CCNA

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is an entry-level information technology (IT) certification offered by Cisco Systems. CCNA certification is widely recognized in the IT industry as the foundational step for careers in IT positions and networking roles.[1][2]

Cisco exams routinely change in response to evolving IT trends.[3] In 2020, Cisco announced an update to its certification program that "Consolidated and updated associate-level training and certification."[4] Cisco has consolidated the previous different types of Cisco-certified Network Associate with a general CCNA certification.[5]

The exams content covers proprietary technology such as Cisco IOS and its associated command-line interface commands. Cisco along with third-party learning partners offer multiple training methods to achieve certification. Training methods include virtual classroom, in-person classroom, and book-based learning. Free alternatives are also available, such as community sourced practice exams and YouTube video lectures.

Exam

To achieve a CCNA certification, candidates must achieve a passing score on a proctored Cisco exam No. 200-301.[6] After completion of the exam, candidates receive a score report along with a score breakdown by exam section and the score for the given exam.[7]

The exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network devices. The exam covers a broad range of fundamentals, including network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.[8]

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take the CCNA certification exam. However, if the learning curve is too steep, another starting point of Cisco networking qualifications is the CCST (Cisco Certified Support Technician) in Networking, IT Support, or Cybersecurity.

Expiry

The CCNA Certification expires after three years. Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass the same or higher level Cisco re-certification exam(s) every three years.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ "What Is the CCNA? An Entry-Level Networking Certification". Coursera. 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  2. ^ "Cisco CCNA (200-301): A certification which can change your world". FREE UK Press Release Distribution. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
  3. ^ "Cisco author says new CCNA exam undergoes largest change ever | TechTarget". Networking. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  4. ^ "Cisco Training and Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Cert News: New Cisco Certifications Coming in 2020". CBT Nuggets Blog. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  6. ^ "Exam Profile: Cisco 200-301 CCNA | | Pearson IT Certification". www.pearsonitcertification.com. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  7. ^ "Certification Exam Policies". Cisco. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  8. ^ "Top 5 certifications in IT infrastructure for beginners". techtarget.com.
  9. ^ "Recertification Policy". Cisco. Retrieved 2019-12-01.


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