With the discontinuation of the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certificate in February 2020, Cisco has stated that the enhanced Cisco Certified Networks Association (CCNA) would cover previously independent knowledge beginning February 24, 2020. Nonetheless, the associated CCNA concentration. The following are all different concentrations for CCNA 200-301 in particular:

• A CCNA Cloud
• CCNA Collaboration
• The CCNA Data Centre
• Cisco Certified Design Associate
• CCNA Industrial
• CCNA Routing and Switching
• The CCNA Security
• CCNA Service Provider
• A CCNA Wireless

For instance, if you are presently studying network design to obtain the CCDA certificate, you should get aware that the vital 200-301 CCNA degree will occupy the CCDA credential as of February 24, 2020.

Because of this substitution, CCNA candidates who had previously evaluated routing and switching might also be assessed on design principles, cloud technologies, collaboration technologies, security, wireless technologies, and other topics. In addition to subsections on wireless and wireless architecture, the current list of exam subjects also contains significant parts on automation, programmability, and security principles.

A Shift in Focus:

The 200-301 CCNA exam scores a departure from the previous CCNA tracks by consolidating various domains into a single, comprehensive exam. This change reflects the evolving demands of the networking industry, where professionals get expected to have a broad understanding of networking concepts and technologies. Instead of focusing on a specific technology stack, the new CCNA exam covers a wide range of topics, ensuring that candidates are well-rounded in their networking knowledge.

Embracing Fundamentals:

The new CCNA exam places a strong emphasis on networking fundamentals. It covers areas like network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. This shift gets designed to equip candidates with a solid foundation that can be applied across different networking environments, from traditional data centers to cloud-based infrastructures.

When Will the New CCNA Examination Be Available?

The existing CCNA 200-301 test must be examined--first, by Cisco's just-released certification roadmap before any modifications to the exam's structure may be made public. Based on Cisco's suggested roadmap, we may anticipate the release of a new CCNA test sometime in 2024, most likely in the summer or fall.

According to Cisco, this gets what we know about the new CCNA's review, update, and publication dates.

• The CCNA 200-301 test will get updated between February and April 2024.
• Any revisions to the CCNA test blueprint would get disclosed between May and July 2024.
• A new CCNA test would get released between August and October 2024.

The good news is that while the dates for each phase are provisional and open to change, you may sign up to get alerts from Cisco so you will get informed of any changes to the exam schedule.

You should be aware that Cisco can decide whether the existing 200-301 test doesn't require any revisions. That may indicate that no new CCNA test would get published in 2024. The CCNA's following evaluation session gets set to take place from February to April 2024.

What skills are needed to obtain a 200-301 CCNA certification?

Although no particular talents are needed to become CCNA certified, the following abilities will undoubtedly help you thrive in your career:

1. To create a safe IT network, possess a complete understanding of various network architectures and topologies.
2. Practical experience with wireless local area networks (WLAN), wide-area networks (WAN).
3. Management of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
4. The capacity to perform under pressure.

Regarding the new test:

There are around 120 questions on the whole on the single test 200-301. Routing and switching, security, wireless networking, and even basic programming principles are among the many subjects it covers. It might get taken at any Pearson VUE certification facility, like other Cisco certifications.

Prerequisites for 200-301:

The new test does not have any official prerequisites. Cisco does, however, provide the following advice:

• Possess knowledge of all test subjects
• Expertise with Cisco hardware and computer networking for a minimum of one year
• Solid knowledge of network principles

Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA) is the suggested training course that may get done at a Cisco academy. A training badge -is awarded upon successful completion of a training course.

Exam cost:

It costs $300 to take the 200-301 CCNA test.

Why Is a CCNA Certification from Cisco Important for Your Career?

Cisco is the industry benchmark coming to networking technology, and it always has been. For that reason, acquiring any Cisco certification is a sure thing. The CCNA certification attests to your expertise and capacity to commence your networking profession effectively.

The 200-301 exam currently administered tests fundamentals of networking, including:

• The IPv4 Subnetting
• Concepts of Cisco NAT and Base Configuration
• Establish network VLANs between servers, WAPs, and switches.
• Design, configure, and test wireless networks and security protocols.
• Describe the features of a network switch and discover where to find network devices.

Should You Wait for a New CCNA Exam or Take the Current 200-301 Exam?

Should you go along this path now that you have spent time and money studying for a CCNA specialization certificate, such as CCDA, or should you hold off until the new 200-301 exam is released? Cisco advises continuing with your progress. There are now more than six months remaining for you to complete the certification you are working on as of the writing of this article. You will receive a new CCNA certificate and a new training badge for the concentration you have attained after completing the concentration exam.

If you are worried about the exam retirement date and are presently studying for the 200-301 exam, don't freak out. If a new CCNA test is released, it won't be until well into 2024 before it becomes available. The information and abilities tested in the earlier exam will still get relevant even if the new exam contains revisions. Additionally, obtaining any certification shows a dedication to lifelong learning and maintaining your abilities.

Waiting till a new test is issued might be ok if you haven't begun preparing for the CCNA 200-301 exam or are still debating it. However, this CCNA 200-301 training will still be applicable and helpful as you get ready for the test if you want to jump-start your CCNA adventure.