What is Cisco CCNA Certification?

Cisco devices are one of the most popular brands of network devices on the market. Their systems are located in thousands of large data centers and businesses around the world. Every IT engineer knows the Cisco brand name, and there's a good chance they've likely encountered one or more of their switches, routers, and even their phone systems at some point.

With their huge presence in the market and the continuous introduction of new products as well as updating old products, they will continue to grow. To help technology engineers better understand, manage, and operate their devices, Cisco has a certification program that begins with entry-level certificates up to the highest level of architect. There are six different certification levels and each level has its own set of certifications.

These certifications were designed to help network engineers use Cisco products with confidence and ease. The courses are aimed at different divisions of the computer network environment , for example, the new CCNA is the foundational networking course that covers a wide range of topics and computer systems. Until February 2020, there were nine separate CCNA tracks (Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Wireless, Security, Service Provider, Cloud, Cyber ​​Operations, Industrial). The student therefore had to choose one of the computer subjects such as CCNA Cloud (Cloud) or CCNA Wireless (Wireless). This means that if the student wanted to do both, he had to purchase both courses and take two separate exams.

Since February 22, 2020, the above-mentioned tracks have been restated, with the exception of the CCNA Cyberopérations. But fear not, as the new CCNA covers a lot of what these certifications have done, the information has all been overhauled and updated with the technologies. The good news is that there is now only one CCNA course and exam to take.

DevOps has taken off and the IT world is rushing towards implementing DevOps solutions. Cisco has embraced DevOps in its environment and added new specialist certifications to its new revamped list. One of these specialized certifications is at the Associate level (DevNet Associate). Now, with just one Super CCNA Course, a student can opt for associate level certifications to further specialize in the Cisco field. Cisco also offers various forums and help centers available through Cisco Learning Network and Cisco Community.

Who is Cisco?

Cisco is arguably the most recognized network hardware manufacturer in the world. Some of their products include:

  • Wireless routers, switches, access points
  • VoIP telephones and controllers;
  • SD-WAN;
  • Firewall;.
  • Cloud devices.

Cisco equipment is used everywhere, from small businesses to ISPs that run the backbone of the Internet. Among the acquisitions made by Cisco, we cite:

  • Viptela;
  • Meraki;
  • Communication Acacia;
  • Broadsoft

Cisco offers certifications on all of its network hardware.

What is the CCNA?

The CCNA is an entry level credential that enables IT professionals to design, configure, troubleshoot, and troubleshoot computer networks on Cisco hardware.

The CCNA allows you to do the following:

  •  Install and configure Cisco network equipment such as switches, routers and wireless access points;
  • Understand network concepts such as NAT, ARP, DNS and DHCP;
  • Understand the principles of physical cabling and wireless principles;
  • Understand virtualization;
  • Configure switching and routing protocols, ACL, VLAN, EtherChannel;
  • Understand cloud-based networks;
  • Understand automation in network configuration.

The CCNA overlaps with:

  • Vendor-neutral networking certifications (CompTIA Network + for example);
  • Virtualization certifications (VMWare);
  • Security certifications.

What can you do with a CCNA certification?

  • System Engineer ;
  • Systems administrator;
  • Network administrator;
  • Network field technician;
  • Network analyst.
  • What is new with the CCNA 200-301?

The exam has been completely changed since February 2020. The structure of the CCNA has changed.

In the past, there were nine separate CCNA tracks:

  • Collaboration ;
  • Data center ;
  • Routing and switching;
  • Wireless ;
  • Security ;
  • Service provider ;
  • Cloud ;
  • Cyber ​​operations;
  • Industrial.

Routing and switching were the most popular. When people say "CCNA", they usually mean CCNA routing and switching. There was too much overlap between the different CCNA tracks. It is important to have some knowledge about each area to properly configure a network.

As of February 2020, there is only one CCNA.

When you get your CCNA, you can go aim for the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). There are five CCNP tracks:

  • Collaboration ;
  • Data center ;
  • Business ;
  • Security ;
  • Service provider.

You can go further in each track to get your CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert).

How to get CCNA certification?

You must pass the 200-301 exam. The passing score is 825 (out of a possible score of 1000). The exam lasts 120 minutes and contains a maximum of 90 questions. The actual number of questions will depend on the difficulty. If you receive an exam with more difficult questions, there may be fewer questions. The score of 825 is not a percentage (like 82.5%). It is not clear how much weight is given to each question or whether the questions have the same weight.

About the exam

  • You can register online to take the exam. The online system will show you the available dates and times;
  • You may be able to take the exam on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on the Prometric testing center;
  • You can reschedule the exam free of charge, if you do so at least 30 calendar days before the exam;
  • You can reschedule the exam for USD 325, if you do so at least 2 calendar days before the exam;
  • You cannot postpone the exam if there are less than 2 calendar days left before the exam;
  • If you do not show up for the exam or if you are more than 15 minutes late for the exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam and you will lose the full fee;
  • At the examination center, you must present a government issued photo ID;
  • You will need to empty your pockets and place the contents in a locker;
  • If you wear glasses, they will be inspected;
  • You can be checked with a metal detector;
  • You can only bring your photo ID and locker key into the examination room;
  • The exam center will provide you with scrap paper, a pencil and a basic calculator;
  • While you are taking the exam, you will be monitored by audio and video surveillance;
  • Each exam consists of up to 90 multiple choice questions and you have 90 minutes to complete the exam;
  • You cannot come back to a question afterwards;
  • You can take a break at any time, but the exam time will continue to pass;
  • It goes without saying that cheating will not be tolerated.

The questions are

  • Multiple choice (single and multiple answers);
  • Drag and drop;
  • Simulated lab - you have multiple virtual Cisco devices (simulated) and need to correct the configuration;
  • Simlet - like the Lab, but you are asked several questions about the state of the simulated network.

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