Cisco CCNA certification explained
Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is an associate-level designation that shows that a candidate has a solid understanding of the basics of networking. This includes network access and security basics as well as automation and programmability.
Cisco's foundational certification is the CCNA.
A CCNA certification is a prerequisite for many associate-level jobs in networking, such as network administrator, network support technician, help desk technician, network administrator, and network administrator. There were previously 10 CCNA concentrations. These concentrated on the cloud, collaboration, and security as well as wireless. In February 2020, Cisco merged all its foundational networking certifications to create one comprehensive CCNA certification.
Why is a CCNA necessary?
A Robert Half survey involving more than 3,000 senior managers found that the CCNA was one of the most sought-after 15 technology certifications. It also serves as the entry point for two additional Cisco certifications, Cisco Certified Network Professional and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.
How to get started with CCNA
The CCNA certification is not subject to any formal requirements. Cisco states that CCNA candidates typically have at least one year of experience in implementing and managing Cisco solutions, as well as basic IP addressing knowledge. Cisco claims that the CCNA certification validates a person's knowledge and skills in network basics, network access, and IP connectivity. It also covers security fundamentals and automation.
While some of the information is specific to Cisco hardware products, the majority of the knowledge can be applied to all vendors. Gorenflo states that the way you configure a Cisco router might be different than how another vendor does it. You can learn the commands of another person's router and then use the same concepts.
What is the CCNA?
The CCNA covers three main topics: security, networking, and automation.
Cisco provides general guidelines to help you plan your content for the CCNA exam. Candidates might be asked to describe the functions and characteristics of various network topologies and answer questions related to network basics. Test-takers may be asked to set up and verify VLANs or configure components of a wireless access network for client connectivity to demonstrate a good understanding of network access.
Sections on security basics cover issues like defining key security concepts, configuring device access control with local passwords, configuring Layer 2 security features like DHCP snooping and dynamic ARP inspection and port security, as well as configuring and verifying access controls lists.
Candidates should be able, among other things, to make comparisons between traditional networks and controller-based networking to demonstrate their knowledge of automation. Test-takers might be asked to describe REST-based APIs and recognize configuration management mechanisms like Chef, Puppet, and Ansible.
How can you prepare for the CCNA exam?
If you prefer SPOTO offers official study materials through its online shop.
Although there are no prerequisites for the CCNA exam (or the study courses), test takers should have at least one year of experience using SPOTO products. They also need to be familiar with the basic concepts behind IP addresses and networking.
SPOTO provides practice questions to help you determine if your skills are up-to-date.
What happens next after you have become a CCNA?
Technology is constantly changing and networking is no exception. Capgemini's North American Cloud Edge Center of Excellence manager Carl Fugate says that technology is rapidly evolving and that networking is undergoing major transformations. He says that the tools and platforms on the market are fundamentally changing how we think about managing and implanting networks.
After the CCNA, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). This level offers a few specialization options, including CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security. CCNP Data Center, CCNP Collaboration, CCNP Service Provider, CCNP Collaboration, and CCNP Collaboration. There were previously eight certifications at the level. However, Cisco consolidated the CCDP Routing and Switching and CCNP Wireless certifications to one CCNP Enterprise last year.
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) follows CCNP. Six specializations are available: CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (CCIE Enterprise Wireless), CCIE Collaboration (CCIE Data Center), CCIE Security, and CCIE Service Provider.
It is the same set as before 2022 except that CCIE Routing and Switching is now CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Wireless CCIE Enterprise Wireless.
Furthermore
When choosing a certification, you should consider your market and current skills. SPOTO's online IT training classes can refresh your skills and provide official testing materials. You are ready to elevate your career.
Recommended Reading:
