DigitelD,
Not sure what you mean by "self-study path" but you get a book like the one I found listed at Cisco Press below - you read the book, do any practice labs, do the practice tests and when you feel you are ready - you take the exam!
You do not have to go through a Cisco training class or a Cisco Academy if that is what you are asking!
From Cisco Press Website -
Product Description
CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide
Second Edition
Master ICND1 640-822 exam topics with the official study guide
Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
Review key concepts with Exam Preparation Tasks
Practice with hundreds of exam questions on the CD-ROM
Wendell Odom, CCIE® No. 1624
CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide, Second Edition, is a best of breed Cisco® exam study guide that focuses specifically on the objectives for the CCENT™ and CCNA® ICND1 exam. This fully updated edition presents complete reviews and a more challenging and realistic exam preparation experience.......
Hope this helps!
E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +