Updated on Nov 18, 2024 10:07 IST
Rashmi Karan

Rashmi KaranManager - Content

Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification Course; popularly known as CCNA certification is Cisco's most well-known certification. It is one of the most searched career credentials in the technology industry. Being a CCNA certified professional can be one of the significant initial steps towards a promising career in the technology industry.

There are a variety of Cisco training programs and specialised degree programmes including coursework in Cisco organizing. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification enables the programmers to install, design, operate and trouble route and switch systems. CCNA certified experts can make connections with remote sites by means of a wide area network (WAN), moderate essential system security threats, and comprehend basic systems administration concepts and terminology.

Thus, going by the above information it is apparent that selecting a CCNA certification course is bound to open up a plethora of opportunities for aspirants in the technology industry. However, it is worth knowing some important aspects of this course. The course is as important in the technology industry as learning alphabets and sentence framing are in the English Language. CCNA is a virtual gateway to networking as it explains the fundamental concepts very clearly.  

Table of Contents

  1. CCNA Eligibility Criteria 

Table of Contents
  1. CCNA Eligibility Criteria 
  2. Required Skillset for CCNA
    • 2.1 Each of the 8 CCNA Skillsets are given in the below table:
  3. Curse Curriculum for CCNA
  4. Important FAQs regarding CCNA

CCNA Eligibility Criteria 

Aspirants with bachelor’s degrees in Information Science, Computer Science or Engineering can pursue CCNA certification programmes.

Even though CISCO CCNA has no pre-necessities, the CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification is a decent beginning stage to prepare for the further developed CCNA accreditation. CCENT is acquired by passing the initial segment of the interconnecting CISCO Networking Devices exam. The ICND1 course and exam are additionally required for CCNA accreditations. 

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Required Skillset for CCNA

CCNA certification program comprises 8 Skillset groups sorted into 21 Skill gatherings. Every expertise group is made of different levels that rise in difficulty and get improvised as you gain knowledge in that particular group.

In addition to these, CCNA requires some key skills, namely, communication skills, troubleshooting skills, organizational skills, customer service skills, analytical skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to use industry-specific tools.

Each of the 8 CCNA Skillsets are given in the below table:

Technology

Proven Professional Competence

Applicable Cisco Certification

Data Center

Foundational knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining data centers.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center)

Design

Ability to design network infrastructures and services.

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

Routing and Switching

Ability to install, monitor and troubleshoot network infrastructure products.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA Routing and Switching)

Security

Knowledge on developing a security infrastructure, recognizing network vulnerabilities, and mitigating security threats.

 

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)

Service Provider

Knowledge of Service Provider industry core networking technologies and trends, and the ability to configure and implement baseline Service Provider Next-Generation networks.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP)

Video

Knowledge of deploying video end-points, setting up new users, and operating networked video solutions.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Video (CCNA Video)

Voice/Collaboration

Knowledge of VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice)

Wireless

The ability to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless)

 

 

Curse Curriculum for CCNA

The CCNA Routing and switching educational module is a gateway to entry-level systems administration. The educational programs comprise four 70 hour courses as enlisted below:  

  • Introduction to Networks

  • Routing and Switching Essential

  • Scaling Networks

  • Connecting Networks

The initial 2 courses set you up for the CISCO CCENT accreditation exam. Each of the 4 courses are prescribed before taking the CISCO CCNA Routing and Switching certification exam.

Job Profiles After Completing CCNA Certification

Aspirants who wish to join the networking industry need to have in-depth knowledge of various networking techniques and strategies.

CCNA Certified professionals have a plethora of opportunities before them. After completing their course, aspirants can work at the following job roles.

Job Roles

Proven Professional Competence

Applicable Cisco Certification

Data Centre

Data Center Network Administrator

Years of experience: 1-3

Foundational knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining data centers.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center)

Design

Network Design Engineer

Network Design Technician

Support Technician

Years of experience: 1-3

Ability to design network infrastructures and services.

