ictelco:

You can take 2 tests for the CCNA or 1 test that covers it all. To become certified it is recommended that you start off by taking either the CCENT and move up from there.

I would recommend that you purchase a Cisco 877 / 851 from ebay for a couple hundred dollars instead of using the simulation programs. A bonus is that you can add that into your home network once you are finished with the exams.

Use CBTNuggets, Train Signal, Cisco Press books, and go to the Cisco web site for your studies. Dedicate at least 1 hour a day minimum to study and take the test when you are ready.

They are not easy to pass and the questions work more on theory than black and white answers. If that makes any sense?

From there you can move up to CCNAV this cert(640-460) covers the VoIP aspect of Cisco. Go to the Cisco web site for more detail.

Hope this helped you some.

KLD:

Can I Still Call Out? = CISCO

That's classic... I laugh every time I say it.