CCNA + CCNP = How much time before I can get my certs?

Question

Hiii... I'm Jessica... :)

I am 16 years of age... ( as of today )

I am about to graduate from highschool next month,

Though, I am a party animal... I do believe in balance...
And that's why I have been studying like crazy, and hitting the books really hard.. with full intentions of getting my CCNA within the next year or so....

I am interested in getting my CCNA .... & after that,
I intend on getting my CCNP....



How long ( for the average person ) would it take for them to accomplish both certifications ?

:)

It would be great for any suggestions, comments and/or answers!

Thanks a million!!

Eek.

Thanks buuudddy. :)

Answer 1

It really depends on a few factors:

How much studying do you do each day?
Do you study effectively when you do study?
How much hands on will part of the studying process? etc. etc.

I know the CCNA/NP study groups with DFW CUG usually are about 10 weeks long for the CCNA and for each of the CCNP exams. Those tend to involve a lot of studying (and ideally hands-on) before the 4 hours or so of group meeting each week. The groups often have loaned hardware to use for hands-on reinforcement of the material. And usually there is a very knowledgeable person running the group.

If you have minimal background with networking but can hit books (and console cable ;) ), I don't think it would be unreasonable to think the CCNA could be accomplished in 5-6 months...but keep in mind that is a pretty steep hill given the circumstances and timeframe. Strong network professionals might take as 4-5 weeks just to reinforce weak areas. Some might be willing to disagree but I would think each CCNP exam might take as long as the CCNA track given the circumstances I mentioned.

Above all, it is about personal discipline.

Answer 2

Yes, you need to go up the ladder starting with CCNA.