Distance learning for a college education through accredited colleges helps those who desire to get a degree but have found the cost to high or the time restrains a problem to achieve one.

Finding accredited online colleges has become much easier due to programs now available through major universities and well know colleges. They realize there are many students who simply don’t have the time or money to invest.

The fees of these online degree courses is not always affordable to everyone. The best advise is applying for a scholarship which is offered to bright and capable students. With that information, you will be able to get your online education within a short time period.

Academic degrees are now almost endless and carry just as much weight as going to an offline campus except the cost is much lower and abilities to work within time constrains normally associated with them.

You can continue working and schedule suitable hours that meet all your needs. Advanced technology makes online schooling a breeze these days. A vast array of programs via the internet are incredibly available now.

Assignments such as reading, listening to lectures are accessible via advancements in live streaming or PDF’s. Each online university has their own methods of delivery.

There are hundreds of pre-approval top 2 and 4 year Universities and Technical Schools throughout the US and Canada, plus a network of businesses and organizations dedicated to working with students. You can apply for student loans, have your resume distributed to thousands of companies, or apply for a free government grant.

Take the time to research the online schools. Almost all require you to estimate the time expected to finish your education. Make this a top priority while searching for a school that meets your needs.

Get educated right now about which online college degree or online university will work for you. There is no obligation and it’s 100% FREE!

There are many ways to use capital without using bank loans, lines of credit and other shady methods like shelf corps and bogus platform scams. If you are truly trying to raise capital for your company here are some simple breakdowns of your options with a quick definition for each one:

 PIPE: Private Investment In Public Equity this is used primarily by mutual funds and private investment firms where they buy discount stock in order to raise capital, there are two types of PIPEs traditional where common and preferred stock is issued at a set cap to raise money for the issuer and a structured pipe issues convertible debt.

 DPO: Direct Public Offering is when you sell equity shares directly to customers, suppliers and employees.

 PPM: Private Placement Memorandum is also known as an offering memorandum takes advantage of Regulation D rule exemptions 504, 505 and 506. This process came into existence with the’33 securities act and popularized in the late’80s, companies can raise money from the public via private placement; there is virtually zero interaction with the SEC after you file form d as long as you stay legal. (most popular form of fund raising).

 IPO: Initial Public Offering: extremely expensive, need SOX 404 audits, must have board of directors, quarterly financial reports to shareholders, report heavily to the SEC and 1 out of every 1000 companies that want an IPO actually qualify. I love participating in these but most companies just can’t qualify for one reason or the other.

 OTCBB: Over the Counter Bulletin Board is an electronic quote system that is the next best thing if you can’t go public via ipo, there is minimal red tape to startups and small businesses and is legitimized by the stringent ongoing reports to the SEC which keeps investor confidence high (these are extremely solid and I suggest this structure to companies when I am hired by their company or legal team as a consultant as a fast, easy way to raise big capital from the public otc)

 Pink Sheet: you can look at pink sheets as the Burger King, while the OTCBB is McDonalds, they are competing otc mechanisms. Pinks sheets are commonly referred to as penny stock and notorious for ‘pump em’ and dump em’ controversies and a lot of crooked people are involved with this platform. This is not a long term process that will allow one’s company to grow, pink sheets companies are typically short lived but it is cheap to set up but not a professional structure that could be upgraded in time to an IPO.

 Reverse Merger: a group funds the filing and creation of a public shell, they then sell that shell to a company that wants to go public, the established company merges it’s entity into the public shell. The sellers retain around 30% equity after they charge an upfront fee of 300k to 1m. 99% of reverse mergers are successful with the merger, but unsuccessful to bring them to trade and the entity basically just fizzles out.

Taking your company public is actually quite simple and inexpensive when you have the right consultant putting the structure together for you. There are countless ways to raise capital quickly and easily. It’s important that you understand your options before you waste time entering into the red tape infested banking system for a loan.

Want To Go Public With Your Company, call Princeton Corporate Solutions at 267-233-0183Take Your Company Public the easy way!

