Cisco Press Announces New Suite of Products for CCNA 640-801, 811 and 821 Exams

Cisco Systems Self-Study Publisher Is First to Market with Official Exam Preparation Materials

Indianapolis, IN-June 24, 2003 Cisco Systems announced today the revision of their popular entry-level networking certification with the introduction of CCNA® 640-801. Replacing CCNA 640-607, this new version includes a number of changes, including updated content to match current networking trends, a significant amount of new topics, and the introduction of an optional two-exam path to CCNA certification. This new two-exam path offers candidates the ability to certify at their own pace and skill level. With this announcement, Cisco Press today introduces a new comprehensive line of CCNA self-study solutions with advancements in design and format to meet the needs of candidates following either CCNA path. These products incorporate the proven tools from the number one selling Cisco CCNA 640-607 Exam Certification Guide with new elements that include network simulation software, an all-new testing engine with advanced study tools, and a modular design for ease of concept comprehension and retention.

The two paths to CCNA certification include taking the single CCNA 640-801 exam or taking two exams: INTRO 640-821 and ICND 640-811. The two-exam path splits the extensive CCNA topics into the INTRO (Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies) and ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices) exams. With two paths, candidates can proceed at their own pace, making learning the large amount of information and test taking more manageable. The new ICND exam also serves as the recertification exam for current CCNA certified individuals. With the introduction of the new CCNA two-exam option, Cisco Press is publishing accompanying INTRO and ICND self-study guides to help candidates thoroughly prepare for the new exams.

Cisco Press has the flexible self-study preparation materials needed for both testing options.

Working in conjunction with Cisco Systems, Cisco Press has developed the first authorized self-study materials available for the new exams. As the only Cisco authorized publisher of certification self-study books, Cisco Press continues its long-standing tradition of producing a CCNA product suite that is designed to help readers master concepts, apply knowledge to real-world applications, and prepare for success beyond the exam.

“Cisco Press has a history of developing self-study products to help candidates prepare for Cisco Certification exams, as well as gain knowledge they can use in their real-world experiences-this new CCNA line is no exception,” says John Kane, Cisco Press editor-in-chief. “We wanted to provide candidates with a product suite that helps them learn the concepts and acquire the knowledge, keeping in mind the variety of learning needs and methods of our audience. Our biggest challenge with the announcement of the CCNA 640-801, 811 and 821exams is taking into consideration readers following two different pathways. We’ve created products that allow readers to customize their self-study preparation according to their skill levels and chosen path.”

Product Line Advancements

The new modular design of the books and invaluable CD-ROMs introduced with the new CCNA editions are designed to suit the flexible learning needs of CCNA exam candidates. The chapters within the new exam certification guides, CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-083-X], and CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-094-5] break concepts into easy-to-absorb segments to aid in the candidates’ self-study.

Two Valuable Elements Added to CD-ROMs

To further aid candidates in their preparation, Cisco Press has incorporated network simulation software, the NetSim* for CCNA, Learning Edition into it exam certification guides. This software allows readers to practice lab scenarios from the books. Cisco Press has also built a new exam engine that allows candidates to customize the test simulator and select multiple-choice or simulation-based questions. A candidate can modify the test bank to focus on specific modules or to draw from the entire range of exam topics. Candidates will be able to take sample INTRO, ICND, or unified CCNA exams and may choose to take either practice exams or true-to-life timed exams. This new engine is bundled within the CCNA Flash Card and Exam Practice Pack (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-079-1], the ICND and INTRO Exam Certification Guides, and in turn, within the CCNA Certification Library.

Cisco Press is also publishing a discounted two-book bundle, CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-095-3], that will be relevant to all candidates, regardless of the CCNA pathway they choose. This discounted two-book bundle also includes a USD $10 voucher good toward any of the three CCNA exams. Cisco Press and its partners Pearson VUE and Prometric are pleased to offer this first-time benefit to Cisco CCNA exam candidates.

The following self-study materials apply to the new CCNA Exams. Additional information and details about each product can be found at www.ciscopress.com/ccna.

CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study)
[1-58720-083-X] SRP: $39.95

CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study)
[1-58720-094-5] SRP: $39.95

CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-095-3]
SRP: $59.95

CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack (CCNA Self-Study)
[1-58720-079-1] SRP: $39.95

CCNA Practical Studies [1-58720-046-5] SRP: $49.95

About Cisco Press
Cisco Press, a partnership between Cisco Systems® (NASDAQ:CSCO) and the Pearson Education division of Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO), is the official publisher of Cisco® networking technology and Cisco certification self-study materials for networking students and professionals. With products designed to help users prepare for Cisco certifications and master the implementation and support of a diverse range of networking technologies, Cisco Press provides a variety of products to suit individual learning styles. Cisco Press resources are the only print companions reviewed and approved by Cisco Systems for use in the Cisco Networking Academy Program. Cisco Press products can be purchased at your favorite local bookstore, computer/electronic store, online bookseller, or at www.ciscopress.com.

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