Cisco Certified Network Associate or CCNA is the first step towards building a career in the IT domain (Networking). Cisco is an American Multinational Company that serves as a leader in the networking and IT domain. By obtaining the CCNA Certification, one can gain the opportunity to work as a network engineer or administrator.
In the CCNA Certification, you will learn to configure, troubleshoot, install, and operate switched and routed networks. You will also gain expertise in connecting remote sites through a WAN and protect the device against security threats. The demand for this course has urged various institutes to offer this course and provide Cisco Certification Guide.
What is the Cisco CCNA Certification?
Cisco CCNA certifications allow aspirants to build a professional career in the IT domain, especially in networking. This certification helps aspirants join the IT industry as an entry-level engineer, an associate, or a professional.
The CCNA certification tests one’s fundamental knowledge of network technologies, security, IP services, IP connectivity, automation, and programmability. CCNA is an associate-level Cisco Career certification. This certification will enable you to perform the support tasks for basic networking.
The demand for network professionals is increasing with the increase in network complexities. The CCNA certification will let you find employment in the leading IT companies.
Eligibility Criteria
There are no prerequisites to appear for the Cisco CCNA Certification. You can join the course with a basic knowledge of computer and navigation skills in the basic operating system.
Benefits of CCNA Certification
- Enhanced Learning Curve – The CCNA Certification and Training provides you with in-depth knowledge of network administration. The training covers a wide range of topics that equips you to cater to several aspects of the field.
- Recognition – You can demonstrate your skills in the domain of network through the certification. As a professional, you will be called in for performing various network-related tasks that are of utmost importance to the companies.
- Boost in Career – The certification will allow you to find better employment opportunities. You can boost your career by obtaining Cisco’s Professional Certifications so that you have a large number of options open for you.
- Raise in Salary – You can enhance your remuneration with the CCNA certification as it will help you in obtaining promotions and acquiring better positions in the domain.
- A Mediating Step – You can climb up the ladder and find better jobs in the other related domains through knowledge gained from this training.
- Respect amongst the Staff – As a CCNA professional, you will be looked upon as an expert in network administration. And this means that you will be a valuable asset to your organization.
- Less-Extensive Outline – The focus of the training on the networking aspect is beneficial in terms of learning as well as providing services.
- Global Acceptance – The certificate is recognized and valuable across the globe, giving you an opportunity to explore several options.
Skills Measured by CCNA Certification
CCNA certifications will enable you to perform various tasks such as
- Identify security threats to the network and plan measures to counteract them
- Build a secure IT network
- Meet network requirements through IP services
- Implement correct methods in connecting to a WAN while also verifying WAN links
- Perform tasks that are appropriate for the administration of wireless local area network or WLAN
- Configure and troubleshoot routing on the presently run Cisco devices
Cisco CCNA Certification Exams
The latest CCNA exam is the Cisco Certified Network Associate v1.0 (CCNA 200-301) exam. The CCNA exam is a 120-minute exam. It consists of multiple choices, fill-in-the-blank, simpler, simulations, and testlet. One must earn a passing score of about 80-85% to earn the CCNA certification.
Cisco CCNA Certification Exam Fees
The cost of CCNA certification exams depends upon several factors, one of which is the currency of the country that you are in. You can find the details in the link provided here: http://www.vue.com/vouchers/pricelist/cisco.asp#prices
Cisco CCNA Certification Syllabus
The latest CCNA exam is the Cisco Certified Network Associate v1.0 (CCNA 200-301) exam. The syllabus, which is subject to revision and changes, has the following topics:
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Access
- IP Connectivity
- IP Services
- Security Fundamentals
- Automation and Programmability
The detailed syllabus can be found at the following link: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccna-exam-topics
Cisco CCNA Certification Jobs and Salary
The jobs and approximate annual packages that the Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification bring for you are as listed below:
- Network Support Engineer expected annual remuneration is Rs 5,00,000 (or $93,810 per year in the US)
- System Administrator expected annual remuneration is Rs 4,50,000 (or $84,841 per year in the US)
- Network Technician expected annual remuneration is Rs 4,83,000 (or
$90,901 per year in the US) - Network Associate expected annual remuneration is Rs 6,00,000 (or $100,049 per year in the US)
- Network Engineer expected annual remuneration is Rs 4,86,000 (or $88,711 per year in the US)
- Senior Network Engineer expected annual remuneration is Rs 6,48,000 (or $129,199 per year in the US)
- System Engineer expected annual remuneration is Rs 4,71,000 (or $77,768 per year in the US)
As a CCNA professional, you can work in various aspects of the Networking industry. You can function as a Network Engineer, Network Technician, Network Associate, System Administrator, System Engineer, as well as Network Support Engineer.
How many exams do I need to pass to earn the Cisco CCNA certification?
You can obtain CCNA certification with just one exam that is inclusive of a wide range of topics such as IT fundamentals, security fundamentals, and networking technologies.
How can The Security Buddy help in preparing for the Cisco CCNA certification exam?
The Security Buddy prepares you for one of the best cybersecurity certifications with a syllabus that represents the module of several other certification exams other than CCNA certifications. There are free articles that you can access to gain knowledge on networking and security fundamentals. You can access a plethora of articles on cybersecurity certification with a premium membership that will only cost you $50/year.
At The Security Buddy, you can also find exclusive articles based on Wireless Network and Security, CCNA and CCNP Certification, Security fundamentals, WPS, RFID, etc.
Does the Cisco CCNA certification expire?
CCNA certifications remain valid for three years. Once expired, you are required to retake the exam and get certified.