If you are interested in pursuing a career in networking, you might have heard of CCNA. Investing in yourself by getting a professional certification is usually a good idea. One such course that may certify one’s expertise and further one’s career is the CCNA course.
Getting a CCNA is often the first step toward greater career opportunities, higher salaries, or more responsibility working with clients. In this blog post, we will assist you in your research have shared information related to the CCNA. We will cover everything you need to get a better understanding of what CCNA is, including its benefits, what subjects it covers, how much it costs, preparation tips, and more.
What is CCNA certification?
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate, and it is one of the most popular and widely recognized certifications in the IT industry. CCNA validates your skills and knowledge in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting network devices and technologies.
CCNA certification is highly regarded. Candidates who have attended CCNA course are more likely to get job offers, promotions, and client projects.
Benefits of CCNA certification
One of the greatest advantages of being CCNA-certified is being able to use Cisco’s credibility amongst rivals. Cisco is always committed to improving the quality of its products and services. Its market share and overall popularity have increased dramatically over time. When hiring for networking-related positions, companies give priority to candidates who hold Cisco certifications. Other advantages of obtaining a CCNA certification include the following:
- Adding value to your CV and making you stand out to companies that place a higher value on networking experience and certifications.
- Proving that you know what you’re doing in the networking industry and that you care enough to keep up with the newest developments in the area.
- Improving your confidence and credibility as a network engineer among colleagues and superiors.
- Your career options and earnings potential will increase by allowing you to pursue higher-level certifications and roles.
Requirements for CCNA certification
To obtain CCNA certification, you need to pass one exam: 200-301 CCNA. The exam covers a broader range of topics and reflects the evolving role of network professionals in the digital era.
The prerequisites for taking the exam are:
- Candidates need to be at least 18 years old, or if you are between 13 and 17, you must have your parent’s consent to participate.
- You should be comfortable with computers and be familiar with Windows, the Internet, and IP addresses.
- You should be familiar with concepts including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), Ethernet, TCP/IP, switching, routing, wireless networking, security, and automation.
CCNA certification cost in India is INR 24,000 – INR 27,000, and the exam duration is 120 minutes. You can schedule your exam through the Cisco website.
Exam format and topics
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, and others. The exam tests your knowledge and skills in six domains:
- Network Fundamentals (20%)
- Security Fundamentals (15%)
- IP Connectivity (25%)
- Network Access (20%)
- IP Services (10%)
- Automation and Programmability (10%)
You can find more details about the exam topics and objectives on the Cisco website.
Preparation tips for CCNA certification
To prepare for the exam, you should follow these tips:
- Review the exam topics and objectives and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Here candidates are suggested to go for CCNA courses for better outcomes. Study the official CCNA curriculum.
- Supplement your learning with resources from reputable sources, such as online courses, blogs, forums, etc.
- Practice your skills on real or simulated network devices and scenarios using tools like Packet Tracer or GNS3.
- Test your knowledge and readiness with mock exams and review your results and feedback.
- Plan your study schedule and stick to it. Allocate enough time for each topic and domain and review them regularly.
- Register for the exam when you feel confident and prepared. Review the exam policies and procedures before taking the exam.
Conclusion
CCNA certification is a valuable credential that can help you advance your career in networking. It proves that you have the skills and knowledge to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot network devices and technologies. To get CCNA certification, you need to pass one exam: 200-301 CCNA. This exam covers six domains: Network Fundamentals, Security Fundamentals, IP Connectivity, IP Services, Network Access, and Automation and Programmability. CCNA certification cost in India is around INR 24,000 to INR 27,000.
To prepare for the exam, you should study the official CCNA curriculum and can take the help of various online platforms that provides CCNA course. You should also practice your skills on real or simulated network devices and scenarios and test your knowledge with mock exams.
We hope this blog post has given you everything you need to know about CCNA certification. Good luck with your exam!
