The CCNA/CCDA exams are computer based - no need for paper and pencil at all. They have multiple choice questions only. The 640-864 DESGN Exam covers: Describe the Methodology used to design a network Describe network structure and modularity Describe network architecture for the enterprise Design Basic Enterprise Campus Networks Design Enterprise Edge and Remote Network Modules Design IP Addressing and Routing Protocols Design network services Network design is all about proper "division of labor" - you need to use the right gears to do the right things at the right place. You are seeing things from a broader planning perspective. The security exam, on the other hand, is more technical and is more concerned on the security aspect of networking. Topics that have to be dealt with in the CCNA Security exam include: Common Security Threats Securing Cisco Routers AAA Threat Mitigation with ACLs Secure Management and Reporting Mitigating Layer 2 Attacks IOS Firewall Feature Set Cisco IOS IPS Site-to-Site VPNs We give you knowledge information relevant to the exam specifications. To be able to succeed in the real exams, you’ll need to apply your earned knowledge to the question scenarios. Many of the exam questions are written to be less straight forward. They tend to be framed within the context of short scenarios. THESE ARE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMS. These exams are not too difficult. However, coverage is very comprehensive – a wide range of topics are presented in the official topic lists. The exams do not ask you to answer hundreds of questions. In other words, only a small fraction of the official topics will be presented.