CCNA Semester 1 - Skills Based Final Exam - Student Training
Guidelines - Exam Overview and Administration
This exam is for use with regular CCNA classes taught by local academies to high school and college
students. The skills-based exam consists of three parts; 1) Cable Build and Test, 2) Network
Concepts and 3) Network Connection. All three should be completed (total possible of 100 points)
and the total score combined with the Semester 1 online assessment exam to establish a course grade.
Scores from chapter exams and completion of labs as well as points for participation and attendance
may also count toward the final grade.
The guidelines presented here are recommendations and instructors have flexibility in assigning point
values and administering the exam. Students should be made aware of what they will be tested on
early in the course in order to study and prepare adequately for the exam. The exam may be
administered by dividing the class into three groups with each group starting on a different part of the
exam and then rotating as they complete each portion.
Exam Part 1 – Cable Build / Test – (Practical hands-on, Est. time 25 min., 20 Points)
Objective: Build a straight–wired Ethernet cable for connection of a PC to a hub or switch and test it
with a basic cable tester for correct pinouts and continuity. The cable should be CAT 5 and wired to
the T568A or B standards. Length will vary depending on physical conditions. This cable may be
used to connect the PC to the hub or switch used in Part 3 of this exam.
Preparation / Tools: Length of CAT 5 cable, (2) RJ45 connectors, Wire cutter/Stripper tool,
Crimping tool, Basic cable tester or Fluke LAN Cable meter 620.
Exam Part 2 - Network Concepts – (Oral or Written, Est. time 25 min., 30 Points)
Objective: Answer 3 networking concepts questions from a pool of approved questions. Any student
may have to answer any question and will know the questions ahead of time. Responses may be
given verbally to the instructor / proctor or written depending on instructor and student preferences.
Preparation / Tools: List of questions and rubric for assessment. These are found in the instructor’s
version of the Semester 1 curriculum in the Preface, Chapter 0 under First Semester Finals. Rubrics
are also provided to help assess the accuracy and completeness of student’s answers.
Exam Part 3 - Network Connection – (Practical hands-on, Est. time 25 min., 40 Points)
Objective: Connect a PC to a LAN and configure the IP network settings for attachment to an
Ethernet hub or switch that is attached to a router. Determine the subnet mask and host range given
the number of bits borrowed and the subnet number used. Demonstrate connectivity by pinging the
router and opening a web page on it. When the PC is successfully connected to the LAN, problems
will be introduced into the PC and/or network to demonstrate troubleshooting skills. Document the
problems encountered during troubleshooting and the steps taken to correct them.
Preparation / Tools: PC (Mac, Win 9x, NT or 2000) with access to a browser and Control Panel /
Network settings. Straight wired patch cable, hub or switch with router connected. 2514 Router
with IOS 12.0 attached to hub or switch and configured as indicated in the following instructor notes.
A list of potential problems and causes which can be found in the instructor’s version of the Semester
1 curriculum in the Preface, Chapter 0 under First Semester Finals.
