7/14/2004 -- Cisco Systems recently announced a new, secured pilot area on its Web site that offers free preparation materials for its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.

Called the CCNA Prep Center, the area includes "sample questions, simulations, e-learning modules, labs, tips from CCNA professionals, expert advice," and other resources for helping candidates prepare, the company said.

At this time, the area is available only to those that have taken at least one certification exam in the past (passing is not a requirement). Don Field, senior manager of core technologies within the Internet Learning Solutions Group of Cisco, told CertCities.com Monday that Cisco may open the Prep Center to more candidates after the pilot stage is finished. According to Field, Cisco may also consider creating a Prep Center for its Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) exam, depending on how the CCNA center performs.

If you've previously taken a Cisco exam and want to access the new prep center, go to http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main to log in. -Becky Nagel