Perhaps one of the most famous certifications in the field of networking is the CCNA. If you want to grow your career through networking, or if you are already doing a network-related job, then you must have heard about the CCNA certification.
However, there are many things to learn about this certification, such as what it actually means. How to get the certificate? What are the paths to this certificate? Why do you need to get CCNA certification? What is the CCNA examination? What is the exam syllabus? What kind of job can you get after the certification, and so on?
Don’t worry, because we are going to answer these questions thoroughly in this discussion. So stick with the article till the very end.
What is CCNA Certification?
The CCNA is an entry-level certification in networking that can qualify you for network engineer, network administrator, and network specialist careers in IT. CCNA’s full form is “Cisco Certified Network Associate,” and it is an Information Technology (IT) certification provided by Cisco Systems.
The CCNA is designed to verify your understanding of the basic networking concepts that are frequently required in networking roles when you are in the IT sector. Here are some insights on CCNA –
- The CCNA test costs $300 plus taxes.
- You must pass one test, the 200-301 CCNA, to obtain the CCNA certification.
- CCNA is a popular IT qualification, with over 6,000 job posts on Indeed and 9,000 on Glassdoor mentioning the certification in the United States.
- The test has no requirements, but training and some expertise in computer networking are suggested.
CCNA Certification Technology Paths
The CCNA certification will lead you to choose three different paths. No matter which path you choose, you will be equipped with the basic knowledge, tools, resources, and skillset you need. All these things will certainly boost your career in that specific path.
Now, let’s introduce the three paths of the CCNA certification –
- CCNA Security – This path will let you know how to troubleshoot and monitor network devices to guarantee the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and networks. After obtaining the CCNA Security certification, you will be considered a network support engineer, security administrator, or network security professional.
- CCNA Voice – This path trains networking professionals in VoIP, including IP PBX, IP telephony, voicemail solutions, handsets, and call management. A CCNA Voice specialist may work as a voice engineer, voice administrator, or voice manager.
- CCNA Wireless – This path will teach you how to configure, install, and support wireless LANs using Cisco equipment. A CCNA Wireless expert can be a project manager and wireless support professional.
Despite the paths, you will be an expert in one of the seven networking fields after getting the CCNA certificate –
- Network security
- Network design
- Routing and switching
- Storage networking
- Service provider
- Wireless network
- Voice operations
How Do I Become CCNA Certified?
Passing Cisco Exam No.640-802 or two more tests with passing scores: ICND1 No.640-822 and ICND2 No.640-816 will get you a three-year CCNA certification.
You must pass the Cisco 200-301 CCNA test in order to become a CCNA-certified professional.
CCNA Exam Requirements
The test has no requirements, although Cisco states that CCNA applicants often have the following experience before taking the exam:
- A minimum of one year of experience with the implementation of Cisco solutions and products.
- Basic understanding of IP addressing.
- Understanding of network principles.
Why Do You Need the CCNA Certification?
If you are wondering, is the CCNA really worth it? We will say there are hundreds of reasons you need this certificate. If you want to be a networking professional, then certification is a must. Among many reasons, we will explain the major ones for getting the CCNA certification –
The Foundation for Additional Network Certificates
A CCNA certifies you for various additional Cisco certifications, including CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless, and other expert-level credentials such as CCNP. If you apply for a CCNA course, some educational institutions will offer up to six credits.
It Proves You Are Qualified
According to a recent Cisco poll conducted by Forrester Consultants,
- 49% of certifications and 51% of degrees make CCNA one of the important certifications for locating top talents all over the world.
Training and certification programs are important for attracting and hiring employees for specialized networking positions. Professional certificates were also mentioned as a close second to a four-year degree as a criterion for employment qualification.
It Improves Your Knowledge of Networking
Naturally, the process of obtaining your certification will broaden your knowledge and experience. No matter how long you’ve been in the profession, you will learn new things that will boost your career to the next level. Several developments in the sector will be visible as a result of the certification procedure.
It offers a Special Network for Learning
Believe it or not,
- The Cisco Learning Network was the first platform that used a social network for learning.
The social network is known as the “Web 2.0 Community”. The Cisco Learning Network was created for people with a variety of expertise levels who are interested in having a networking career. Anyone searching for certification, training, roadmaps, simulation labs, corporate internships, employee recruiting and recommendation, job postings, mentorship, and so on can be found in this network.
It Boosts Your Career
Including certificates on your resume will help you advance in your career. The CCNA certification is worldwide recognized, which means that your job will be applicable practically everywhere you go. If you are lucky, you can earn a raise after obtaining this certification.
It Has Employment Benefits
Anyone may attest that qualified experts are capable of working in any competitive industry as long as it is related to information technology. Certification shows the employer that you have the necessary knowledge and abilities.
Better Salary
CCNA certification can either increase your salary or help you get a higher-paying job. Many jobs in networking will require CCNA certifications. The following table will give you an overview of some jobs and their corresponding salaries –
| Job | Average Salary (US) |
| Senior network engineer | $116,165 |
| Network Engineer | $85,822 |
| Network administrator | $69,243 |
| Network Specialist | $64,430 |
| IT support specialist | $53,051 |
What’s on the CCNA Exam?
It is very important to know the syllabus of the CCNA examination. It will take approximately 120 minutes for the 200-301 CCNA exam to be over. The CCNA exam syllabus will be divided into the following topics –
- 25% will be from IP connectivity
- 20% will be from network fundamentals
- 20% will be from network access
- 15% will be from security fundamentals
- 10% will be from IP services
- 10% will be from automation and programmability
Who can join the CCNA exam now? There are no hard and fast rules for participating in the CCNA examination. However, Cisco suggests having one year of professional experience in implementing network products and understanding IP addresses, and networking principles.
How Much Does the CCNA Exam Cost?
The CCNA exam fee is $300, including tax. You may also pay for the test with Cisco Learning Credits. These are credits that a company has to buy in advance and then allow its employees to use on the Cisco platform however they see fit.
CCNA Courses and Training
There are many CCNA training and courses available online. On top of that, your college or university may come up with in-person classes that will prepare you for the CCNA exam. There are many options like –
- Cisco provides an online course called Implementing and Administering Solutions to help you pass the CCNA test. The tuition is $800.
- There are also CCNA courses and CCNA training from Coursera for a comprehensive introduction to networking, or you can select individual courses. Though the specialty will not expressly prepare you for the CCNA, you will learn much about computer networks.
CCNA vs Network+
There are other networking courses like the CCNA. The CompTIA Network+ certification is one of the more famous ones. Network professionals often try to obtain this certification to enhance their skills.
There are some differences between CCNA and Network+. The following table will give you some insights –
| CCNA | Network+ |
| To go deep into network materials, the CCNA certificate is a must. | Many believe it to be more fundamental than the CCNA. |
| CCNA only focused on implementing Cisco solutions and products. | Candidates for CompTIA Network+ are prepared to use any tool or product, regardless of the manufacturer. |
| The CCNA is more focused on the technical aspects. | Along with the technical aspects, Network+ improves business skills as well. |
Final Words
We assume we have covered everything regarding CCNA certification in this discussion. If you want to make your career in networking, there is no reason not to take this certificate. At the same time, you will learn about many networking topics that were unknown to you.
You should launch your networking career now, thinking that the sophistication of networking technologies predicts a global shortage of qualified professionals. And the CCNA certification will ensure a promising position for your career.
Thanks for reading this article. Please leave a comment below if you have any inquiries about CCNA certification.