What is CCNA Certification and Why You Need One
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Introduction
With today's advancement in technology, the knowledge and skills required for Network Engineers are expanding significantly. As of this writing, Enterprises are doing their best to adopt to the 'programmable nature of network architectures'.
To remain competitive, every company must take advantage of the technology. This follows that IT professionals should be abreast with the advancement as well. Becoming complaisant is the biggest mistake that one takes on this fast pacing technology trend.
Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Technologies, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are some of the evolving technologies that every company needs to adopt to remain competitive. With this, Network Engineers role and skills required of a core network engineer are evolving and more vital than ever.
What is CCNA?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is an information technology (IT) certification from Cisco. It's an associate-level Cisco Certification.
To become a Network Engineer, this is one (if not the best) way to start a networking career. To be more specific, CCNA Routing and Switching (CCNA R&S) career.
Individuals should be at least 13 years old to qualify for the exam. Below 17 years old though requires a parental consent. 18 years old or older are eligible without restriction or consent.
Options To Be CCNA-certified
To earn CCNA R&S certification, you can take one of two options:
OPTION 1: CCNA Composite
Exam Code: 200-125 CCNA
Covers:
- Network fundamentals
- LAN switching technologies
- IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies
- WAN technologies
- Infrastructure Services
- Infrastructure Security
- Infrastructure Management.
OPTION 2: ICND1 and ICND2
Exam Code: 100-105 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)
Covers:
- Network fundamentals
- LAN Switching Technologies
- Routing Technologies
- Infrastructure Services
- Infrastructure Maintenance.
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Exam Code: 200-105 ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)
Covers:
- LAN Switching Technologies
- IPv4 and IPv6 Routing Technologies
- WAN Technologies
- Infrastructure Services
- Infrastructure Maintenance
Exam Cost
As of this writing, CCNA Composite exam cost US$325 and US$165 both for ICND1 & ICND2 exams.
Offered in English though Japanese and Arabic are options but needs to be verified in Pearson Vue. Need to sign-up for a user web account if you are new.
Why Do You Need A CCNA Certification?
Here are some of the top reasons why you want to be CCNA-certified. The list below are an excerpt from The Cisco Learning Document article.
You’ll Be Certified by the Networking Leader
Certification Is the Foundation That Networking Careers Are Built Upon
Certification Gives You More Career Options
Certification Prepares You for Network Evolution in the Digital Era
Certification Helps You Stand Out with Your Employer
Certification Helps Increase Your Paycheck
Questions?
Hoping this posts gives you more reasons on why you need to have that coveted CCNA R&S certification.
Let me know if you have any questions by commenting below. I'll do my very best to answer your queries.
