What does CCNA certification imply?

The networking hardware maker, Cisco, offers the core information technology (IT) certificate known as the Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA. The CCNA is designed to confirm your comprehension of the fundamental networking concepts commonly needed for networking-related tasks in IT jobs.

Your CCNA certification demonstrates your ability to navigate the ever-changing IT world. The networking, IP services, security, automation, and programmability fundamentals are covered in the CCNA test. Your ability to manage and optimize today's most complex networks is attested to by the CCNA certification, which was developed for flexibility and agility.

With the foundation given by the Cisco training curriculum and test, your career can take any turn. By acquiring a Cisco certification, you may show that you have the caliber and rigor that businesses consider necessary for meeting and surpassing market needs.

There are already CCNA certificates available that concentrate on things like −

• Switching & Routing
• Security
• Service Providers
• Data Centers
• Video & Voice
• Collaborations
• Wireless.

Eligibility for the CCNA

It's interesting to note that there are no official prerequisites that one must fulfill to be qualified to take the CCNA examinations. As a result, CCNA certificates are a desirable alternative for a recent graduate since businesses recruit Network Engineers who have earned the certification, regardless of the degree of experience.

The Process for certification

To qualify, a person must pass particular tests linked to the CCNA certification. They may get the required marks on either −

Combined CCNA ICDN1 (100-101)or ICDN2 (200-101) Exams (200-120)

You may register for these examinations directly from Cisco.

Pearson Vue is the approved testing agency for the CCNA certification examination. You should sign up for the exam at least two days before the planned test day due to the restricted number of available seats, which are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Online or telephone registration is also an option. Payment is needed at the time of test registration. Arriving at the examination site at least 45 minutes before the test is suggested.

To pass the tests, the candidate must have a grade of at least 80%.

Cost of CCNA Certification examination

Costs for the CCNA test are $300 + tax on avg. The test can also be bought with Cisco Learning Credits. Those are all prepaid credits that a business may purchase to allow its workers to choose how they use the credits on the Cisco portal following their preferences.

Here is the link for the official fees chart

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/cost.html

Necessary training and skills for the examination

With preparation, it would be wise to attempt the test, regardless of experience level. Candidates who take part in accredited training with knowledgeable training providers.

Many various programs differ in delivery method, duration, and efficacy. It is the individual's responsibility to make sure they select a program that will be beneficial to them.

When selecting a CCNA certification training program, be sure to take these things into account.

Place − It's crucial to pick a convenient location for the training. These courses are offered by community colleges and other technical institutions. They are also accessible online.

Program Length − The program's duration might range from a few days to whatever much time is required to fully prepare before the examination. No one length is ideal as long as all pertinent information is presented.

A good training program shall consist of the following topics that are to be well-taught −

• OSI models
• WAN & LAN design
• Switching Concepts
• Routing protocols
• VLAN & WLAN
• IP addressing & Subnetting
• VOIP basics
• Network Security & management
• Wireless essentials & management

Is training sufficient, or do you also need to prepare after training?

Although training clarifies what is required of the applicant in advance of a specific test, it can only cover some subjects that could be covered on the exam. Therefore, candidates should improve their understanding of the defined subjects listed above to guarantee that all CCNA topics are covered through independent study.

Due to the complexity, dynamism, and constant advancement of the technological area, passing the tests often requires a combination of sources and study methods. To increase their expertise, candidates should always try to stay current with technological advancements.

Examination format

It is crucial to know what to anticipate to adequately prepare for the exam. The CCNA test is often given in one of the many following forms. Each of these varies somewhat from the last.

ICDN1 − A person gets 90 minutes to finish this test, which comprises 40 to 50 questions.

ICDN2 − This test has 40 to 50 questions, and you have between 75 and 90 minutes to complete it.

The combined CCNA test has a time restriction of 90 minutes and 45 to 55 questions.

The examinations are intended to examine an individual's ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot network systems. Once the tests are passed with a score of 80% or above, the certification is good for three years.

Conclusion

After earning the CCNA certification, a person must make sure they use their newly gained skills in regular tasks. One should feel pleased to be acknowledged as a member of the Cisco-certified Network. An excellent strategy to keep learning about Cisco Network systems is through networking with like-minded individuals.

Networking with some other IT experts may help a person stay current as they seek to maintain their qualification standard and prepare for their next steps, which might include getting other undergraduate or graduate certifications from Cisco since the technology changes quickly.

The CCNA tests demand preparation and dedication, but the benefits are worthwhile. A professional certification that verifies your abilities and shows a solid commitment to the business is the only way to think out of the box and get your CV recognized in the highly competitive industry of IT networking.