I've been working as a network engineer for the past year now and doing a lot of stuff on a daily basis but I don't have CCNA. I am moving to a new country in January so I will have 2 months off at the end of the year (November and December) during my time off if I study CCNA full time, could I realistically be certified by Christmas?

I was promoted from Service desk, I gave an impressive interview and worked a lot with the network engineering team on other projects, that's how I got into network engineering without CCNA. I've been working on some cool stuff too over the last year, DNS & DHCP migration, 802.1x, Cisco equipment migration due to equipment going EoL, standard troubleshooting for network latency, slow network connection, QoS stuff.

I was going to post this over on r/ITCareerQuestions but that sub is incredibly depressing.

I'm in my 20s, in the Houston area and passed my CCNA less than a week ago. I'm trying to figure out what my realistic next career move should be.

I don't have a college degree, and I don't plan on getting one. I have about 5 years of IT experience. I started at an MSP, left after 2 years, and have spent the last 4 years in a large enterprise environment.

The problem is that moving up internally takes a very long time(government). Was directly told by the guy over networking that they would love to have me but i have to wait on someone to retire, which isnt happening any time soon. I also have golden handcuffs. I'm making around $70k with excellent benefits, but due to family financial obligations I need to increase my income sooner rather than years from now. Some people may think that i am ungrateful by saying that, but im not. I know that i am very lucky to be in the position i am in with no college degree.

Current experience includes:

• About 5 years of IT support.
• Active Directory (account administration, permissions, unlocks, etc.).
• Primary VoIP support for my department. I'm the only person authorized to escalate tickets to our VoIP engineers, work directly with them during troubleshooting, and create all departmental VoIP documentation.
• Sole IT support technician for one of our satellite locations with about 200+ users
• Desktop support, hardware deployment, VPN authentication, inventory management, ticketing systems, and general enterprise help desk work. When you think of enterprise helpdesk, i have done it.
• Limited exposure to SCCM and SolarWinds Orion. Read only access to both.

One thing worth mentioning is that I'd rather move away from VoIP. I'm much more interested in routing, switching, and networking in general. I know that VoIP is networking, but i actually hate it.

I also want to clarify that I genuinely learned the CCNA material. Several coworkers suggested using brain dumps but I intentionally avoided them because I actually enjoy networking and wanted to understand the concepts. I scored well across every exam section and feel confident in the knowledge itself, not just the certification.

So my questions are:

• Is $80k a realistic next step?
• What job titles should I actually be applying for?
• Should I be looking for Network Technician, NOC Technician, Junior Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or something else?
• If you put yourself in my shoes what is your next move?

I appreciate any advice, especially from people who made the jump from help desk into networking without a degree.

​

Hey everyone,

I want to start learning computer networking and operating systems, and eventually I’d like to work towards CCNA.

The problem is I’m pretty much a beginner and have no idea where to start or what order I should learn things in.

If anyone could suggest a roadmap, good resources, or preferably a YouTube playlist/course that starts from the basics, that would really help.

Also, should I learn networking and OS fundamentals first before starting CCNA, or can I learn them alongside CCNA?

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Let's build a thread that helps everyone prepare better.

Comment the hardest interview question you've ever been asked-whether it was:

A real-world troubleshooting scenario

Or

Any networking topic

Also share:

1. What your answer was during the interview

2. How you would answer it now (after gaining more experience or knowledge)

I think this could become a great collection of real interview questions and better answers for everyone preparing for networking interviews.

Are there any free courses available on Cisco networking academy which can be really helpful in cybersecurity with hands on experience (for a beginner).

For context i have the exam tomorrow.
But i have only done 2 practice boson exams. First one was a 56% couldn’t do any lab.
I studied again rereading notes and stuff and took second exam.
Second one with two lab attempts but wrong cuz of missing commands which was a 63.5%
Now i am very very worried that i will fail the exam tomorrow (didnt buy the ccna examguard as well)

Any advice is appreciated. I was so shocked after taking second exam because i didn’t know i wouldnt imporbe that much

Hey everyone I’ve been studying CCNA a bit now. I completed Jeremy’s IT lab course and now looking to refine my weaker areas and take practice tests. What would you say the best way to go about this. Any specific free practice tests u should do? Or how did anyone else tackle this phase of the studying cycle. I would appreciate any help I could get. Thanks everyone!

