Plan your route to Cisco certification success with insights, tips, and advice from our experts.<\/p>\n

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Two to eight hours of sitting still\u2014sometimes completely alone. No breaks. Someone watching your every move. No snacks, no drinks, no paper, no watch, no wallet\u2014just a computer.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the activity? Some kind of spy training exercise? Nope. It\u2019s a Cisco certification exam.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no wonder Cisco certification exams are nerve-wracking, especially if it\u2019s your first one. That\u2019s not even taking into account all the studying you have to do prior to the actual exam day. Where do you start? How do you maximize your odds of passing the exam? If you have test anxiety or need accommodations, what can you do?<\/p>\n

This blog is here to help you plan for Cisco certification exam success. I\u2019ll tell you how to use the resources inside Cisco U. to help you pass, and share insights from two people who set exam parameters: Training Content Product Manager Geoff Anderson and Learning Path Author and Engineering Leader Mubasher Nawaz.<\/p>\n

Why are Cisco certification exams important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

First, in case you\u2019re brand-new here, a little primer on what certification exams are and why they matter. For nearly 40 years, Cisco has been a leader in networking and communications solutions. As a networking professional, getting a Cisco certification<\/a> serves as a stamp of expertise and competency in your chosen area.<\/p>\n

Getting Cisco Certified isn\u2019t something you can knock out in a day\u2014it requires a significant time commitment with plenty of active learning, practice, and study hours. In the past, learners have put together their own ad hoc study programs around their chosen certification exam. But it\u2019s difficult to figure out exactly what content you should be studying and understand whether it\u2019s high-quality enough to help you pass.<\/p>\n

Cisco U. helps you make your next career move.<\/p>\n

Starting your certification studies with Cisco U.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

That\u2019s where Cisco U. comes in. The learning platform provides the organized resources you need to successfully pass your certification exam. The key is knowing how to utilize all the features and content inside Cisco U. to make your path to certification easier.<\/p>\n

Even with all these resources, you\u2019ll have to figure out what study methods and content types work best for you.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, everybody learns differently,\u201d Anderson points out. \u201cSome people like to use flashcards, some like to do hands-on exercises. Experiment.\u201d That\u2019s why Cisco U. includes labs, practice exams, podcasts, tutorials, courses, and videos to cater to your learning mood or needs.<\/p>\n

What are Cisco U. Learning Paths and how do you use them?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re new to Cisco U., you may not have yet discovered Learning Paths. This is the best place for a newcomer to start. The Learning Paths inside Cisco U.<\/a> eliminate the guesswork of studying by putting together courses, labs, tutorials, and assessments all in one place\u2014giving you an entire exhaustive Learning Path that teaches you the subject from top to bottom.<\/p>\n

Can I skip around the Learning Paths in Cisco U.?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A lot of people ask whether they can skip around Learning Paths. The answer is\u2026it depends. \u201cIf you\u2019re new to the subject, you should do the entire Learning Path,\u201d Anderson recommends. \u201cIf you already have some expertise, you can just study the subjects you\u2019re not as familiar with.\u201d After all, the point of the certification is that when you pass, you\u2019ll be able to take on professional duties dealing with that certification\u2014not have only partial knowledge.<\/p>\n

Learning Paths also contain assessments and self-tests along the way so you can make sure you really know the subject as well as you think you do. And after you\u2019ve successfully completed the Learning Path, you can move on to taking practice exams.<\/p>\n

Give yourself a competitive edge with exam blueprints and practice exams<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Next, you\u2019ll want to take a peek at the Cisco certification exam topics on the Cisco Learning Network<\/a>\u00a0(and soon to come, inside each Cisco U. practice exam overview) to develop a study plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend learners look at the exam blueprint and see what topics it covers and how they\u2019re weighted,\u201d says Nawaz. \u201cFor example, if you look at the CCNA topics<\/a>, you\u2019ll see the first three count for 65% of your score. I\u2019d spend most of my time studying those.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cisco U. practice exams for the win<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best way to ensure you\u2019re efficiently hitting those weighted topics is by utilizing the practice exams in Cisco U<\/a>. \u201cIf you can do well on a practice exam, you should be in pretty good shape to pass the certification exam,\u201d says Anderson.<\/p>\n

Each entry into a practice exam presents the candidate with 75 items that change with every attempt. \u201cI recommend taking the practice exam multiple times,\u201d Anderson says. Practice exams can be purchased separately or come as part of a Cisco U. subscription; if purchased as an individual title, they\u2019re good for 180 days (about six months). Subscriptions to Cisco U. are valid for a year.<\/p>\n

The practice exams contain the exam objectives and a score report telling you how well you did in each area. That way, post-practice exam attempt, you can see what topics you\u2019re scoring low in, switch back to the Learning Path, and redo those areas.<\/p>\n

Practice exams will also help you replicate the exam day\u2014super helpful for test anxiety. More on that later.<\/p>\n

What to avoid when prepping for Cisco certification exams<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s one important thing both Anderson and Nawaz want you to avoid as you prepare: brain dumps<\/em>. \u201cBrain dump sites are websites where someone takes an exam and memorizes what\u2019s on there, then uploads it as a list of test items and sells it,\u201d Anderson says.<\/p>\n

