Can I take the CCDA exam without taking the CCNA

Can I take the CCDA exam without taking the CCNA

Dear Mr. Tittel,
I

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am currently working in the engineering field. I am an RCDD and working towards a BS in Internetworking Technology. The University follows the Cisco Academy curriculum.

Can I take the CCDA exam without taking the CCNA, and would you advise it? Since I plan on staying in the engineering field, I thought this would save me one step. Your thoughts?
Dear Dave:
Although Cisco "highly recommends" that CCDA candidates first obtain a CCNA it's not an out-and-out requirement for the program. That said - the CCNA is a great introduction to Cisco concepts, terms, equipment and software. I would only consider skipping that step if you already know your way around that environment pretty darn well. To help you decide, take a look at the requirements and so forth at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html. If your RCDD includes the LAN Specialty and you are already familiar with Cisco IOS, basic switches and routers, and real familiar with TCP/IP and Cisco protocols, then you can probably go for it.
HTH,
--Ed?

This was first published in February 2003