Prepare For CCNA Exam
Welcome to this comprehensive CCNA guide, designed to provide network administrators with everything they need to know about the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and related topics.
This guide will take you through the fundamentals of CCNA, including the certification process, exam details, career opportunities, and much more.
What is CCNA Certification?
CCNA is an entry-level certification program for network administrators that validates their skills and knowledge in:
- Network fundamentals
- LAN switching technologies
- IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies
- WAN technologies
- Infrastructure services
- Infrastructure maintenance.
The CCNA certification program is offered by Cisco, a leading provider of networking equipment and solutions. The program is designed to help network administrators enhance their skills and advance their careers in the field of networking.
CCNA Certification Exam Details
The CCNA certification exam is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in various networking areas. The exam consists of 120 questions and lasts for 90 minutes. It is available in multiple languages and can be taken at authorized testing centers or online.
The exam covers a range of topics, including network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance. To pass the exam, you need to achieve a score of 825 or higher.
The new version of CCNA is CCNA 200-301 v1.1 exam. The new version has introduced more topics like Artificial Intelligence, Maching Learning and RAG(Retreival Augmented Generation). The new topics have 10% weightage in the exam. That is the only difference between the old and new CCNA exam
Therefore, keep an eye on the new syllabus beforehand and prepare accordingly.
Download the official complete list of CCNA 200-301 v1.1 exam topics PDF Now!
CCNA Certification Exam Cost
CCNA exam cost in the US is $300 + taxes and if you are from India, it is arount ₹22500. This cost gives you only one chance to appear for the exam. Therefore, prepare well and don’t rush the exam. Now, to get two chances at the exam, god forbod you didn’t clear in the first try, you need to pay $75 extra.
People do take this voucher often, so decide accordingly. As $300 is too big an amount to reappear for the exam. But, again. if you are great with your prepartion, you don’t need to buy the additional voucher.
To be safe from the overwheling questions, attempt as many practice exams as possible. There are many websites that offer practice exams. I recommend this udemy course that includes CCNA 200-301 v1.1 level practice exam. One of my friends who recently passed his CCNA exam recommended that above practice test.
So, always go well prepared at the exam center.
Preparing for the CCNA Certification Exam
Preparing for the CCNA certification exam requires a combination of study and practice. You need to have a solid understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, and be familiar with Cisco networking devices and solutions.
There are various resources available online to help you prepare for the exam, including Cisco’s official CCNA study materials, online courses, and practice exams. You can also join study groups or hire a tutor to help you with your studies.
But nothing beats online courses that are available these days. As I mentioned above, new topics have been added to the CCNA v1.1 exam. Surprisingly not many instructors covering these topics in their online courses.
In my research, Neil Anderson, a popular Networking instructor has covered these topics in his courses, both on Udemy and his own website Flackbox. If anyone interested I recommend the later. As Flackbox CCNA has more practical labs and quizzes after each section.
Watch this comparison video of Flackbox vs Udemy CCNA:
Why CCNA Certification Matters?
CCNA certification is highly regarded in the networking industry and is recognized globally as a benchmark for network administrators. The CCNA certification demonstrates that you have a strong foundation in networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, and are capable of configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network devices.
CCNA certification is also a requirement for many entry-level networking jobs, including network administrator, network engineer, and network analyst positions. It provides a clear career path for individuals interested in pursuing a career in networking.
CCNA Career Opportunities
CCNA certification opens up a wide range of career opportunities for network administrators. Some of the most common job roles for CCNA certified professionals include:
- Network administrator
- Network engineer
- Network analyst
- Network support specialist.
CCNA certified professionals can work in various industries, including IT, telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and government. They can also work in different types of organizations, including small businesses, large corporations, and non-profit organizations.
Conclusion
CCNA certification is a valuable credential for network administrators looking to advance their careers in the field of networking. It provides a solid foundation in networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, and demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network devices.
Preparing for the CCNA certification exam requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are worth it. CCNA certified professionals have access to a wide range of career opportunities and can work in various industries and organizations.
I hope this CCNA guide has provided you with valuable insights into the certification program and related topics. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to us.