Top 5 Resources for CCNA Test Takers

In no particular order, the following resources are arguably the most useful in preparation to take the CCNA exam:

1. CCNA Exam topics list
This list should be the starting point for any candidate. It lists all the relevant topics that will possibly be tested on the exam. A few months ago when the new CCNA exam was rolled out (640-802) the list was updated to provide slightly more detail in the objectives - take advantage of that and KNOW all those topic areas without exception. Neglect that and the probability of passing begins to drop exponentially. The list can be found here, at the Cisco website.

2. Network Simulator or the Real Deal
The exam has simulation questions. Expect a couple of questions that require you to type in command line interface (CLI) directives to perform a task e.g. configure EIGRP on a set of routers. For practice you need to get a simulator such as Boson's NetSim for CCNA or RouterSim's CCNA NetVisualizer. Those will probably cost you some change, but are worth it if you get to use them. Of course the Real Deal is having an actual router or switch then the experience gets as real as can be. Some have scored great deals on CCNA racks from EBay or Amazon. There's a free router emulator, Dynamips, that supports the Cisco 7200, 3600 series, 3700 series and 2600 series IOS images. Check out the hardware requirements before installing. Also, there is a learning curve to this though but once you get the hang of it, you'll realize how useful and cost-effective (free!) it is.

3. CCNA Study Guide by Todd Lammle (Sybex)
Many people have found that this book is easier to read than many other tech books because of the casual manner in which it is written. I've read an earlier edition of this book and found this to be so. The content covers well the objectives for the exam. Practice tests are also included, so take advantage of them; the same concept tested may show up in the actual test. Amazon.com is a great place to get this title from.

4. CCNA Official Exam Certification Library by Wendell Odom (Cisco Press)
Wendell Odom has a great deal of experience in the networking industry and it shows in the level of depth in technical content his books have. This book is no exception. In fact I consider most of his books not just written for the exam but for the work place too (indeed, i've kept most of mine). Use the simulation tests offered to hone those configuration skills. Again, Amazon.com is a good place to check out for this book.

5. CCNA Forums
Go register at the CCNA Prep Center; there's a ton or resources to peruse over. Also head over to Group Study; there are plenty of people in the same boat as you either taking the exam or technically competent to answer your questions. Be certain to read the forum guidelines first before you post, else you may suffer the wrath of other forum members or get banned by the webmaster altogether. There are a lot of other forums out there, find your fit.

Extra mile:
Still have that nudging question or missing piece in the puzzle that just isn't adequately covered in the study guide? Or your thirst for deeper technical knowledge surpasses what the book has to offer? Well, you're in luck because Cisco Documentation at the Cisco.com site has all that and more. It's a treasure trove. This is the same (and only allowed) documentation set used when taking the CCIE lab. Initially, navigation through the site may take a little getting used to.

Last Word:
Need motivation to carry you through your studying? Register for the exam! Some of us work better with deadlines set. Register early, weeks in advance. Once you pay, you'll get motivated to study.

Good luck!