Cisco Certification-CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate; commonly termed as CCNA is one of Cisco’s foundation program that attracts millions of potential candidates worldwide with the aim of setting a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the field of Cisco networking.
CCNA certification is granted to those successful candidates who manage to obtain a passing score on the exam, which is typically set by the application and interpretation of statistical analysis and hence is subject to change accordingly. A score report and score breakout are handed out to the candidates after the completion of the exam. It is a noteworthy fact that no passing scores are published by Cisco itself either in writing or on its website.
Technically termed as CCNA concentrations, which were added in October 2008; aim to provide certifications to individuals with special attainments in voice networking, wireless LANS (Local Area Networks) and network security infrastructure.
CCNA Voice formalizes learning and skills in VoIP technologies such as IP telephony, IP PBX, call control, handset, and voicemail solutions. The certification is further classified into two separate tracks namely: CCNA Voice Certification enterprise option and the CCNA Voice Certification commercial option. The former certification mentioned is preferred by large institutes, companies and even governments for its essential constituent and inherent skill set. The later certification on the other hand focuses on a skill set characteristic to CME (Cisco Call Manager Express ) and Cisco Unity Express (CUE) which is typically a preferred choice for smaller institutes, schools and organizations thriving on a small population scale of almost 2000 employees.
CCNA Wireless is a Cisco certification dedicated to the configuration and implementation of WLANs. This certification aims to develop a skill set that enables network professionals to support a basic wireless network and monitor and troubleshoot the specific undertakings involved.
True to its name, CCNA Security enables a network professional to detect and discern security threats to networks and maintain the confidentiality of important data records and information and availability of all the devices on the network.
CCNA focuses on the recognition of basic qualification and proficiency involved in installing, supporting and troubleshooting medium-sized networks.
The certification bears a valid inference for a period of three years after which re-certification is required.
Coming back to the core CCNA program which is a second-level Cisco Career certification dedicated to Cisco networking, routing, switching and connectivity.
Who should opt for CCNA?
For individuals who boast a solid background in networking and those professionals whose work actively involves network management or supervising inter-networks with numerous routers and switches, CCNA is an ideal choice to opt for in Professional-level certification. The exam entails around 65 questions.
How to prepare for CCNA?
As CCNA certification requires some basic information regarding networking and network infrastructures, its preparation depends widely on your current exposure to practical knowledge and its implementation and experience. For students who do not have sufficient exposure to networking and network management; various study materials are available which will help guide them through the process of preparation. Moreover, instructor-led trainings are also available that will help candidates better apply their elementary data communications and network concepts and various practical labs will help them install and configure network components properly and efficiently.
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