Computer networking is of utmost importance to IT professionals.
It serves as the cornerstone around which whole IT ecosystems are constructed. Professionals with networking expertise can build resilient infrastructures that satisfy the changing needs of users and businesses alike, from designing and implementing secure networks to optimizing performance and troubleshooting problems.
Furthermore, a thorough grasp of networking principles is necessary to protect sensitive data and uphold operational integrity in light of the rise in cybersecurity threats.
Entry-level IT certifications are popular choices for professionals just starting out in their careers. With these certifications, professionals can often learn the fundamentals of computer networking.
For prospective employers, they signify the possibility of increased output and evidence of your skills, but for novice and seasoned IT workers, they represent much more.
Acquiring knowledge about the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is advantageous if you are considering pursuing a profession in computer networking or a similar field. This article explains what does CCNA stand for and what a Certified Cisco Network Associate certification entails.
Read on!
What is CCNA certification?
The CCNA is a networking certification for entry-level professionals that can help you prepare for networking IT jobs like network specialist, network administrator, and network engineer. It is intended to validate your understanding of fundamental networking concepts, which are commonly required in networking roles in IT.
It includes the following topics:
Basics of networking: You can better demonstrate your familiarity with networking hardware and setup. Network management and connectivity troubleshooting will become second nature to you.
IP services: You will learn how to configure routing for various IP versions and describe the purpose of redundancy protocols. You can use it to understand better how a routing table is put together.
Fundamentals of security: Every threat will be explained, along with countermeasures. This will help you recognize essential components of a security program, such as user awareness and training. You will also learn valuable skills like configuring networks and devices for safe access.
Automation: You will study the impact of automation on network management and examine the differences between controller-based and conventional networks. You will be able to use APIs and understand configuration management tools.
There are numerous variations and specializations for the CCNA certification. Many people with CCNA certification work as network engineers, administrators, help desk technicians, or support specialists.
While there are no formal requirements to obtain this certification, Cisco recommends using their solutions for at least a year before enrolling in a course. The organization also suggests that applicants learn the fundamentals of network concepts, such as how IP addresses work.
Professionals holding this credential are required to renew their certification every three years. To do so, they must complete 30 continuing education credits or pass a qualifying exam.
Is earning a CCNA certification worth it?
With a CCNA certification, you can acquire experience that lasts a lifetime. In the technical sector, the CCNA is the accepted standard. After earning your CCNA, you can get various career opportunities. The best thing is that you can always upgrade to become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
Ultimately, there are numerous justifications for why obtaining CCNA certification is worthwhile:
Industry Recognition: The CCNA certification is a recognized standard that demonstrates your networking expertise, which is essential in competitive job markets.
Comparable to Degrees: Although a four-year degree is frequently the prerequisite, hiring managers are beginning to place more value on certifications like the CCNA. They exhibit functional, practical abilities that supplement the theoretical knowledge acquired via formal schooling.
Specialized Learning Platform: The Cisco Learning Network is a cutting-edge platform that uses social networking to teach lessons. It enhances learning through community engagement by offering a collaborative environment through wikis, blogs, and document sharing.
Career Advancement: Getting certified frequently opens up doors for career advancement. Verifying your expertise can lead to various benefits, such as salary increases, promotions, and the chance to work on more difficult projects.
Value to Employers: Accredited professionals are highly esteemed by employers for their demonstrated expertise and abilities. When applying for jobs requiring networking experience, certifications such as CCNA reassure employers of your skills and increase your appeal.
How do you earn the CCNA certification?
You must pass Cisco’s 200-301 CCNA exam to become a certified CCNA. The exam has no prerequisites. However, according to Cisco, CCNA candidates typically have the following background before sitting for it:
- A minimum of one year of experience using and implementing Cisco products and solutions
- Basic understanding of IP addressing
- Understanding of network fundamentals
The CCNA 200-301 exam lasts 120 minutes. This exam evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions is a course that helps candidates prepare for this exam.