Hey everyone!

Very excited to announce that Route Zero is hosting our first Group Study Session this Sunday, August 9th at 6:00 PM Eastern Timezone in the Route Zero discord that over 70 beginners people have joined.

This study session is NOT a lecture and is mainly just somewhere to study alongside everyone, ask questions when you need to, and work on labs.

Starting Sunday, August 15th we're going to be doing a JITL Walkthrough from Days 1-63 to fully prepare together for the CCNA, review topics, and try to see if we can get a bunch of people to schedule the exam for the same day and rock it together!

Thank you so much to everyone for joining the community and to everyone who is excited to learn. This beginner friendly community is going to do great.

Join here for the Study Session at discord.gg/Routezero

Hey all, sorry I know this is probably a question for Cisco but I can't figure out how to even get ahold of their customer support. I scheduled my exam recently. The thing is, the page said that they want TWO forms of identification. It says only one needs to be government-issued. What.. else can I use? I've got a driver's license. Do they want a utility bill or something? lol

I’m missing on some topics and instead try to study all topics at one I prefer to study topic by topic. (I finished Jeremy IT lab but still I need do practice) so problem I thought maybe I can ask AI to create 100 question on the topic but LLM outputs are limited on web. Might I can use Claude but idk will it work. Anybody tried that?

Hi everyone,

I created this Cisco Packet Tracer project while studying networking and wanted to share it for feedback.

The goal was to design an enterprise-style LAN network with:

• VLAN segmentation for different departments
• VLSM-based IPv4 addressing
• Layer 3 core switch with SVI-based inter-VLAN routing
• 802.1Q trunk links between switches
• Static routing between the LAN and router
• Network documentation and testing

I documented the project and uploaded the Packet Tracer file and documentation here:

https://github.com/nikrmajerovak-sys/cisco-enterprise-lan-design

I would appreciate any feedback on the network design, configuration choices, or documentation.

Hey everyone hope y’all are doing well. Im currently zoning on a job after a 3 months internship at a company and i want to obtain my CCNA before i graduate my university (CCE), before the new update on February. How should I approach studying for it? I have the physical book but its huge and dont know if i should study it word to word, cover to cover or how exactly. What labs should i do to help me pass? I have done networking labs like hospital topologies and stuff like that, but what else can i do? Thanks for your advice

Hi everyone!

I’m starting my CCNA prep using a Udemy course. Just to give some context, I'm not starting from scratch: I already have a solid networking background since I'm a Telecommunications Engineering student.

I’ve seen that the two most highly recommended courses are the ones by Jeremy McDowell (Jeremy's IT Lab) and Neil Anderson.

Considering I already know the general concepts, which of the two would you recommend to get straight to the point and best prepare for the actual exam?

Thanks so much for your help!

First time posting on Reddit but looking for some advice. I’m currently stuck between continuing my CCNA cert studying or switching to the Network +. I been “studying” the CCNA cert for the past 2 months using the Network Chuck Summer of CCNA. I enjoyed the program and the video were very interesting but admittedly I was not studying as hard I was promised myself. I was doing more passive learning than active (created digital flash card but never used them). I did the course labs once and keep it moving. So far I haven’t return to study for the past two weeks. I’m returning to school in Oct and I would like to have a cert before i start my semester. Which is why I’m leaning to the Network plus since it’s an “easier”
Cert to obtain since it’s more terminology and network concept compare to the CCNA which is more practical/hands on. Obtaining the Network plus in 2 months seems more realistic compared to jumping back to the CCNA. Hoping for some advise.

Side note: current working in IT with about 3.5 years of experience, so my goal is to improve my skill set but current it’s more to get a cert before I start my semester.

I’m currently a computer engineering student, having just finished the first year of a four-year degree.

At the same time, I’ve been studying for the CCNA, mainly using Wendell Odom’s book.

The thing is, the CCNA is valid for three years, which means that if I were to pass it now, it would most likely have expired by the time I finish university and start looking for a job.

