I am looking to take the CCNA exam within the next couple of months. I thought about taking the CCENT and then the other that gets you the CCNA, but now I think I am just going to take the "bigger" test.

Anyway, I am reading through some of the information and going through some of the CBTs and they all mention the sdm as a method to configure the routers. Is the SDM actually tested? If so, is there an option to drop to the command line? I have absolutely no interest in using the SDM since all it really does is enter in commands for you. That just seems really backwards to me.

Anyway, I just wanted to get some input from someone that has taken the new test since the cisco guys at work all took the CCNA before the last test revamp. Thanks!

Haha, that's funny. That's the article I read this morning that made me start think about taking that exam again. 

I don't know if it's just my area or maybe it's just with the people I've dealt with, but I've put it on my resumes and during most interviews I have people ask me what it is. That tells me that it's meaningless to have it if no one knows what it is. 

After browsing this forum and the rest of the site some more today I was actually thinking about looking into the CISSP again. I think when I was looking at it before I didn't meet the requirements for the CISSP, but I did for the SSCP so I went with the SSCP instead.

Right now, I am really trying to figure out how to make the jump to a more security related job. I have always had a huge interest in the security field and I'm having a hard time coming up with a plan to move more into that field. Maybe the CISSP would help me there too.

I am thinking about going for the CEH after I complete my CCNA cert. I plan to do it via self study. I was just wondering about the required 2 years experience. What counts as experience?

 I currently hold the SSCP, but haven't found it much use and don't plan to renew it.