Booking bands is easy but finding a good band is a lot harder than that. Before you book a band you have to ask your client or clients what sort of bands or music they like. Different bands suit different venues i.e. while one band may be good for a pub it would not suit a function or a wedding.

Unless you own a bar or run the local club, don’t expect a band or their agent to get in touch with you. When it comes to booking bands, the approach will usually have to come from you. One way of finding a band is online, where the search engines can do the initial work for you.

Booking bands shouldn’t be too difficult as most popular musicians have some sort of web presence, if they don’t, then at the very least you should be able to find listings for a band’s agency.

If you haven’t heard their music then booking bands can make a person apprehensive about how they will perform at the venue. If you can find out where the band have played before then give them a call to see whether they were satisfactory. It’s worth your time going to see the band you’re thinking of booking if they play nearby.

It is common practice when you are booking bands to give them the venue particulars ahead of time. You should make sure that there is parking space near to where they’ll be playing because of the difficulty of moving the tools of their trade.

Whether the band will be on a stage or just have a cordoned of area of the floor, you need to ensure there’s sufficient space for them and their instruments etc. When you’re booking bands you need to inform them as to whether there is a sound limiter in operation, otherwise the power will go it the sound reaches a certain level.

Booking bands should be done as soon as possible if you don’t want your client to be disappointed. A lot of musicians often have bookings well into the future, so need plenty of notice if you want them to play at your pub or function.

Like many things in life bands do not come cheap, especially the really good ones. The good ones may cost more but if it brings in the punters again and again then surely this is a sound investment.

The cost of booking bands can depend on factors like how big they are, what sort of gig you want them for and how far they have to travel. Remember when you are booking bands, that the price may be negotiable, particularly if they are keen on the gig.

Glen Burton writes for the http://www.souldesire.co.uk site. Being careful at Booking Bands will make all the difference to the success of your event. Find out more about Booking Bands when you visit this website.

What exactly is telepathy? Without getting into the technical information, the easy way to understand it is that your emotions or mental imageries can be transferred from one person or another. However what is special about it is you do it without saying anything, touching, tasting, smelling, or even hearing the other person.

Most people believe this to be a type of communication that is well above every other type. Even scientists and animal trainers have done extensive research and found that animals are able to do this from very far distances. Keep in mind this isn’t some small study, it’s actually to a point where they believe this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Many years ago it was believed that primitive tribes possessed the power of telepathy, and anthropologists still believe it today.

Even if you have never considered it before, the truth of the matter is that telepathy is just a different language that can be taught and learned. We already acknowledge those who can’t speak correctly or read as well as others, so we should also help those who can’t develop their telepathic power. However, it is possible for everyone to develop them to a certain degree.

One thing to understand is that most of our societies over many thousands of years have simply lost their telepathic powers. We now see it as being natural to only use speech, and the common five senses, but it was not always like that.

What it comes down to is that telepathy and that “sixth sense” is connected. You may know the term “third eye” to be a more descriptive answer in your area.

You may not even realize the times that this happens to you, but everyone has telepathy as a tool. The only problem is most people don’t know how to use it. Oddly enough we experience it all the time and call it instinct instead. Maybe you’re driving home from work and just have a bad feeling about something at home, and then when you get there a problem arises. These are considered “gut feelings” and while many people accept this as an answer, they don’t realize that it has to do with telepathy. The most common instance you will hear is the connection between a mother and child.

We can’t really pinpoint an exact time when the majority of humanity seemed to lose touch with telepathy, but it has a lot to do with not believing in its power. You often see this amongst many religious organizations like Christianity and Islam that believe this is a tool used by Satan and is simply demonic power.

If you or someone you know are set in their religious ways, you’ve probably been told not to put any sort of faith in telepathy. This is so you reflect this power to only be utilized by the Messiah, Savior, Prophet, or any other name you use for the almighty.

Knowing this, you have to wonder why they are so distrustful when it comes to telepathy. In our own opinion it has to do with the power struggle between religious leaders. Why would they want someone else challenging them if they knew about telepathy? Granted not every leader is like this, but the majority has been throughout history.

