(BCRAN 642-821) Passing the Building Cisco Remote Access Networks Exam
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(BCRAN 642-821) Passing the Building Cisco Remote Access Networks Exam

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Published: Thursday, December 09, 2004

• Relates to: CCNP

Exam Name: Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN)
Exam Number: 642-821
Official Site Link: Cisco
Exam Questions: 60 to 70 questions; few simulations
Passing Score: 700 out of 1,000
Exam Cost: $125 (U.S.)
Exam Vendor: Cisco Systems
Exam Delivery Options: Pearson VUE; 877-404-3926
Thomson Prometric; 800-204-EXAM (-3926)
Exam Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Author’s Comments: Little has changed from previous versions. Varying question counts usually indicate seeding of new exam content, which may or may not be testable.
The Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) exam is one of four required exams (or one of three exams, depending on the track you choose) for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification program. In this article, I discuss what you need to know to prepare for the BCRAN 642-821 exam and cover some test-taking strategies, and provide some tips for obtaining your CCNP as well.

Over the past few years, Cisco has transformed formerly multiple-choice, rote memorization exams into true tests of one’s application of knowledge and skills. Therefore, the BCRAN exam, as is the case with most Cisco exams, requires a good deal of planning and strategy during the preparation stage.

In the technology arena, change is constant. On today’s networks in general, the focus is moving from Frame Relay technology to IPSec and MPLS-based VPNs. With that technology shift, and continual changes and enhancements made to Cisco’s product lines, it’s important to keep your knowledge fresh and be tested on new topics and technologies. As a result, the Cisco certification program has undergone many changes over the last few years, including the migration to more simulation-based questions. These questions accurately test a candidate’s skills in applying knowledge and methodologies, such as configuration and troubleshooting, rather than simply memorizing facts. The BCRAN exam was included in Cisco’s efforts to revamp its certification program.

Exam Preparation Strategies

To pass the BCRAN exam, you need to have sound knowledge of remote access networking technologies, fundamentals, and management techniques covering VPN, Frame Relay, and ISDN, among others. The testable objectives cover a wide range of information that you need to know in detail. The BCRAN exam tests materials covered in the latest Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) CCNP course, including general knowledge of WAN technologies, implementation and operation, planning and design, and troubleshooting. The exam certifies that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to describe, configure, operate, and troubleshoot WAN and remote access solutions. You might wonder when you should take the BCRAN exam in your quest for the CCNP credential. Although the Remote Access section of the BCRAN exam tests on information that can provide a foundation for parts of the Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting (CIT) exam, the BCRAN doesn’t cross over into routing and switching, which are heavily covered in the CIT and other CCNP exams. Therefore, Cisco doesn’t require that candidates take the BCRAN exam before taking the CIT exam; in fact, candidates can take any of the four CCNP exams in any order they like.

As you build your strategy to take the exams, you must also plan the best methods for studying for the BCRAN exam. Some of your options include taking a bootcamp, taking a training course, self studying with exam preparation materials, or building a home lab on which to practice.
Each option is described in detail, as follows:

Bootcamp:...

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