CCNA certification best practices
Acquire experience
To obtain this credential without a degree, some institutions offer short introductory courses on IT and computer networking. You may find it easier to prepare for this exam if you have a relevant academic background.
Working in computer networking can also provide you with real-world experience.
This can include working as a technical support specialist, network administrator, or computer systems analyst. Internships are an excellent way for recent graduates and students to get practical experience in the field.
Seek advice from academic advisors if an academic course offers internships or other employment opportunities. Additionally, looking through online job boards, career fairs, local community groups, and social media platforms may help you locate employment opportunities.
Review exam subjects
Before training for this certification, review important exam topics to understand the subjects you should cover better. Even though CCNA testing subjects may differ, all exams have six basic principles.
So, what’s on the CCNA exam?
The following list of subjects is covered in the CCNA certification exams, along with the weightage assigned to each:
Network fundamentals (20%)
- IP parameters
- Physical interfaces and cabling types
- IPv4 and IPv6 configuration
- Network components, including routers, switches, and access points
- Topology architectures
- IP parameters: wireless, virtualization, and switching fundamentals
Network access (20%)
- EtherChannel, Layer 2 discovery protocols, VLAN configuration and verification, and Interswitch connectivity
- Operations of the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
- AP modes, physical WLAN components, wireless LAN access, AP and WLC management access connections, and Cisco wireless architectures
IP connectivity (25%)
- Routing tables
- Router decision-making
- Configuration and verification of IPv4 and IPv6 static routing and single area OSPFv2
- First-hop redundancy protocol
IP services (10%)
- Configuring and verifying NAT and NTP
- Describing DHCP, DNS, SNMP, and syslog features
- Per-hop behavior
- Using SSH
- Describing TFTP/FTP
Security fundamentals (15%)
- Security concepts like threats and mitigation, physical access control
- Password policies
- Access control lists
- Layer 2 security features
- Wireless security protocols
Automation and programmability (10%)
- Comparing traditional networks with controller-based networks
- Automation concepts
- Interpreting JSON data
Get ready for the test
To get ready for the CCNA test, you can enroll in online specialized training courses. Cisco offers numerous training programs, courses, and resources to help you prepare for this exam. For example, Cisco Digital Learning service subscribers can access lectures, laboratories, webinars, and assignments online for an entire year.
Additionally, students can communicate with qualified instructors and other students on a community network accessible through the certifying authority. Consider enrolling in local technical schools if you would like to attend classes in person.
The Official Cert Guide for CCNA 200-301 is a helpful tool for those new to the field. This two-volume set offers practice questions and thoroughly explores everything CCNA.
Before enrolling, take into account the program’s duration, location, and cost. If you want to attend classes in person, it is best to confirm that a regular commute is possible by learning where the program is being held in advance. Instructor-guided training programs typically last anywhere from a few days to one or two months, but self-guided programs might grant access to training materials for a year. The training session costs can differ based on the resources the program provides.
Take mock exams
A practice exam is one of the final steps in preparing for the Cisco CCNA certification test. Numerous people choose to take practice exams after finishing other training courses. Taking multiple practice tests can help you prepare for the test because you can answer similar questions within the same time limits.
They can also help you identify the subjects that need more practice or review. Cisco provides a practice exam package with lab exercises and 300 sample questions for a set fee.
Because the CCNA certification offers several concentrations, look for specialized practice exams focusing on your expertise. These practice exams usually cover more in-depth information about your area of interest. A standard practice test will be done to prepare for the general CCNA exam. Take your practice exams a week or two before the actual test, so you have time to analyze how you did and apply knowledge from past experiences to your preparation.
Schedule the final exam
Now is the time to use the Cisco website to schedule your exam. Your exam can be scheduled up to six weeks in advance. You can take the test virtually with a proctor or physically at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Before taking an online test, you must have a stable internet connection and a peaceful setting. To be eligible, it would be best to have a computer with a webcam, Pearson VUE proctoring software, and official identification.