Then of course if it’s not religious talk, you can always turn to the scientific thoughts. Even though we do have open-minded scientists who believe in telepathy, there are some out there who think it’s virtually impossible. The thought behind it is that you cannot taste or touch it, nor numerically measured. Believing this only keeps the positive thoughts at bay.

However, the truth that surrounds this issue is that some scientists are deemed as prejudice. If they can’t feel the emotions themselves, then how are they supposed to accept it as something real? Then again, they understand that instincts can be felt, yet there is no problem accepting this into the world. Oddly enough, these are just as elusive as telepathy.

We could run through all kinds of questions, but you would only come back with more. Many times when something cannot be explained in a complex term, then these individuals can’t accept it as their own. Seriously, would you want everyone else to have something you couldn’t? Of course not, which is why they explain its instincts and not telepathy.

We many never find out the true reason why humanity lost touch, but it could date back as far as the story around the Tower of Babylon. Seeing how this was the time when languages were to confuse people, it’s possible that the language of telepathy disappeared.

The author David A Andrews writes for the http://www.telepathyrevealed.com website. Discover the amazing experience of telepathy for yourself and find out the real hidden secrets of telepathy when you visit here and get your FREE DVD Package.

We cannot be very productive at learning new skills or subjects, without knowing the essence of how we learn, as well as the essence of knowing, and the essence of knowledge and the difference between these terms.

Who doesn’t need to become more successful in their job, think better in general and generate great ideas so that they can increase their true income potential? In order to change and grow individually, you have to change your thinking. One of the most popular ways to improve your thinking is to learn new thinking skills. However, you will not be very effective at learning new skills, if you do not comprehend how we learn, the three facets of knowing, and the three facets of knowledge.

Mastering new competencies can end up being difficult. Generally there are a great deal of complex hypotheses out there. Nevertheless, the basic substance for how we learn will just about take all the scientific discipline out, and provides a fairly straight forward process. This particular material will be extremely enlightening and shows us just what is essential to both learning, knowing and knowledge.

The simple rules of how we learn a new skill and basic remembering is broken down here: 10% of what we READ, 20% of what we HEAR to, 30% of what we OBSERVE, 50% of what we OBSERVE and HEAR, 70% of what is TALKED over with other, 80% of what is Individually ENCOUNTERED, 95% of what we SHOW to somebody else.

What do we obtain from this? The most popular way to learn subjects is to begin reading about the skill. Then, seeing others perform the skill, as well as talking about the subject with others that are interested, really helps is recall. This provides you a basic corner stone to improve your learning new skills. The next step is to apply what you have retained. Most important and the final step is the way your new skills really take off: by coaching others on what you have learned.

Now that we know how we learn, let’s take a look at what we “know”. The model for knowing has three components: 1. We know what we know. 2. We know what we don’t know. 3. We don’t know what we don’t know. Levels one and two are easy to understand; you either know something, or you don’t know. However, level three is very enlightening. Until you start learning and growing, you will never know what you don’t know, or what you really need to learn, in order to be effective and to perform at a higher level. It’s like the old clich- the more I learn and know, the more I realize I don’t know. Understanding how we learn and what knowing is all about, aids us to relate it to knowledge. The model for knowledge also has three components: 1. Application, 2. Understanding, 3. Basic Recall. The lowest level of learning and knowing is basic recall. If you have a great memory you can recall what you’ve learned. However, just being able to remember something does not mean you understand it.

Comprehending how we learn and what knowing means helps us to easily relate to “knowledge”. The model for knowledge also has three levels: 1. Use It. 2. Comprehending. 3. Remembering (MEMORY). The lowest component of learning and knowing is memory- having recall for what you’ve learned. But, remembering the subject doesn’t mean you understand it. Comprehending is the next step up in acquiring knowledge. To be effective at something new, you need to understand the subject. Last, AND at the top of the model is actually using it. Applying the knowledge is the top step in the basics of knowledge and learning new subjects.

Let’s combine how we learn subjects, knowledge and knowing all together. Once you understand how to learn a new skill or subject, it’s critical to pay attention to remembering, so you can recall what you’ve learned. The more attention you give a subject, the simpler it will be to recall the information.

