How to Study for the Cisco ICND1 100-101 Exam on a Budget

Earlier this month I passed the Cisco CCENT 100-101 ICND1 Exam. It took a lot more studying than I was used to and the exam experience was new as well. However, before I started studying, I researched the best material to study with when money is tight. Now that everything has worked out, this post is dedicated to the top study materials money can buy when you're on a tight budget.

Options for Under $50

Buy: Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide by Wendell Odom ($28)

Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide is by far the best exam preparation material that can be purchased for both beginners and for those that have been in the field for a long time. The book is well written and breaks topics down into small chapters. Before each chapter you can take a short quiz to see if you already know what the chapter covers. In addition, a companion CD is included with the book. The companion CD has quizzes for the end of each section as well as simulation labs, and a lot more supplemental material.

Rent: Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide by Wendell Odom ($20)

If you're very low on funds, you can just rent the book. However, I would make the investment if you plan on going into the networking field.

Options for Under $100

Subscribe: CBT IT Training Videos ($99 Per Month)

The sticker price is expensive, but the content quality is worth every penny. The total course duration for the Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 series is 23 hours and 20 minutes--easily watchable in a one month subscription. Additionally, the series' audio tracks can be downloaded and listened to offline. The video and audio content combined is worth $99.

Best Option for Under $150

Buy: Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide by Wendell Odom ($28)

And

Subscribe: CBT IT Training Videos ($99 Per Month)

This is the option I went with. I watched all the CBT Nugget videos in less than a month and listened to the audio tracks on my daily commute. After I finished the nuggets, I read Wendell's book cover-to-cover--using the companion CD along the way. The combination of both products seemed to work out well. I passed the exam the first time with a pretty decent score. Furthermore, feel much more confident about my networking fundamentals than my friends who used other products feel about theirs.

Conclusion

If you can only afford one product, buy Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide. While the CBT IT Training Videos helped introduce me to a new topic, Wendell's book got into the detail I needed to pass the exam. Good luck!

Finished with the ICND1 100-101? See my post on How To Study For The Cisco ICND2 200-101 Exam On A Budget.

UPDATE: CBT Nuggets now offers a one week free trial, which should be enough time to watch the entire Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 series for free. 

How has your experience been with these products? Do you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments below.

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