By Michael Aldridge People who are studying for Cisco CCNA certification often ask me what kind of questions they can expect. These are some of the types of questions that Cisco exams can ask:
Multiple-choice, single-answer
Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Drag-and-drop
Fill-in-the-blank
Simulation
Testlet
Simlet
Multiple choice questions are a common topic. There are some questions that have only one correct answer and others that have multiple answers. Cisco will always inform you how many correct answers there are and the exam engine will usually warn if you have chosen too many or too few.
Drag-and-drop questions ask you to drag boxes to the screen. You will usually be asked to drag terms onto the appropriate definitions or categories. You might also be asked if you want to drag items onto a network diagram.
Fill-in-the blank questions require that you answer the question in one or more text boxes. Although I have not seen fill-in the blank questions from Cisco, it is possible that they could be introduced at any time.
Simulating questions requires you to configure one or several Cisco devices, including switches and routers. IOS-based as well as GUI-based simulations have been my experience. Although not all commands and features are available, they will still be available to you for the simulation. Simulator questions can cause fear in test takers. You can overcome your anxiety by practicing with Cisco routers live or using a robust network simulator product like Boson’s NetSim.
Testlet questions are usually presented in a group of three to six questions. These questions all revolve around a common scenario or network topology. The scenario text will provide any required command output. You can answer the questions in any order you like, but you cannot return to the testlet once you have finished.
Simlet questions are a combination of a simulator and a testlet. You will receive a set of three to six questions based on a network topology or common scenario. You will not be able to issue any commands. To answer the questions correctly, you will need to interact with the network devices and issue appropriate commands.
These item types might not be available on every Cisco certification exam. You can prepare for any of these items by reviewing the Cisco Certification Exam Tutorial (shown above). This tutorial is the same one you’ll see at the beginning each Cisco certification exam. Each type of question is included in the tutorial so you can practice. Boson’s ExSim-Max Cisco certification practice exam can be used to get more practice. It includes the item types that you will see on the actual certification exam.
Do not be concerned about the types questions that Cisco exams might ask you. You won’t need to know the details to be able to answer any question Cisco asks.
Michael Aldridge MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+