Because memory is the lowest level in knowledge, we will concentrate the rest of the article on memory. In simpler words, recall is all about memory. Memory is the mind task of recalling details which an individual has learned or encountered. That simple description addresses a complex method that entails many various elements of the human brain that assists us in various and distinctive ways.

Memory can be both short-term, and long-term. In short-term memory, your brain holds topics for a few seconds or longer: that’s how long it takes you to find a buddies number. Short term memory is delicate, and it is supposed to be that way. Otherwise, your mind would quickly be overloaded.

Long-term memory on the other hand, involves making an effort (conscious or unconscious) to retain, because is important to you. There are three types of memory: 1. Episodic memories, which are personal memories about experiences you’ve had at specific times. 2. Semantic memories (factual data not bound to time or place), which can be everything from the names of the stars to the color of your favorite outfit. 3. Procedural memory, involves skills and routines you perform so often that they don’t require conscious recall. See our website to see the model for knowing and knowledge, as well as more memory tips.

Now that you fully understand the substance of how to learn new skills, and the substance of knowing and knowledge, you can easily evaluate your existing expertise to discover exactly what fresh skill sets or even subject matter of interest may serve you the greatest. Thinking and creativity skill sets are a fantastic place to begin. Excellent thinkers produce excellent ideas. Thinking competencies allow a person maximum mental performance so that a person may obtain their true earnings potential.

George Napoli a self proclaimed [e]volutionary, thrives in an environment of change and creativity, and has a passion for training and coaching entrepreneurs. He has completed a major re-tooling initiative to enhance his skill sets and core competencies, and holds Masters Certificates in: Strategic Organizational Leadership (SLD), Human Resource Development (HRD), Business Analyst (BA) and Master Black Belt Six Sigma (CMBBSS), all from Villanova University. He’s trained hundreds of entrepreneurs and managers on a wide range of skill sets to improve performance, thinking and creativity in generating great ideas.

Want to find out more about learning skill sets, then visit Gorge Napoli’s site to find the best thinking skills to improve yourself and get ahead in life.

[I:http://factcamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/LJJames2.jpg] A few weeks back I received an email from a girl Kim about a Charity Motorcycle event she was working on for Bide A Wee an Animal shelter I worked at when I was younger. As I read the info I was looking forward to attending the event only to find it was being held at Jugs and Strokers the only “Biker Bar” on Long Island that does not allow Motorcycle Club Colors. I was pissed to find out I would not be welcome at this event. I then saw the email had been sent out to many other Motorcycle Clubs on Long Island. Pissed Off, I started writing a reply to the email and sent it out to the MC’s here on Long Island. Here is what I wrote.

Hey everyone this is LJ James.

You may not know this but I worked at Bide A Wee in Wantagh for many years. I have some great memories of my time working there. As much as I love the place and think Bide A Wee to be a truly great organization, I will not take off my Colors to go inside Jugs & Strokers to attend this event.

I see this email is addressed to many different Clubs. Some of your beliefs may be different then mine and you may take your Colors off to attend this event. I would hope all of you have more respect for your Club then to do that, but these are my beliefs and may not be yours.

I think it is only fair to Kim who is working very hard for this very worthy cause that she know what your feelings are about the Jugs and Strokers policy in regards to Colors. Kim has spent a lot of time working on this event and I would hate to see her event fail because she is unaware of the Revulsion Jugs and Strokers has towards Motorcycle Clubs!!!

Not only is it an old out dated Policy that promotes the Division of Motorcycle Riders, it is also illegal according to NY State Law! I have been working hard to protect and promote Motorcycle Rights and Unity here in NY and world wide. I think it is time We started working hard to change what is wrong here on Long Island! There is an old saying, “if you want to fix the world start in your own back yard”.

This is an event that, when I heard about it I wanted to attend. Then I hear it is being held at Jugs and now I am “not allowed to attend”.

I am not a bad guy! You all out there know me. How many of your events have I covered in Magazines? How many of you have I DJed for? Not only your Club events but many of your personal family events! I’ve even preformed wedding ceremonies for a few of you and after I married you I Djed your wedding!!!

