Best way to approach learning and taking CCNA

[DJMK4]

I have decided I want to try and achieve the CCNA qualification. Im experienced in IT Sytems and networking, my courses in uni went over snippets of the CCNA modules but I would like to get the real thing.

Whats the best way to approach this? I don't mind paying out for books and a small test lab etc.

Whats the average timeframe for learning ?

Any info greatly appriciated

 

[Dist]

If you dont mind it taking several months, you could sign up for the open universitys CCNA course, which gives you hands on experience with real hardware (without having to buy it yourself), plenty of books and online material to help you learn, and a tutor to aid you when you get stuck.

Only downside to the OU CCNA course, is that its purely a teaching course and provides no actual qualification once compleated, but it means that you will have all the knowledge needed (and not just the very minimum needed to pass the CCNA qualification test, but proper knowledge) to simply book a test at nearby location for a small fee.

And since it gives OU credit, you can even use it towards a diploma/degree should you ever want to continue OU study at some later date.

 

[Bakedgoods]

If you dont mind it taking several months, you could sign up for the open universitys CCNA course, which gives you hands on experience with real hardware (without having to buy it yourself), plenty of books and online material to help you learn, and a tutor to aid you when you get stuck.

Only downside to the OU CCNA course, is that its purely a teaching course and provides no actual qualification once compleated, but it means that you will have all the knowledge needed (and not just the very minimum needed to pass the CCNA qualification test, but proper knowledge) to simply book a test at nearby location for a small fee.

And since it gives OU credit, you can even use it towards a diploma/degree should you ever want to continue OU study at some later date.

That is basically what i'm doing, except it's a course given me a local college and graded by UCLAN. I actually get something like an 'Advanced University Certificate in Computer Networks', because it's the work from some degree modules, but teaches the CCNA 1-4 material.

Cisco's own online material in conjunction with their Packet Tracer software is very good.