The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a professional certificate obtained by those who wish to pursue a career in networking.
Cisco has combined this certification, formerly known as CCNA, with their Routing and Switching certification, renaming it CCNA Routing & Switching. The reasons they updated their certifications was to keep in line with both the job market, as well as Cisco’s evolving technologies.
Understanding the basics of networking and switching, VoIP, ACLs, and other aspects of the industry is important in order to adequately support the IT department of any corporation or company, no matter how large or small.
Below is some information that might help you as you seek to know more about the CCNA, how it can benefit you in the work environment, whether or not the exam is right for you, how to prepare, and what you can do with it one you’ve passed the test.
Benefits of Being a CCNA
Certifications in general are great for proving professional know-how, no matter what field you’re in. Many people believe that obtaining a certification is just a way for the company certifying you to make money; but this is actually rather far from the truth. In actuality, most certifications are built around a set of knowledge and skills that are required of people in various professions. By passing an exam that tests these skills – one written by a reputable company – you can demonstrate to potential employers, corporate networking associates, and others, that you obtain a certain level of skill and expertise in a given area.
When it comes to networking, knowing the basics is extremely important, and having the CCNA certification shows that you have taken the necessary steps to demonstrate your competence in a number of areas. With just one line on your resume or one certificate, you can prove to your boss, a hiring manager, or a potential corporate networking contact that you have the skills necessary to carry out basic networking functions.
You also make yourself stand out of the crowd when you go to apply for jobs, and you can often demand higher pay because of your certification. It’s also a way to challenge yourself intellectually, helping you stay ahead of the game and allowing you to learn about the current trends in your field. Of course, you can also learn more about networking in general, which provides you with practical knowledge you can use on a daily basis while on the job.
Is the CCNA Right For You?
Not every certification is for everyone, even if you’re in the field. So to understand or determine whether or not the CCNA is right for you, you should have a good understanding of who the CCNA was designed for. If you are or are hoping to be an administrator for Windows and Linux networks, the CCNA can help you understand the network at a higher level, and help you solve problems more efficiently and expeditiously.
You can also communicate more effectively with the IT department, helping to resolve issues and improve functionality. Additionally, if you are a salesperson in the technology field or a project manager, the CCNA can help you speak intelligently with the people to whom you’re trying to sell products and services. If it’s clear you don’t know much about what they do, how can they trust you to recommend the right product?
But if you can demonstrate that you know the industry, the systems with which they work, and the basics about the products they use, you can build trust and a solid business relationship. Of course, IT managers should also consider the CCNA, as it can help them to communicate effectively with network administrators, fill in for network personnel who may be absent, and understand how networks work, making them more equipped to suggest solutions and make recommendations.
Preparing For the CCNA Routing and Switching
You should have some amount of network experience, or at least experience in the work environment you hope to settle in, before taking the CCNA. In order to prepare for the test, though, you’ll first have to take the CCENT.
In fact, the CCENT is the only prerequisite certification you need for the CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless, CCNA Security, and CCDA certifications. Another effective way to make sure you are prepared is by taking training courses, like the classes found at http://www.countrywidetraining.com/certification/cisco/ccna.
You can also print out some helpful information from Cisco by visiting their website.
In answer to this, Cisco Press has created two new Official Cert Guides, which have been fully updated for the latest CCNA exams. The guides include preparation hints and test-taking tips, which will help candidates identify areas of weakness and improve both conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills:
Cisco CCENT / CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide Premium Edition eBook and Practice Test (9780133367881).
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching ICND2 200-101 Official Cert Guide Premium Edition eBook and Practice Test (9780133367713).
A Step in the Process
Obtaining your CCNA is just a step in the process as you move towards your ultimate career goals. While the certification alone isn’t always enough to land a job, it is a good way to back up your experience in the field, and put you in a prime position to excel in the field of networking.
Other Cisco certifications are available for various specializations, as well, but all of them require the CCNA. So by obtaining this certification, you’re opening the door to a wide range of opportunity for yourself in the job market.
Travis Adams is an experienced IT manager. He enjoys blogging about success and innovations in the industry.