You too are also all good people. Your MCs have done many things to make Long Island a better place. You have fed the Hungry, Clothed the poor, and made sure every Child on Long Island had a Toy for the Holidays. Our patches stand for what is great about America! Why should we be made to feel that wearing our Colors is even the slightest bit wrong?

If you ask Jugs and Strokers, they might try to use the excuse “well its not your group its other groups who are the bad guys”. That is a cop out, a lie, and an attempt to divide the Long Island Motorcycle Club world!!!

Over the past few years here on Long Island we have seen a Unity in the Motorcycle Club World that many still can not believe. Sport Bike Clubs and Cruiser Clubs riding and hanging together. AMA Clubs and 1% Clubs attend each others events. Law Enforcement Clubs and Outlaw Clubs Breaking Bread and Drinking together at events. I have seen every type of rider hanging out together. This is the Biker dream people!!!

There was a time when we were all told that you could not have a bar on Long Island where all MCs where aloud to mingle together. That there would be nothing but fights and problems. Then JDs Place opened and shortly after that, the Myth was put to rest.

The Motorcycle World here on Long Island has become something We are all very proud of. I call out to all of you MCs, independents, and MROs like ABATE, it is time to end the humiliating practice that Jugs and Strokers has been aloud to inflict upon the Long Island Motorcycle World for far too long!!!

I am tired of this bar being allowed to claim it is a biker bar for bikers, but if your a member of a Motorcycle Club and wear your Colors, you are some how an undesirable, and unwelcome. I say time is up, Jugs and Stokers! You have made enough money off the Long Island Motorcycle world! You need to stop being part of the Problem and become part of the Solution!!!

I’m interested to know what the feelings are of the rest of you!!!

(Because of this reply, Shortly after I wrote this the event was switched to another Long Island Biker Bar “Sick Moon Saloon” That welcomes all who Ride)

LJ James Proud Member Mortal Skulls MC AmericanBikerX.com

Discrimination On The Basis Of Clothing Or Club Membership Is ILLEGAL Article I, Section 11 of the New York State Constitution states “that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof.” Article 4, Section 40 of the Civil Rights Law provides that “all persons within the jurisdiction of this state shall be entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any places of public accommodations, resort or amusement subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons.” The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. Cohen v. California, 403 US 15 (1971). In addition, the right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court. Thus, a person’s right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization his choice is constitutionally protected, and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to a lawsuit.

LJ James Hosts a an online Motorcycle Show evey Wednesday at 8pm East Coast Time. LJ James trys to teach the meaning of real Biker life that we can not see on Sons of Anarchy

The United States Department of Education offers loans and grants to students, which have been primarily designed with an intention to help them to compensate hefty and burdensome expenses of college tuition in the country.

The Federal Pell scholarships stand out differently and particularly from student loans such as Perkins, Stafford and PLUS federal loans in the way that they don’t have to be payback.

There are no formalities fixed to grants in contrast to loans where the students have to sign authorized papers for reimbursement of the principal money with interest. Scholarships are rather monetary gifts.

Pell grants was established in the year 1972 as the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant with an aim to give support and achieve educational goals of children belonging to financially weakened group of community.

It has been widely seen that students belonging to middle to upper income families pursue a college degree while only half of the students belonging from lower income families go on to attain a college degree.

Thus Pell Grants have helped millions of students in achieving college degree and fulfilling their wish of making their own exclusive place in the society. Indeed this grant program has been always at the mercy of whims and fancies of political and budgetary considerations of federal government yet it has remained a cherished and invaluable source of funding monetary worried students. Moreover it has come to light that fewer students are getting helped by Pell Grants as federal student loans have become more pervasive.

Children who can show their monetary need are provided federal Pell Grants. For obtaining for the above said, they need paperwork to be finished for the conclusion of their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount charged to the application of borrower on the ground of monetary data of the household as such revealed by the candidate.

If the benchmark of getting the Pell Grant is fulfilled, then the money is provided to the candidate on the ground of EFC number, whether the undergraduate would register for a college course on a full-time or halftime basis and number of times the undergraduate plans to take part in academic programs in an academic year.

