Entry-Level CCNA Networking Certification

Entry-Level CCNA Networking Certification

The CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is an introductory-level certification in networking that can prepare individuals for various IT roles such as network specialist, network administrator, and network engineer. Issued by Cisco, a prominent networking hardware company, the CCNA certification is intended to validate a candidate’s knowledge of fundamental networking concepts commonly required in IT positions. If you’re aspiring to pursue a career in networking, you might find it beneficial to enroll in a CCNA Course in Chennai to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for the certification exam. This blog will explore “Entry-Level CCNA Networking Certification”.

Here are some key points about the CCNA:

Exam Requirement: To obtain the CCNA certification, candidates need to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam.

Exam Cost: The cost of taking the CCNA exam is approximately ₹22,500 ($300 USD), plus tax.

Prerequisites: While there are no strict prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, it is recommended to have some training and experience with computer networks.

Certification Popularity: The CCNA certification is widely recognized and requested in the IT industry. As of May 2023, there are over 18,500 job listings on LinkedIn in India that mention the CCNA certification.

Obtaining the CCNA certification can open up opportunities in the field of networking and provide a solid foundation for a career in IT.

How Much is the CCNA Exam?

The CCNA exam comes with a cost of approximately ₹22,500 ($300 USD) plus tax [1]. Additionally, individuals have the option to use Cisco Learning Credits to cover the expenses associated with the exam. Cisco Learning Credits are prepaid credits that companies can purchase, allowing their employees to customize how they use these credits on the Cisco platform according to their specific training and certification needs. This provides flexibility for organizations and individuals in managing their training expenses within the Cisco ecosystem.

What Salary could I Earn with the CCNA Certification?

CCNA certifications can significantly enhance your prospects in various networking positions, spanning from entry-level to more advanced roles. Here’s a glimpse of some job titles that commonly seek CCNA certifications, along with their average salaries in India. The salary data is derived from Glassdoor as of May 2023:

  • IT Support Specialist: ₹5,54,600
  • Network Specialist: ₹10,08,693
  • Network Administrator: ₹4,90,631
  • Network Engineer: ₹5,00,000
  • Senior Network Engineer: ₹9,65,000

These figures highlight the value of CCNA certifications across different roles in the networking domain, indicating that holding a CCNA can be a valuable asset in pursuing and securing lucrative positions in the IT industry. If you’re considering a career in ethical hacking, complementing your networking knowledge with an Ethical Hacking Course in Chennai could provide you with a well-rounded skill set for diverse roles in the cybersecurity field.

CCNA vs. CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification, like the CCNA, assesses your networking knowledge and is often pursued by professionals aiming to enhance their networking skills. However, there are notable differences between the two:

Vendor Neutrality

CCNA: Cisco-specific, focusing on Cisco products and tools.

Network+: Vendor-neutral, designed to prepare you to work with any network device or system, irrespective of the vendor.

Foundational Level

CCNA: Known to cover a broader range of topics and delve deeper into network material.

Network+: Considered by many as more foundational, covering fundamental networking concepts.

Choosing between CCNA and Network+ depends on various factors:

Industry Dominance: CCNA is favored due to Cisco’s substantial market share in networking products.

Knowledge Applicability: Knowledge acquired through CCNA, even if Cisco-specific, is often applicable to networking products from other vendors.

Complexity: Network+ may be preferred by those new to networking or finding CCNA too challenging initially.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual goals, experience, and the specific networking landscape one aims to navigate. Some individuals may start with Network+ for foundational knowledge and later pursue CCNA as they gain more experience. If you’re looking to enhance your communication skills while pursuing these certifications, considering Spoken English Classes in Bangalore could be a beneficial addition to your professional development journey.

What’s on the CCNA Exam?

The 200-301 CCNA exam, lasting 120 minutes, is available in English and Japanese. