Cisco CCNA certifications: common info

Certification: Cisco CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate

The famous Cisco certification has now been internationally awarded as one of the most prestigious exams designed in the network industry. The Cisco certification exams are based on three levels; entry, associate and professional level. Each level is designed to challenge the capabilities and understanding of the skills of candidates regarding the network solutions and Cisco based services and products. The CCNA exam is the associate and one of the most prominent exams by Cisco that has most of the international attention. Organizations globally working under the virtual networking solutions by Cisco are in search of professionals who have attained this certification.

This certification exam tests the basic knowledge of the candidate about the networking concepts. So, the certification holders are known to have the fundamental knowledge of the basic networking concepts. This certification as mentioned above covers the concepts of configuration, installation, implementation, troubleshooting and operations of Cisco products and service issues.

The candidates who are able to successfully attain this certification are then automatically recognized for their skills and knowledge in the Industry. The importance of the certification can be recognized by the fact that most organizations now demand that the candidates who apply for several job posts in IT industries should hold this credential. As designed for testing the skills and knowledge related to current and advance network technologies.

The certification exam as holds great importance in the networking field secures good and high post job roles in the industry. Candidates who are able to have this certification can expect a good raise and promotions if they keep updating their credential. There are several job positions internationally reserved for CCNA holders like the following:

- Network designers

- Network specialists

- Network engineers

- Network administrators

- Support engineers

- Data center administrators

As mentioned above, the main purpose of this exam is to check if the candidate is able to understand the complexities of the concepts of networking technologies. It confirms that an individual fully understands the fundamentals of troubleshooting, installing, operating and configuring Cisco products and services for a small to medium sized branch network. For the individual who is able to clear the certification exam, it is a proof of his/her cabilities and understanding of all these subjects.

The exam of CCNA covers a vast range of topics based on the networking field. So, the exam is based on these concepts. Any candidate who opts for this exam must be familiar with the following concepts and subjects of networking:

- Verification and configuration of network security

- Verification and configuration of VLANs

- Identification, recognition and operation of IP data network and network protocols

- The selection of the right network devices

- Operation and identification of IPv4 and IPv6

- Configuration, verification and identification of WAN technology

- Routing and switching operations and configuration

- Installation and troubleshooting of routers and switches

There are several other fields that are linked with the CCNA certification exam. Networking field and the CCNA exam specifically works under the following list of topics. These are also known as the pathways. The candidates can select from the following pathways:

• CCNA Data Center
• CCNA Service Provider
• CCNA Routing and Switching,
• CCNA Service Provider Operations
• CCNA Wireless
• CCNA Video
• CCNA Security,
• CCNA Voice,

As the CCNA exam has no pre requisites or set requirements. Any student with a formal education of 12 years is eligible to take this exam. It is however a must suggestion that the candidates select some experience in the field to be successful in first attempts of the exam.

Required exams: There are no required exams for the CCNA exam. The candidates will not be asked to opt for a pre exam other than the CCNA exam itself. There will be a written that candidates will have to clear in order to get this certification.

Required courses: There are no fixed or required course. The Cisco experts suggest to take the basic training provided by Cisco before taking this exam. The suggested training includes E learning, video training and the ICND part 1 and 2 course exams. However, you will still be eligible for the exam without these courses.

Study materials: Cisco provides all the information about the topics and course outline on its official website. The candidates who register for the exam are automatically subscribed and can have access to the information available on their page. Cisco also provides E learning, CCNA notes, and other hand outs and practice sessions of lab training.