Lot of skilled children get the Pell Grant every year and most of them belong to the families whose yearly salary is less than $20,000.Data show that on an average, yearly private college tuition fees is more than $20,000 whereas tuition fee of public university or college is half this money.

So one can see the financial hardships faced by the students of low-income family. These Pell Grants come as a rescue boat for impoverished students for the accomplishment of their dreams of attaining higher education.

John Goldman is one of the foremost advisor in matters relating to Government Grants and Financial Aid. To learn more about government grants and how to apply for them visit the Government Grant USA website

One of the main attractions of pursuing distance learning education is the ability to continuing working, and earning a paycheck, while going to school. With the best of both worlds, students do not have to attend classes on campus. In addition, they have the flexibility to study at a personal pace and during the time best suited to their schedule. No wonder obtaining an online degree is enticing more people to further their education.

However, even learning online is not perfect and it comes with alot of challenges. It requires a lot of discipline to stay on task and keep personal priorities straight. As a learner, you must be intrinsically motivated to succeed. Without the in-class interaction between peers and the professor, it is more difficult to keep focused on the ultimate goal.

So, how can online students stay focused and overcome the challenges of learning from home? First, time management skills are essential. With only so many hours in the day, it is important to make time for work and family, and still have enough hours to adequately study the courses. Make a plan and stick to it. Let the family participate in your success. Let everyone know what your hours are dedicated to learning without interruption. Without a schedule, obtaining a distance learning education will be extremely difficult.

Another important aspect of a distance learning education is to stay in touch with classmates and instructors through email, instant messenger(IM), college discussion boards or Internet calling. Discuss projects and assignments with peers who can help you stay focused by holding you accountable, and providing motivation and encouragement whenever needed.

Setting goals and rewarding yourself when you attain them are great self-motivating habits. Start by drawing a chart on the milestones that you need to reach in order to complete your course. Strike out each goal as you complete them and reward yourself accordingly. There is a certain satisfaction whenever we see ourselves progressing and this becomes a motivating force for us to face the next hurdle.

Finally, make sure to have a quiet, undisturbed place to study. It is extremely easy to be distracted by the television, a ringing phone, or normal family activities in the household. If necessary, lock yourself in a quiet room equipped with a comfortable chair, a good desk or table, and ample space to create a productive learning environment.

In short, successful completion of a distance learning education is totally dependent on good study habits and the determination of the individual to reach the pre-determined goal. Like any degree program, it takes old fashioned hard work, discipline, and the intrinsic motivation to succeed.

Get help and resources on accredited distance learning education degrees including online bachelor degrees for your educational purposes.

Getting hit by an eighteen wheeler truck is a terrifying and taxing experiences. Nobody wants to be involved in an automobile accident, especially not with a eighteen wheeler, so the best way to deal with these accidents is, of course, through prevention. If you’re a safe driver, you’re already halfway there.

Matter of fact, believe or not, nearly all people just like you will go to great lengths to avoid being struck by tractor trailers. Not only do most people look both ways before crossing the street, they also tend not to veer into oncoming traffic, if oncoming traffic means “one or more tractor trailers”.

For starters, it’s important to not trust that the other drivers on the road are as cautious as you are. Know that, no matter how careful you are, there are some people out there who have no idea what they’re doing behind the wheel, and it’s entirely possible to get into an accident that isn’t your fault at all.

However, these accidents do happen, and when they do, there will be some people to call. Here are the numbers to keep on your cell phone to be prepared for such an occasion, in order of most important to also important but not as important as the item listed above this one.

Needless to say, if you don’t have emergency contacts on your phone, you will be in a sticky situation if and when you get into a traffic accident. In most American cities, obviously, the number is 911. You’ll want to know where you are, even though you may be disoriented immediately after an accident, so that you can tell the paramedics and other emergency response people where to find you. It may be difficult to get your thoughts straight, but it might save your life.

