads every week sometimes made me feel like I might not make it.
The Security Pass: Out of caution, I purchased the "Security Pass"—a voucher that allowed a free retake if I failed the first time. It cost an extra $170, but it gave me the peace of mind I needed to walk into the testing center with confidence.
I also want to shout out the Cisco Community. It's a goldmine of information where actual Cisco professionals and experts help each other out.
The Exam Day Surprise
I thought I knew what to expect based on my preparation and Anki flashcards (from Wendell Odom's books and Jeremy's channel), but I was in for a surprise. The exam tested me heavily on:
- Security & Automation (Wireless parts specifically)
- WPA & Authentication protocols
While the lab portions were breathtaking and complex, my two years of hands-on experience starting from my diploma program helped me stay calm. The labs weren't the "hard" part—it was the deep dive into nuances of Wireless Security and Protocols and automation that really tested my breath.
Key Connections
On this journey, I found incredible mentors and peers:
- Moumoid Louini (2025 Cisco Star): A great person whose LinkedIn comments and insights were extremely helpful.
- Rajan Adhikari: Helped me as a peer while we were both preparing.
If you are starting your CCNA journey, remember: consistency is key. Put in the hours, do the labs, and don't be afraid to ask for help from the community. I've also prepared a last-minute CCNA Cheat Sheet in the blog section to help with those final cramming sessions.