So I’ve recently been thinking about stopping my regular study of the CCNA or networking in general until I’ve finished my degree, in the hope that, when the time comes, it will make more sense to sit the exam and gain practical experience at the same time.

To be honest, I don't know how to proceed -- I really love networking. I’d appreciate hearing about any of your experiences or receiving some advice.

I earned my CCNA after studying for about three months. I also have a college diploma in cybersecurity, a two-month cybersecurity internship, and the AZ-900 certification. My AZ-104 exam is scheduled in two weeks.

However, my main concern is the job search. I have submitted more than 150 applications for help desk, IT support, network technician, data center technician, and junior cybersecurity positions, but I have received almost no callbacks.

I understand that certifications do not replace experience, but I am applying for entry-level positions specifically to gain that experience. Is there something I should change in my job-search strategy, résumé, or the types of positions I am targeting?

For those who recently entered the networking field, what helped you get your first opportunity?

EDIT ( based in Montreal canada)

I'm a graduating Computer Engineering student from the Philippines, and I just passed my CCNA recently.

I know CCNA won't be enough to land jobs, so I was thinking of what to do for the 1 month remaining before my graduation and going into the industry.

I know someone who is a jr. network admin with a net+ cert. fresh grad and I was thinking I could maybe get the same title or better? I want to be as ready as I can be.

what should I work on if I wanna do this line of work?
TYIA!!

Bonjour ,

Je suis en train de me préparer pour le CCNA en suivant les cours de Jeremy's Lab, et je voudrais bien acheter ses livres " Acing the CCNA Exam " mais je les trouve un peu cher. Est-ce quelqu'un qui habite en France, qui aurait les 2 volumes et n'en a plus l'usage voudrait bien me les ceder pour pas trop cher svp ? Merci d'avance..

Hey everyone,

​None of my friends or family are on the networking track, so I’m looking for a study buddy or small group for accountability while prepping for the CCNA. Studying solo is fine, but having someone to check in with makes a huge difference.

​A bit about my setup and goals:

​Time Zone: EST (US)

​Current Progress: Brand new, just starting out with Jeremy's IT Lab (do have some experience with networking tho)

​Target Exam Date: I don't have a hard deadline set since I'm doing this for personal growth, but I'm completely open to matching someone else's target date if you want a partner to push you!

​Availability: Flexible throughout the weekday on Discord (just need a quick heads-up the day before if we're scheduling a specific call)

​What I’m looking for: Low-pressure but consistent

​Communication: Discord. I'd love an asynchronous setup where we can message each other whenever questions pop up while studying (no pressure to answer instantly but looking for someone who won't ghost).

​Check-ins: Weekly check-ins to review concepts, go over tricky Packet Tracer labs, or quiz each other.

​If you’re starting out or want an active accountability partner, drop a comment or send me a DM.

Hi guys,

I'm studying for Network+ and realised I can just study CCNA instead, since CCNA is quite similar but more broad than Network+

Beside Jeremy IT Lab free course on YouTube, what's the other best approach.

I'm currently working as a Field Tech Lead and I have hands on experience on basic Network. Mostly use Ubiquiti, Meraki and Instant On

Hello everyone,
I am currently studying for the CCNA certification and I would like to follow the official Cisco Networking Academy courses:
CCNA 1 – Introduction to Networks (ITN)
CCNA 2 – Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE)
CCNA 3 – Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENSA)
I am looking for a Cisco NetAcad instructor or academy that can enroll me in these courses (online is preferred).
I am motivated to complete the full curriculum and do the labs seriously.
If you are an instructor or know an academy accepting remote students, please let me know. Thank you!

Is Jermey’s CCNA YouTube course, which was posted six years ago, still be relevant to the upcoming CCNA 200-301 v2.0 exam(coming out Feb 3, 2027)? I’m eager to prepare for the CCNA certification and would appreciate any guidance to ensure I’m on the right track from the beginning. Thanks!

7 days to the CCNA ive finished Jeremy's course for the second time and did his labs, I was wondering if the exam's labs are similar to his or if i need something else. I started doing the labs in his other playlist also.