Preferably, the accident wasn’t your fault. If you know the number of a top notch legal professional who specializes in traffic accidents and settlements, you may be able to get your entire hospital bill paid, as well as some money for any damages incurred due to another driver’s recklessness. The important thing is to know who is at fault. Make some mental notes in your head once you’ve double checked to make sure you’re okay. It can be easy to forget the details of an accident not long after it takes place, so you want to double check everything in your head, try to construct a timeline of exactly what happened. This way you’ll be prepared when it comes time to state your case in a court of law.

Before you do anything, go to Hyland and Padilla to get more information about personal injury attorney Durham and tractor trailer accident attorney durham. Visit us today!

There are two options available to you to achieve your Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification. The first option is to take the single CCNA exam. Since this was too overwhelming to many CCNA candidates, Cisco created a second option for students to break the Cisco CCNA exam into two separate exams. In doing so, Cisco created a new entry level certification called Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT). This second option will be covered in detail later in this article as will be the three Specialized CCNA certifications.

Single Exam Option – CCNA exam 640-802 The current version of the CCNA exam is 640-802 and was last updated in November of 2007. Cisco seems to have a history of updating this exam approximately every three years. Coincidentally that is also the amount of time your Cisco CCNA certification is valid. So every three years, you must update your Cisco certifications according to the policies of Cisco at that time. This is one of the reasons why a Cisco certification is more valuable than many other IT certifications. By requiring you to recertify every three years, it ensures you are kept up to date with the quickly changing technologies in the IT field. The exam is 90 minutes in length and can be any where from 45 to 55 questions. There are 7 types of questions you may see are as follows:

Exam Question Formats # Single answer multiple choice -These are multiple choice questions where there is only one correct answer. A question will be posed, and a radio button will allow the user to select the proper answer to the question. # Multiple answer multiple choice -These are multiple choice questions where there are multiple correct answers. A question will be posed, and checkboxes will allow the user to select the proper answer to the question. # Drag and Drop (DND) -A green list of options will be provided on the left side of the screen, prompting the user to drag each of these to the correct yellow category box on the right side. The items can be removed from the chosen category and rearranged before submitting a final answer using the Submit button. # Fill in the Blank -The user will fill in the correct answer to a question or complete an existing sentence, making an accurate statement. # Router Simulation -Individual real-world scenarios are given, and the user is prompted to negotiate the proper network arrangement or perform the functions necessary using a simulated hyperterminal screen. # Testlet -The user is provided with a real-world scenario, and 3 or more questions are posed with regard to the scenario given. # Simlet -This is similar to a testlet question, however each sub-question is offered in the form of a router simulation.

Cisco CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics Describe how a network works # Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices # Select the components required to meet a network specification # Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network # Describe common networked applications including web applications # Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models # Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network # Interpret network diagrams # Determine the path between two hosts across a network # Describe the components required for network and Internet communications # Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach # Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications # Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts # Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet networks # Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts # Explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches # Perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management # Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands # Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, auto negotiation, and switch hardware failures # Describe enhanced switching technologies (including: VTP, RSTP, VLAN, PVSTP, 802.1q) # Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot trunking on Cisco switches # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interVLAN routing # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VTP # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RSTP operation # Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to verify the operational status of a Cisco switched network. # Implement basic switch security (including: port security, trunk access, management vlan other than vlan1, etc.)

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network. # Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing # Explain the operation and benefits of using DHCP and DNS # Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM) # Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment # Calculate and apply an addressing scheme including VLSM IP addressing design to a network # Determine the appropriate classless addressing scheme using VLSM and summarization to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment # Describe the technological requirements for running IPv6 in conjunction with IPv4 (including: protocols, dual stack, tunneling, etc). # Describe IPv6 addresses # Identify and correct common problems associated with IP addressing and host configurations Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices

# Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process) # Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components) # Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2 # Access and utilize the router to set basic parameters.(including: CLI/SDM) # Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface # Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities # Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements # Manage IOS configuration files. (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore) # Manage Cisco IOS. # Compare and contrast methods of routing and routing protocols # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP # Verify network connectivity (including: using ping, traceroute, and telnet or SSH) # Troubleshoot routing issues # Verify router hardware and software operation using SHOW & DEBUG commands. # Implement basic router security Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN

# Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC) # Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (Including: SSID, BSS, ESS) # Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point # Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2) # Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks. (Including: Interface, missconfiguration) Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats

# Describe today’s increasing network security threats and explain the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats # Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications # Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications # Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network.

