Is taking a week " boot camp" ccna course really helpful for beginners?

Speaking as someone who started studying for the CCENT with a lot of Microsoft networking background but not much from the routing and switching side, I'd say that you won't be ready for the test.

That said, I studied using the following:

1) A CCENT for dummies book. Decently written, worth the read to familiarize yourself with the technology, but definitely inadequate for test prep.

2) CBTNuggets CCENT course. Seriously outstanding instructor, the best I've had for any IT training. This is probably more bang for the buck than your boot camp class.

3) I read and did the bulk of my studying from the Odom book (easier to follow, but not as in depth) and the Lammle book (more difficult but more detailed) and felt like I needed both.

4) I bought the official Cisco labs and practice tests. I also bought a router and two switches, one with layer 3 switching. You can get by with GNS 3 (which will model almost everything but is complicated to learn) or Cisco's packet switcher program (which requires a Cisco class.)

5) You need to know subnetting. If you google Subnetting Practice, you can find a ton of practice questions; go through until they become second nature.

When I finished, I was able to pass the test by a comfortable margin, but you won't be able to learn everything in a week. If I were going to do it again, I'd do it in this order:

1) Buy both the Odom and Lammle books and sign up for CBTNuggets. The Cisco tests and labs are great, but they expire after a few months, so don't buy them until you are ready to test your skills.

2) Go through the CBTNuggets course and run through the practice labs that come with the Lammle book.

3) Learn subnetting so you know it COLD. Run through practice subnetting questions until your head spins.

4) Read Odom and Lammle, take the practice tests. If you bought the full year of CBTNuggets, take the Transcender tests. Re-read any areas you are weak in.

5) Buy the Cisco practice tests and labs. Run through them all.

This is what I would have done for self-study if I had to do it over. I'm sure there are some solid classes, but they will take time.

/r/ccna Thread