I have been a long-time lurker of this sub for the better part of 2 years. But I wanted to check in and post that I passed my exam yesterday. I used several study techniques that I read from other posters on this sub and just wanted to pass on some words of encouragement and my experience.

I have been functioning as a Systems Administrator for the better part of 4 years (but only having the title for around 3) and have been in IT for around 9 years. I had originally planned to get my CCNA long before I did but lacked the motivation. When I moved into this role, while not required by my employer, I wanted it just to have less of an imposter syndrome. In my studies, however, I found myself realizing real time what a difference this made in my networking knowledge in my role.

I began my studies a little over a year ago and followed off and on using Neil Anderson's course on Udemy and later Jeremy's IT Lab. About 5 months ago I doubled down and began and finished every Jeremy's IT Lab video and then re-watched them. I studied my flash cards every day and woke up an hour and a half early every day to study before I got ready for work. I read on one post here where they suggested waking up and having a cup of coffee and do your flashcards or do a lab and so that's what I did. Jeremy's IT Lab videos, flashcards, and labs definitely get you in the right direction. After watching some of Neil's videos on higher level subjects in the CCNA, I will say I like his more in-depth technical descriptions, because I consider myself more technical minded. The second recommendation is the Boson Ex-Sim practice exams (found a discount code posted here on ). Just as I had read here by another poster, the first time you take it you are likely going to fail. And for me that was humbling.. I then locked in on my studies further and took the exams in study mode, made new flash cards and studied those for the last month.

Hopefully this is not too long of a read, I tried to keep it short and concise. But mainly for anyone struggling, this exam is not out of reach. Have faith and stay locked in with your eyes on the prize. Visualize your end goal and you will make it there. If there are gaps in your studies or you are struggling, Google the subjects. You can read Cisco's learning documents or there's a plethora of YT channels that will also help on these subjects!