Cisco CCNA Certification

It is good to have CCNA credential if you would like to work as a network engineer. It shows that you have the basic foundation in the area of networking especially in the field of Cisco networking. Frankly, it would be easier when you are marketing yourself for a new IT job if you have this certification. Having CCNA may demonstrate that you are keeping up with technology. This is something important.

According to Cisco Systems,

The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

At a minimum, CCNA should have a basic understanding of the TCP/IP network technology, know how to configure Cisco IOS, Cisco access list, routing - static route and dynamic routing and install Cisco router, switch and even operating LAN and WAN.

Anyway, CCNA is not a certificate that is easy to pass. If I am not wrong, you will need to score about 849 out of 1000 to get this credential. On top of that, the exam not only test you on Cisco network theory, but also network setup through simulator provided in the exam. As such, a candidate who sit for the CCNA exam will need to have some experience in configuring Cisco routers or switches.

To prepare for CCNA examination, a candidates can enroll in the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0 and the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.0 courses. However, if the candidate has some knowledge in networking field, he may also do it by himself.

By the way, three new CCNA certifications is introduced recently:

1. CCNA Security
2. CCNA Voice
3. CCNA Wireless

These new certifications provide a clear path for individuals wishing to specialize in a job role within the security, voice or wireless technologies.

Wish you all the best in your IT career!