A Guide to Cisco CCNA Certification
The Cisco Certification program is a series of examinations designed to prepare and test the individuals’ knowledge of various Cisco products. They offer a wide variety of certifications and training paths, all which generally starts at the Associate level. From here, individuals are able to a number of different examinations, one of which is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification.
The CCNA certification prepares a student with the ability to install, manage, and handle small to medium-sized route and switched networks. In addition to this knowledge, students are also given the skills to manage security threats to networks, as a well as exposure to terminology and fundamentals. Finally, the student is also able to learn about the wide range of protocols and IP-related concepts critical to network administration.
What to Know about Cisco CCNA Recertification
For individuals who are engaging in Cisco CCNA certification, it is important to keep in mind that they need to be recertified every few years. CCNA certifications are valid for three years, and individuals must retake a test in order to validate their expertise. Luckily, the individual is able to take one of a variety of different tests, including any CCNA, ICND2 exams, or any Cisco Specialist exams. Make sure that you take a test well before the certification expiration date, in order to keep skills as valid and relevant as possible.
CCNA Certification Paths
The CCNA is a general certification level that gives students a variety of skills related to network administration. However, within the CCNA level there are a number of paths that an individual can choose to specialize. The following are some of the more popular paths that students can choose to take:
CCNA Security:
The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security Certification grants the student with the ability to manage and maintain a secure Cisco network. In order to gain certification, the individual needs to prepare to test for a number of concepts and skills, such as recognizing threats to a network and maintaining integrity after a threat.
CCNA Service Provide Operations:
This particular certification tests the individual’s ability to work in a trouble shooting environment within a network infrastructure of a carrier class. While taking the curriculum, the student will gain skills related to performance management and configuration procedures, as wells as knowledge of the tools and protocols needed to pass the examination.
CCNA Voice:
The CCNA Voice Certification focuses predominantly on management of a voice network. Therefore, the student will engage in a curriculum that specializes on voice technologies. Throughout the course of the examination, the individual will be tested on vital skills needed for voice technology positions, such as voice engineer and voice manager.
CCNA Wireless:
Finally, the last specialized path within the CCNA Associate level is called the CCNA Wireless Certification. This certification validates the individuals’ ability to implement and manage wireless LANs. Upon passing the examination, the student is able to display their skill sets in supporting various wireless networks.
