A Cisco Network Associate has proven their ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot enterprise level router and switched networks. In addition, they are proficient in design implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. Some of the newer CCNA training also focuses on basic mitigation of security threats, as well as introduction to wireless networking and VoIP protocols. This makes a CCNA certified technician invaluable in the workplace.

The following Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) education and training steps will put you on the path towards acquiring your networking certification:

1. Study CCNA training manuals to prepare for the Cisco Network Associate exam.
2. Prepare for the CCNA exam with CCNA training courses.
3. Schedule the test to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order a CCNA study materials to bring yourself up to speed on the latest CCNA info

There are some highly reputable study guides the cover all of the CCNA information needed to pass the exams. If you are the type of person that can read and absorb information without needing the more structured instructor-led setting, this is a far cheaper way to get prepared.

I recommend: You can pick up a copy of the CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide at Wiley. InformIT offers the Exam Cram CCNA: Exam 640-802 study guide.

Attend a web-based or instructor-led CCNA boot camp

Cisco's official CCNA training classes are divided into two separate 40 hour courses--the ICND1 and ICND2. The ICND1 prepares you for exam 640-822, and the ICND2 prepares you for exam 640-816. If two separate courses are too much of a time commitment, certain Cisco Learning Partners offer CCNA boot camps. These boot camps combine the ICND1 and ICND2 into a single hands-on training and certification preparation experience.

I recommend: Look under Recommended Training for the CCNA on the Cisco Systems website. They offer the ICND1 and ICND2 courses in a variety of options, including web-based training, virtual classroom and classroom-only. New Horizons Worldwide offers a 5-day CCNA boot camp.

Put your CCNA certification training to use by scheduling your certification exam

There are a couple different exam routes you can choose to acquire your CCNA Credential. You can either pass tests 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2, or take the single CCNA 640-802 composite exam. The two-test option gives you the advantage of being able to study and test for the subject matter in multiple sittings.

I recommend: You can schedule to take your CCNA exams at Pearson Education. Get vouchers for discounts on your CCNA exam at Advanced Technology Group.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your CCNA certification is valid for three years, after which you have a few options. You can either re-take the CCNA or ICND2 exam, take and pass an exam for one of the Professional--such as the CCNP--or Specialist level certifications, or pass the CCIE written exam.

A reliable, stable and high-performance network needs a Cisco Certified Network Associate at the helm to monitor and maintain the state of the network. CCNA certification training provides the employee with the tools she needs to build, operate and troubleshoot your network, no matter what the size.

As a business owner or IT manager, you know that Cisco manufactures the most reliable and popular network equipment available. That network equipment doesn't maintain itself, however. You've got to have a Cisco network associate to run that equipment.

There are several ways to help your network personnel get CCNA training courses, including:

1. Send your network personnel to week-long CCNA boot camps which offer short but intense offsite CCNA training;

2. Purchase computer-based CCNA training courses that employees can use at their own pace; and,

3. Enroll your employees in CCNA training classes at local colleges or training centers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick a CCNA boot camp to rapidly educate your employees

CCNA boot camps can run from a single week to several weeks in length. Each component of the CCNA certification training may take place over several days. These camps have a high upfront cost but promise immediate results. They pack all the necessary CCNA information into a few short days.

I recommend: Check out the 14-day intensive CCNA boot camp from Unitek to get the fastest CCNA certification training possible. Consider the one-week course from K Alliance (formerly CBT Planet) that includes four months of access to their online CCNA resources.

Get information about CCNA training that's video- or computer-based for maximum versatility

If you can't afford to be without your network personnel for a week or two weeks at a time, video-based or computer-based training may be a better option for your company.

I recommend: Provide CCNA certification training for your organization with the all-access live training package from CDI Communications, Inc. If you prefer the video route, check out the packages offered by Train Signal.

Offer your personnel traditional educational programs to get their CCNA for maximum versatility

If you already offer your employees a tuition reimbursement plan, consider making CCNA certification a part of your employee's benefit package. Many colleges and universities offer degrees with CCNA certification as a component.

I recommend: Get your people into the University of Phoenix Associate of Arts program in Information Technology/Networking to earn the CCNA along the path to a degree. Find other courses via the Cisco Global Learning Partner Locator.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Certification is only one piece of the network reliability puzzle. Make sure your network personnel have real-world experience in addition to the CCNA certification.

If a business is relying on products from top tech seller Cisco to run their data centers or other operations, they will also want to rely on a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) to keep things running smoothly. Cisco has its own garden of proprietary lingo that professionals use in addressing the nuts and bolts of Cisco technology, and how individuals get trained for it to compete in the field. Knowing about some of the key terms for Cisco training and CCNA roles will help a business know more about this challenging job title.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Service-Oriented Network Architecture

The Service-Oriented Network Architecture, or SONA, is an idea that Cisco has put at the center of its approach to networking. A Cisco Certified Network Associate candidate should have an idea of the SONA principles and related design.

I recommend: See more about SONA at this Cisco page.

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (ICND)

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (ICND) is associated with Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician certification. Cisco refers to this as a first step in achieving Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

I recommend: See more on ICND at this internal page from Cisco for finding out how this beginning step would apply to a CCNA career.

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

A Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certification is another Cisco accreditation related to the CCNA.

I recommend: Take a look at this Cisco page to see how a Cisco Certified Design Associate or CCDA certificate would aid in the career of a CCNA.

CVOICE or Cisco Voice over IP

CVOICE or Cisco Voice over IP is another element of what a Cisco professional would take on as an additional learning step and eventual certification.

I recommend: View forums like this one at TechExams to see how the CVOICE exam might compare to a CCNA exam.

BGP

BGP is an exterior routing protocol that has some specific applications in various types of Cisco networking. Some experts claim that BGP will have applications at a CCNA level. This is just one of several networking protocols that a CCNA might want to have knowledge of.

I recommend: See this page from NetworkNewz for an example of how a professional CCNA trainer would direct students toward BGP.

Cisco Boot Camp

A Cisco Boot Camp is a popular option for training in Cisco technologies. A CCNA may go through a Cisco boot camp for a variety of accreditations.

I recommend: See more on a Cisco Boot Camp at sites like CCPrep.