Cisco offers a certified program known as Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA). As a prominent provider of IT network equipment, Cisco designs and manufactures all products in-house. Check out this helpful guide to know all about the Cisco certification in detail.
What is the CCNA Certification?
CCNA certifications validate an individual's knowledge, skill, and expertise in fixing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks. Moreover, a Cisco CCNA certification is the foundational level course for Network Engineers. Therefore, after gaining the basic skills, CCNA is considered a reputable certification by other vendors, like Juniper, HP, and Dell.
The CCNA course covers the following topics:
- network fundamentals
- Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity
- network access
- IP services
- automation and programmability
- security fundamentals
Hence, in a world where businesses depend on IT services to operate efficiently and profitably, CCNA professionals offer information technology support, ensuring adequate performance of network devices, like routers, switches, and firewalls.
Who Can Apply for CCNA?
Candidates for the CCNA exam don't have to meet any formal qualifications. Thus, it is a perfect option for new graduates since companies also hire Network Engineers who are CCNA certified, irrespective of their experiences.
Exam Structure
To prepare successfully for the exam, it is necessary to know what to expect.
- ICDN1 – It consists of 40-50 questions, with a 90-minute time limit
- ICDN2 – It includes 40 to 50 questions within a time frame of 75 to 90 minutes
- Combined CCNA – It includes 45 to 55 questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes
- These tests are designed to determine a candidate's ability to set up, configure, and troubleshoot networks. After passing the exams with an 80% or higher score, the certification is valid for three years.
What happens if a candidate fails to pass the Examination?
Like most certification exams, not everyone will pass the test on their first attempt although you can take it as many times as you like. Another aspect to consider is the CCNA certification cost, as most people may find reapplying several times to be extremely expensive.