The minimum passing score for the 120-minute generic CCNA certification exam is 80%. You can take this test as many times as you would like. After passing the exam, you can log into your Cisco account to see your certification status.
Renew your certification every three years
The validity of a CCNA certification is three years. To keep your certification current after three years, complete continuing education requirements or sit for a recertification exam. You can obtain continuing education credits by completing specific tasks, such as extra training courses.
As soon as you finish all necessary Continuing Education and recertification activities, you receive recertification and acknowledgment.
You are awarded CE credits when you finish a particular task or course. This implies that your recertification will take effect when you finish all necessary Continuing Education or recertification activities.
Fact: There is no expiration date for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certifications.
What kind of questions does the CCNA certification ask?
The CCNA test consists of written questions and answers only; no labs are involved. It is timed and proctored. The following categories of questions are present on the exams:
- Multiple-choice, one response
- Multiple choices, multiple responses
- Drag and drop
- Lablets, where tasks are run on virtually
Specialized paths for CCNA certification
After earning your basic CCNA certification, you have three different specialization options. Each path will provide you with resources, tools, and abilities to help you advance your career. Below are the three options:
CCNA Security: This includes monitoring and troubleshooting network devices to guarantee the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data and the network. An expert in CCNA Security is eligible to work as a network security specialist, network support engineer, or security administrator.
CCNA Voice: This course prepares networking professionals for VoIP, which includes IP telephony, IP PBX, handsets, voicemail solutions, and call control. A CCNA Voice expert can be a voice manager, voice administrator, or voice engineer.
CCNA Wireless: This course covers setting up, putting into practice, and maintaining wireless LANs using Cisco hardware. Both WLAN project management and wireless support specialist roles are suitable for CCNA Wireless experts.
What is the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam cost?
The CCNA exam price is USD 300 plus taxes. The exam can also be purchased with Cisco Learning Credits. These are pre-paid credits that an organization may buy to allow staff members to customize their credit usage on the Cisco platform.
What is the salary for experts with CCNA certification?
A CCNA certification can help you get networking jobs at entry-level and higher levels. The following are the average national salaries for various roles for which the CCNA certification is a prerequisite for eligibility:
- Technical support engineer: $73,138 PA
- Network administrator: $74,376 PA
- Data center technician: $65,921 PA
- IT security specialist: $82,514 PA
- VoIP engineer: $90,057 PA
- Information security analyst: $90,425 PA
- Telecom engineer: $93,890 PA
- Wireless engineer: $103,993 PA
- Network security engineer: $111,653 PA
- Director of Information Technology: $124,113 PA
CCNA vs. Other IT Certifications
The CCNA stands out among the vast array of IT certifications for the following reasons:
- It covers many networking fundamentals, including routing protocols, security, and automation.
- It is a well-respected certification in the IT industry, particularly for network engineering.
CCNA vs. Network+
Similar to the CCNA, professionals who want to improve their networking abilities frequently obtain the CompTIA Network+ certification, which tests their knowledge of networking. There are some key differences:
- In contrast to CCNA, the CompTIA Network+ certification is vendor-neutral. This indicates that it is made to prepare you to work with any system or network device, no matter which vendor. However, you can only take the CCNA exam using Cisco tools and products.
- Compared to the CCNA, many people believe the Network+ certification is more fundamental. It is well known that the CCNA covers more ground than the Network+ and delves deeper into the subject of networks.
Choosing the perfect IT Certification
The CCNA is an excellent choice if your goal is to work in Cisco-based environments and you want a solid foundation in networking. However, you might want to look into Network+ or other vendor-neutral certifications for a broader range of networking technologies.
Accelerate your career now with a CCNA Certification
Like many other certifications, the CCNA certification shows potential employers that you possess computer networking skills, knowledge, and proficiency. When hiring, preference may be given to professionals with pertinent certifications. Not to mention the numerous other benefits.
Opt for the CCNA certification to reach greater heights. Don’t forget to prepare well!
For any help, get in touch with Microtek Learning. We will support you on your path and help you succeed in your IT career.
