CCENT

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician certification popularly known as CCENT certification is an entry-level networking program offered by Cisco. It is the initial step for candidates willing to pursue Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. CCENT certification validates the skills required for network support positions. Network support position is the starting point for many successful careers in networking. CCENT certified professionals possess the knowledge and skills to install, troubleshoot and operate a small enterprise branch network, which includes network security.

The program is a gateway which will open up a plethora of opportunities for candidates willing to pursue their careers in networking. Being a Certified Entry Networking Technician from Cisco means that a candidate has taken the first step toward CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) certification which will help you stand out of the crowd in the field of networking.

The certification will further boost your confidence and prepare you for more advanced level certifications in networking like CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional). A number of Cisco training programs are available that feature the coursework in current Cisco networking technologies. 

CCENT certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, pass ONE of the following exams before the certification expiration date:

• Pass the current ICND1 exam, or
• Pass any current Associate-level exam or
• Pass any current 642-XXX Professional-level or any 300-XXX Professional-level
• Pass any current 642-XXX Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams or MeetingPlace Specialist exams, Implementing Cisco TelePresence Installations (ITI) exams, Cisco Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction exams or any 650 online exams), or
• Pass any current CCIE Written Exam, or
• Pass the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam, or
• Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review to extend lower certifications.

Candidates willing to pursue Cisco Certified Entry Networking Techniciancertification program need to possess the below enlisted skills:

In addition, candidates pursuing CCENT certification to seek job opportunities in Routing & Switching technology require the below enlisted skillsets.

The curriculum includes Cisco switches, routers, basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance based skills. The curriculum also covers the use of the following protocols: the TCP/IP and OSI models; IP addressing; WAN technologies; operating and configuring IOS devices; implementing and routing between VLANs, IPv6, OSPF, ACLs; implementing NAT, PAT and DHCP; and configuring simple networks.

Aspirants who wish to join the networking industry need to have in-depth knowledge of various networking techniques and strategies. The certification lays the foundation for job roles such as network administrator, network engineer or network specialist. Candidates gain knowhow installing, monitoring and troubleshooting network infrastructure. However, CCENT certification open plethora of opportunities for candidates to pursue other professional Cisco certifications like CCNA, CCT, CCNP.