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

Routing & Switching

Entry-Level Network Engineer

Help Desk

Network Administrator

Years of experience: 0-2

Manage a small, enterprise branch network.

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Security

Service Provider Network Engineer

Service Provider Network and Support Technician

Service Provider System Engineer, Field Engineer

Service Provider Network Designer, Planner, Implementer, Optimizer, and Support Personnel

Years of experience: 1-3

Knowledge of Service Provider industry core networking technologies and trends, and the ability to configure and implement baseline Service Provider Next-Generation networks.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP)

Service Provider

Network Security Specialist

Security Administrator

Network Security Support Engineer

Years of experience: 1-3

Ability to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)

Video

AV Installer

Video Technician

Video Administrator

Video Media Operator

Years of experience: 1-3

Knowledge to deploy video end-points, set-up new users, and operate networked video solutions.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Video (CCNA Video)

Voice Collaboration

Voice Technologies Administrator

Years of experience: 1-3

Knowledge of VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice)

Wireless

Network Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Manager

System Engineer

Network Designer

Project Manager

Program Manager

Sales and Marketing

Years of experience: 1-3

Ability to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks.

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless)

Q. What are the basics of CCNA?

A. CCNA professional deals with the operation and installations related to LAN, WAN & other network services. Apart from these, a CCNA professional also has some other key skills such as communication skills, troubleshooting skills, organizational skills, customer service skills, analytical skills. CCNA professional is also familiar with Microsoft Office suite and the ability to use industry specific tools.

Q. Is CCNA a good career option?

A. Yes, CCNA certification will help the candidate grab a good job opportunity. The CCNA course certification will validate the candidate’s networking skills and will help him/her in getting into the right job profile or option. It’s an initial level Cisco certification and has a great demand in the IT industry.

Q. Can I do self-study at home to pass CCNA?

A. Students can study for the CCNA exam at home. There are many options available online to prepare for CCNA. Candidate can also try official e-learning by Cisco. This e-learning by Cisco will have the learning material, and several tests.

Q. Where Can I Register for the CCNA Exam?

A. Students can click on this link to apply for CCNA certification exam by visiting Pearson VUE Official Website https://home.pearsonvue.com/cisco.

Q. How will CCNA Certification help the candidate in career growth?

A. CCNA certification will give a candidate knowledge about networking and it will also help you be active in the latest trends of networking. Candidates will have high chance of getting promotions with a good hike. CCNA Certification will provide candidates with stable employment and growth in reputed IT firms. Candidates with non-technical background can also become CCNA certified by clearing the examination.

Q. What is CCNA certification?

A. Cisco Certified Network Associate is known as CCNA certification which is Cisco’s most well-known certification.  CCNA course elements focus on networking which includes how to plan, create, manage, and troubleshoot a network. CCNA certification is accepted globally and one can expect better career prospects after completing it.

Q. What is the Passing score for CCNA certification course?

A. The passing score is 810-850/1000.

Q. What is the validity of CCNA certification? When does it get expired?

A. CCNA certification is valid for three years.

Q. What are the topics covered in CCNA exam?

A. The CCNA certification covers many aspects of networking. Questions will be asked from networks, routing and switching essential, scaling networks, subnetting and connecting networks. But the most important topic is subnetting. Candidates must understand how to subnet. 

Important FAQs regarding CCNA

Popular CCNA Colleges in India

Following are the most popular CCNA Colleges in India. Learn more about these CCNA colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.38 L - 16.72 L
3.6
0 - 8.11 K
35 K - 6.16 L
2.4 - 3.65 LPA
1.3 L - 17 L
4.35 - 6 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
4.55 L
4.2 LPA
4.38 L - 11.9 L
5.16 - 6.14 LPA

Popular Private CCNA Colleges in India

75.7 K - 1.43 L
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
2.8 L - 5.4 L
2.0
1.38 L - 16.72 L
3.6
1.5 L - 2.7 L
4.6
1 L - 2.64 L

Popular CCNA Specializations

Following are the most popular CCNA Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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