Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an IT certification program for the individuals with basic knowledge of Networking and further proves as a foundation course for higher level Cisco certifications like CCNP and CCIE. The foundation course helps enhance and increase one's investment in basic level networking knowledge and hence increase the value of their employer's network. CCNA Routing & Switching is designed for all the Network Specialists, Network Administrators, and Network Support Engineers with 1-3 years of experience. The CCNA Routing & Switching proves one's ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.
As this is a basic or an entry level course, therefore, no prerequisites are required to kick start the same.
The Cisco exams have been changing ever since and Cisco reported yet another update to its certification program that arranges together a certification and training syllabus with evolving industry job roles and titles. Today there are various kinds of Cisco certified Network Associates based on three different technologies i.e. CCNA Routing & Switching, CCNA, Security, and Voice/Collaboration, data centers, service providers, video, voice, and wireless.
Cisco has its various learning partners where they serve training using different training methods like Classroom Training, Online Training, Trainer-On-Demand, and One-on- One Training where training provided is influential using Real Cisco Devices.
To achieve certification in CCNA Routing & Switching, one must appear for Cisco exam #200-120 and should have a passing score on the same or integrated passing scores on both the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices - ICND1 #100-101 and ICND2 #200-101; both the exams will also do. Clearing the ICND1 provides an aspirant with the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification. Statistical analysis is performed in order to set the Passing scores which are subject to change. On the exam completion, candidates receive a score report alongside a score breakout by the exam board and the passing score for the given exam.
The below-mentioned resources are suggested study materials:
1) Cisco E-Learning for ICND1
2) CCNA Routing and Switching Study and Troubleshooting Sessions with André 3)Laurent (3x CCIE and CCDE)
4) Cisco Learning Labs for CCNA Routing and Switching
5) Cisco Press Authors - IT Training Videos for CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE Candidates
6) Cisco E-Learning for CCNA Routing and Switching One-Year Subscription
Exam #200-120 CCNA is a composite exam corresponding to the Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching certification which validates a candidate's knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network.
The topics have the fair inclusion of a WAN connection, implementation of network security, network types, network media, routing and switching basics, the TCP/IP & OSI models, IP addressing, WAN technologies, configuring & operating IOS devices, extending switched networks with VLANs, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic with access lists, establishing point-to-point connections, and establishing Frame Relay connections.
The Certification has been devised by Cisco and proves a professional's ability to plan, understand, configure, troubleshoot, and operate a medium-level switched Network.