Cisco CCNA Certification – About CCNA Certification Exam and Training

A Cisco CCNA certification, or Certified Network Associate certification, is the first step in Cisco certifications. From a CCNA certification, you move up to “Professional” levels and then to “Expert”. Cisco certification training can be completed at a college or university. While many schools offer courses on campus, more and more universities are also offering courses online.

A CCNA certification shows that you have the networking skills and abilities that many businesses want and even require. It increases your chances of being selected for the best jobs and can also mean an increase in your salary. But training is a must to gain the skills required for certification. When you enroll in a CCNA training program, you’ll learn basic networking skills, including:

• Design
• Facility
• Setting
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance
• Management
• Both IP and non-IP networks

Information technology is constantly growing and expanding. This makes a career in network administration a smart choice. The demand for skilled personnel is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade due to rapid advances in information technology. A Cisco Certified Network Associate has the potential to earn more and choose the best jobs, especially if you continue to work your way up and earn more Cisco certifications.

To earn a Cisco CCNA certification, individuals must be able to pass the CCNA exam, where they must demonstrate an understanding of the following skills:

• A basic history of networks
• Basic network design
• OSI reference model
• LAN and WAN, Ethernet and VLAN
• Ip address
• TCP/IP ARP, RARP, BOOTP, and ICMP protocols
• Routing protocols, routers, bridges and switches
• Cisco IOS (Internet Operating System)
• Network security and management.

There are several ways to prepare for the CCNA exam. You can study through one of Cisco’s official learning partners, at a university or college, or online. Your employer may offer training for their employees, so it would be a good idea to check. One of the online study options is the Cisco e-learning system, which offers a large number of study materials and practice tests for free. You can learn what you need to know to get your CCNA certification.

When you take the CCNA exam, expect to spend about two hours. You must answer approximately 80% of the questions correctly to pass the exam and receive your certification. There are approximately 78 questions on the exam. There is a fee to take the test. It is usually $100 and must be paid before the exam or on the day of the exam. The CCNA certification, however, is valid for three years. If you want to recertify, you can take an official recertification exam at the end of three years.

There are three certificates that Cisco offers. The first rung on the networking ladder is the CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate certificate. This level is best suited for entry-level network workers, field technicians, and help desk engineers. The second rung on the networking ladder is CCNP, Cisco Certified Network Professional. Network administrators and network technicians with a bit of experience under their belts benefit the most from this level. The last rung on the networking ladder is the CCIE, Cisco, Certified Internetwork Expert. This is the highest level of certification, and senior network administrators benefit the most from it.

Earning a Cisco CCNA certification can be the gateway to a lucrative and rewarding career. Your future is waiting.