Nawaz notes, \u201cIf you can access a brain dump site, we can also. We have dedicated security personnel<\/a> monitoring them for leaked content.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce those exam items are compromised, we switch them out. Thus, relying on these sites will not be a shortcut to passing the exam,\u201d says Anderson. Instead, sticking with high-quality learning materials and having a solid study plan are the keys to certification exam success.<\/p>\n

What is the actual Cisco certification exam experience like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Certification exams are meant to show you\u2019ve attained a level of competency and that you can perform in a specified role, which means they\u2019re difficult by nature. And this means even the test taking environment itself can be a little intimidating. A certification exam typically lasts for two to three hours, but a lab test for a CCIE could last up to eight hours.<\/p>\n

You can take a certification exam either at home or in a test center. \u201cIf there\u2019s a test center in your area, I recommend going there,\u201d says Anderson.<\/p>\n

Taking a certification exam at a test center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

At a test center, the environment is already set up for you, so all you have to do is show up.<\/p>\n

Other things to know:<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to leave your phone, wallet, watch, pen, paper, and calculator at home (bring your ID!). You can check with the test center on whether they have lockers.
\nYou\u2019ll be observed by a proctor and take the test alongside others taking non-Cisco tests.
\nBathroom breaks can last no more than 10 minutes.
\nThere are no drinks or snacks permitted in the exam room.
\nThe CCIE Lab exams include a 20-minute break and may include lunch.
\nYou\u2019ll be provided with a small whiteboard and marker to work out things like subnetting.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be given more specific instructions that depend on the exam you\u2019re taking and the specific test site. Read more about exam policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Overall, though, the only bad thing about an in-person test, according to Anderson, is that you may be jealous of the person next to you who\u2019s not taking a Cisco exam\u2014which means they have different testing parameters. \u201cThe contractor taking a test next to me was allowed a calculator,\u201d Anderson notes drily. Cisco exams have a calculator built into them.<\/p>\n

An online certification exam needs to take place in an empty room.<\/p>\n

Taking a certification exam online<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Taking a certification exam remotely is also an option, but there are extra-strict criteria you must meet.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to show the proctor your exam environment to ensure there are no books, papers, screens, or electronic devices that could help you cheat.
\nYou must be in a walled room with a closed door.
\nNobody else is allowed in the room.
\nYou may have water in a clear glass.
\nThere are no bathroom breaks, since the proctor can\u2019t see what\u2019s happening beyond that room. If you leave the web camera view, your test will be over.
\nYour computer will be running software that monitors your test-taking, and you must always have the camera on you.
\nDuring the exam, if deemed necessary, the proctor may ask you to turn the camera so they can see the rest of the environment.
\nNo paper is allowed, but you will get an electronic whiteboard.<\/p>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s easiest to set up a different room for the day instead of using your typical workspace, where you\u2019ll have to disassemble and put away all your electronic items. People often set up a table in an empty room.<\/p>\n

For a full list of at-home testing requirements, check out these online testing FAQs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advice for certification exam day<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No matter what, taking the exam can be nerve-wracking. Anderson\u2019s advice for the big day:<\/p>\n

Hydrate beforehand.
\nGet a good night\u2019s sleep.
\nDon\u2019t over-caffeinate.
\nDon\u2019t freak out.<\/p>\n

Not freaking out is definitely easier said than done. So, no matter where you decide to take the actual exam, try to replicate the test environment during the practice exams. Give yourself a small whiteboard or electronic whiteboard. Eliminate distractions. Do the practice exam without a beverage or snack. If you\u2019re successful enough times, your test anxiety should lessen, if not go away entirely.<\/p>\n

But what if you have a documented anxiety disorder or another condition, and you\u2019re not sure you can handle the test environment, even with all this practice? Set your worries aside\u2014there are accommodations available.<\/p>\n

Applying for certification exam accommodations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You can qualify for a Cisco certification exam accommodation through Pearson VUE (the test administrator) if you have a condition that falls into one of these categories:<\/p>\n

Learning\/other cognitive disorders (LCD)
\nAttention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADD\/ADHD)
\nEmotional, psychological, psychiatric disorders (EPP)
\nPhysical disabilities\/chronic health conditions (PCH)
\nHearing
\nWheelchair access
\nPhysical impairments<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to apply BEFORE you schedule the test and provide documentation about your condition.<\/p>\n

Test accommodations include:<\/p>\n

Text magnifiers such as Zoom Text
\nA separate testing room
\nAdditional testing time
\nA reader or scribe<\/p>\n

If you need other accommodations, the test administrator may be able to help. Visit Pearson VUE to request test accommodations for a Cisco exam<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Final tips for Cisco certification exam success<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As you start studying, Anderson wants you to remember this: \u201cDon\u2019t be discouraged if it takes you longer than what the training says. Though it says to spend 30-40 hours training, the average is more like 110 hours,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n

What if you\u2019ve studied and practiced as much as you can\u2014and you still don\u2019t pass?<\/em> Regroup and try again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do not pass, do not despair,\u201d Anderson says. \u201cYou will get a report with details on what areas you didn\u2019t meet the mark on. This is a perfect starting point for preparing for your second attempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

A final note: Many people taking certification exams tend to be perfectionists who fret about not getting the highest possible score. If you\u2019re among those, try to relax, says Anderson. \u201cA pass is a win!\u201d Anderson says. \u201cCelebrate! You\u2019ve earned it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ready to start studying for a Cisco certification? Leave a comment below and let me know which exam you\u2019re going for. Thanks for reading!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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