640-821 ?

[chickenbox]

I notice that this test is only $50 but in beta form. If I checked prometric and it looks like they off this test. Since it is beta, and someone takes the beta test does that still count torwards your CCNA?

tnx in advance,
Chick

 

[Cluebird]

Betas count for the certification. However, expect many more questions than the normal exam and don't expect to get results for several weeks. Cisco tabulates the results of the betas to see what the "best" questions are and then scores you based on the selected questions. Be prepared for at least two hours or more to complete the beta, too. The last beta I took was over 120 questions.

 

[wintermutecz]

The 641-821 is a Beta test, but not in the normal sense. You DO get the standard score report right after the test, and there are only 50 questions (approx. 3 are of the SIM variety). It only took me about 30 minutes to complete the exame and I passed with an 894. The cutoff is 867 out of 1000. BTW, I just took the test yesterday so this is current information.

If you are thinking about taking the CCNA as two separate tests, I'd recommend doing it now. The beta test is only $50 whereas the final version (640-821) will be $100.

 

[bulkmail]

wintermutecz, did you go with Vue or Prometric? I heard that the test deadline was the 20th. In fact I tried to register for both sites and it did not let me after the 20th. Cisco also said they are not sure when they are going live with it. Is it available now?

 

[wintermutecz]

bulkmail:

When I tried to register on the VUE site, it wasn't available. However, on Prometric it was. It looks like you are right about the cut-off date, though. I checked a couple test centers near me (Orlando, FL) and it looks like the last available test day is February 18th.

If you have a little networking experience and some motivation, I can't imagine anyone not being able to pass the INTRO test. I read the CiscoPress book by Wendell Odum for about 1 week and passed the test without much trouble. For me, this part of the test (OSI, Ethernet, CDP, etc) was mostly a review. With the ICND test I will definetely not be so quick; I care more about REALLY learning the material than just passing a test.

Now if you are a novice it may be a little tougher, but with almost 3 weeks to study, its definetely doable. Good Luck!

 

[bulkmail]

Thanks I signed up for Prometric. Woohoo! $50!

I work with cisco and netscreen devices on regular basis (4 years). I decided to take the test just to have it. It won't hurt although I will not get a raise either.

 

[chickenbox]

tanx peplz.