# Describe the purpose and types of ACLs # Configure and apply ACLs based on network filtering requirements.(including: CLI/SDM) # Configure and apply an ACLs to limit telnet and SSH access to the router using (including: SDM/CLI) # Verify and monitor ACLs in a network environment # Troubleshoot ACL issues # Explain the basic operation of NAT # Configure NAT for given network requirements using (including: CLI/SDM) # Troubleshoot NAT issues Implement and verify WAN links

# Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN # Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection # Configure and verify Frame Relay on Cisco routers # Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues # Describe VPN technology (including: importance, benefits, role, impact, components) # Configure and verify a PPP connection between Cisco routers

Two Exam Option – ICND1 640-822 & ICND2 640-816 As previously mentioned, the extensive amount of material covered in the single CCNA exam is too overwhelming for some exam takers. Thus Cisco provides an option to break the exam into two sittings. This has been speculated was in response to the high failure rate on the CCNA exam. Thus again illustrating why it is one of the most widely respected entry level IT certifications.

The first sitting is for the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) 640-822 exam. Upon successfully completing this exam, you will have earned Cisco’s newest entry level certification, the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT). This exam is 90 minutes in length and will cover 40 to 50 questions. You will encounter the same 7 question formats as you could see on the CCNA exam so there is no need to repeat them here again. Noteworthy for those preparing for the exam is which topics are covered on the ICND1 and what topics are covered on the ICND2 exam. Accordingly, we have provided the break down of which topics are covered in each exam below.

ICND1 Exam Topics # Describe how networks function, identifying major components, function of network components and the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model. # Using the host-to-host packet delivery process, describe issues related to increasing traffic on an Ethernet LAN and identify switched LAN technology solutions to Ethernet networking issues. # Describes the reasons for extending the reach of a LAN and the methods that can be used with a focus on RF wireless access. # Describes the reasons for connecting networks with routers and how routed networks transmit data through networks using TCP / IP. # Describe the function of Wide Area Networks (WANs), the major devices of WANs, and configure PPP encapsulation, static and dynamic routing, PAT and RIP routing. # Use the command-line interface to discover neighbors on the network and managing the routers startup and configuration.

The second sitting is for the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) 640-816 exam. This exam is 90 minutes in length and will cover 40 to 50 questions. You will encounter the same 7 question formats as you could see on the CCNA exam so there is no need to repeat them here again. Upon successfully completing this second exam, you will have earned your Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification.

ICND2 Exam Topics # Review how to configure and troubleshoot a small network. # Expand the switched network from a small LAN to a medium-sized LAN with multiple switches, supporting VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree. # Describe routing concepts as they apply to a medium-sized network and discuss considerations when implementing routing on the network. # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF. # Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP. # Determine how to apply ACLs based on network requirements, and to configure, verify, and troubleshoot ACLs on a medium-sized network. # Describe when to use NAT or PAT on a medium-sized network, and configure NAT or PAT on routers. # Identify and implement the appropriate WAN technology based on network requirements.

Advanced CCNA Certifications Once you achieve your CCNA certification, you have many options open to you in the Cisco world. In 2008 Cisco introduced three advanced CCNA certifications which focused on specialization in different technologies. Obtaining your CCNA is a perquisite for any of these advanced CCNA certifications. Each is obtained by completing one additional exam. These three certifications are as follows:

CCNA Voice which is obtained by completing the 640-460 or 642-436 exam. This exam validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to administer a voice network. Focusing on the required skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

CCNA Security certification which is obtained by completing the 640-553 exam. This exam validates knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCNA Security certification, a administrator demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security exam puts emphasizes on core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.

CCNA Wireless certification which is obtained by completing the 640-721 exam. This exam validates associate-level knowledge and skills to configure, implement and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. With a CCNA Wireless certification, administrators can support a basic wireless network on a Cisco WLAN in a SMB to enterprise network. The CCNA Wireless exam includes information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks.

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