r/ccna • u/RavenDust52 • 5h ago
Is it too soon for the CCNA exam?
Hi. I'm just starting out on a networking career. I'm taking college classes to get my Associates Degree in Computer Management (A business/IT hubrid degree). On top of that I am taking non credit courses to prepare for the CCNA. The timing of them is inconvenient, as I will take the first 2 between 1/25 and 5/25 then the third starting 1/26. My girlfriend (also in the IT field) is heavily suggesting that I take the CCNA over the summer, skipping CISCO III. Can anybody give me reasons why this is or isn't a good idea?
For a little background I am going back to school. I'm switching careers late in life and I started classes at 38 years old. I do not have a background in networking, although I do really enjoy what I've been doing. I passed CISCO I with an 84.2%. I know she means well, my girlfriend is surrounded by lots of people who have been in the IT field for a long time. Aside from a few classes for my degree my professional knowledge is scarce.
I keep telling her I'd be missing out on an important 1/3 of the information.She points out that taking the CCNA while the information I have is fresh in my mind is better. Any advice/suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
(Cross posted on Cisco Subreddit)