Those who work in information technology look to expand their skills and increase their income and career opportunities.
They do this by seeking Cisco certification. Receiving your CCNA can provide you with more career opportunities and a better income.
You can choose to study on your own or onsite to acquire those coveted skills.
So, without further ado, let us start exploring the article.
What is a Cisco Certified Network Associate?
A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an information technology certification issued by Cisco. With this certification, you have the ability to configure, install, and troubleshoot both medium-sized routed and switched networks. Receiving your CCNA certification also means that you can train for a specialty in several certification fields, including:
• CCNA Data Center
• CCNA Routing and Switching
• CCNA Security
• CCNA Service Provider
• CCNA Voice
• CCNA Wireless
How Will a CCNA Help My Career?
If you love information technology and working on computers, then a CCNA will give you the boost that your career needs. Completing CCNA training means that you have the knowledge of installing, configuring, securing, and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches. Once you passed the exam, you can find other career opportunities that are of interest to you, including:
• Network Administrator
• Network Engineer
• Network Specialist
• System Administrator
• System Engineer
How to Get Your CCNA
There are two ways you can get your CCNA certificate. The first option is to pass the ICND1 and ICND2 exams. This is great if you’re familiar with computers, but you’re unsure of your future career goals in tech, or you don’t have time for the full CCNA training. Once you pass the ICND1 exam, you need to take the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification exam. Once you pass the CCENT and ICDN2 exams, you’re on your way to the CCNA certification.
The second option is to bypass the ICDN1 and ICDN2 exams and study for the CCNA exam. When you’re ready to take the exam, you’ll need to register at a time and location that’s appropriate for you. Prepare for the exam by taking your time with the coursework and reading every section carefully. Take plenty of notes and make sure you’re ready for test day.
How to Prepare for the CCNA Exam
When you’re ready to prepare for the CCNA exam, you’ll need to choose a learning style that works for you. There are two options to take the CCNA exam. You can take online courses, sit at onsite classrooms, or take a hybrid. This is great if you stay on top of your studies and know there are deadlines to be met.
The other option is to self-study on your own. This is a low-cost option for individuals who don’t have money or time to take classes. This allows you to study around your schedule, using a combination of practice tests, textbooks, and your very own home-based lab.
Regardless of which path you choose, you’ll about networking fundamentals, LAN switching, terminology, and routing concepts. You’ll still gain hands-on experience to achieve your CCNA certification.
Taking the CCNA Certification Exams
The CCNA exam can only be taken at authorized testing locations. You can register online at Pearson Vue up to six weeks in advance. That will give you plenty of time to prepare for the exam. While the exam is generally completed in two hours, your labs may take as long as eight hours to complete.
Since the CCNA certification is only valid for three years, you have to retake the CCNA certification exam. You have the option to pass the CCNA Specialist exam or complete an advanced program to be considered for re-certification. You don’t have to stop at your CCNA. You can get a CCIE to advance your IT career.
