Many IT professionals starting out their careers are drawn towards entry-level IT certifications such as the CCNA Certification for networking. Such exams help professionals gain foundational knowledge of computer networking. If this field interests you, or related fields such as digital media and animation are of particular interest – in this article we discuss what a Certified Cisco Network Associate certificate entails as well as its benefits and how one may be obtained.
What Is A CCNA Certification?
A Certified Cisco Network Associate CCNA Certification demonstrates professionals’ fundamental network expertise. Classes cover subjects such as automation, programmability, core security knowledge, and IP services. The certification comes in various forms and specializations – many CCNA-certified individuals hold roles such as help desk technicians, network engineers, network administrators, or support specialists.
Although no formal requirements exist for this certification, Cisco suggests having at least a year of experience using their solutions before enrolling in any course. They also encourage applicants to gain a basic knowledge of network principles such as IP addresses. Every three years it is necessary for professionals who hold this credential to renew their credential by either passing a qualifying exam or earning 30 continuing education credits.
Here Are Steps on How To Achieve CCNA Certification:
Gain Experience:
Gaining experience is crucial before embarking on computer networking certification. Some professionals pursue degrees in information technology or computer science before going for this credential; alternatively, institutions offer short introductory courses about networking and IT-related subjects to prepare people without degrees for certification exams. With regards to academic degrees related to technology subjects typically providing some core understanding, having such degrees may prove advantageous when taking exams related to them.
Employment in computer networking can provide invaluable experience. From working as a network administrator, computer systems analyst or technical support professional – to interning and gaining real world experience as part of academic courses – employment in this sector offers something for everyone. You may even be able to discover work through social media platforms, career fairs, local community groups and job boards!
Review Exam Topics:
To give yourself an accurate idea of which subjects to focus on for this certification exam, review key exam topics before beginning training for it. Each CCNA Certification exam consists of six fundamental principles with different weighting for each topic covered; see here for a list of these topics and weightages:
20 Percent Network Fundamentals Network Access (20 percent), IP connectivity (25%), and 10 percent security fundamentals occupy 20 Percent of Network Fundamentals for assessment by an organisation, whilst 15 Percent pertain to Security Fundamentals as well as 10 percent Automation/programmability
Prep for the Test:
You can take online training classes to prepare for the CCNA exam. Cisco provides several programs, courses and resources which may help you pass this examination; one year’s worth of lectures, laboratories, webinars and assignments is accessible to subscribers of their Digital Learning service, with qualified instructors also making themselves available as community networks where students may interact directly. Alternatively, local technical institutions might offer classes.
Before enrolling, take into account the duration, location and cost of a program. If attending classes in person, make sure that a regular commute is possible by finding out where it will take place in advance. Self-guided programs usually give access to training materials for one year; instructor-guided programs generally range from days or weeks up to several months depending on resources offered by each instructor-led training programme – the cost may also depend on this variable based on what topics and resources most training programmes include in their programs:
Take a Practice Exam:
One of the final steps in preparing for a certification test is taking practice exams. After attending various training courses, many people decide to take numerous practice examinations as a final step to preparation. By practising answering similar questions within given time limits and responding to similar ones in timed fashion can help prepare you for actual examination day and identify areas requiring further practice or review. Cisco offers an affordable package which contains lab exercises and 300 sample questions in their practice exam package for this purpose.
Since CCNA Certification offers various concentrations, try finding specific practice examinations that focus on your speciality area. Such practice tests typically contain content that goes deeper into this particular niche of interest. A standard practice test should suffice if preparing for the generic CCNA exam; take practice exams a week or two prior to sitting for the actual exam to reflect upon and utilise experiential insights effectively for preparation.
Scheduling and Taking the Official Exam:
To prepare for and take the official CCNA exam, schedule it on Cisco or Pearson VUE’s websites up to six weeks ahead. When ready, go directly to an in-person Pearson VUE testing location or take an online proctored exam; both require reliable internet connections with calm environments for taking proctored exams – for online proctored exams you need a computer with webcam, proctoring software from Pearson VUE proctoring service, government identification verification for eligibility purposes before beginning an exam proctored online exam is administered by experts across the nation at accredited testing locations nationwide.
Recertify Every Three Years:
A CCNA Certification lasts three years. Every three years, to maintain it you need to either take a recertification exam or submit continuing education credits – you can earn these by participating in activities like additional training courses or attending additional recertification catalog guides offered by Cisco online. It is your responsibility to track your certification status and complete recertification activities on schedule by signing in to your Cisco account regularly and monitoring this information.
What Are The Advantages Of Earning A CCNA Certification?
Earning a CCNA certification demonstrates to prospective employers that you possess specialized computer networking knowledge, abilities, and expertise – giving those holding such credentials priority when hiring decisions are being made. Other advantages may include:
Gain Accelerated Career Growth:
For experienced applicants, earning the CCNA certification can accelerate career advancement. The networking industry offers many professional development opportunities whether you are just starting out or considering switching industries altogether. Government agencies and businesses regularly seek qualified network engineers due to their rapid expansion.
Improved Salary and Perks:
Certification can prepare you to succeed when seeking to advance in a firm, or when expecting an appraisal shortly. Completion of this certification could make you eligible for administrative positions, higher pay, and extended benefits; not to mention increased employability due to its rising demand.
Increased Prominence within Your Team:
Earning a Cisco certification can provide an edge over non-certified professionals working in similar roles. Achieve admiration and respect in IT/Networking could entice business leaders and managers to consider you for leadership roles within a team of IT professionals, programmers, developers and testers.
Tips For Earning The CCNA Certification:
Below are a few strategies to help you earn this credential:
- Create flashcards and notes. In preparation for any test, flashcards can help make studying easy no matter where the testing site may be. By keeping a record of frequently asked questions and terms on flashcards, these portable resources make studying easier than ever before taking your exam.
- Use various study resources. Employ multiple study aids such as practice exams, training sessions, and lab tests in your studies.
- Arrive early. If you plan to take the test in person, arrive early so that you are comfortably settled before the examination starts. Use this time wisely by reviewing flashcards or notes from personalized study resources you created specifically for this test.
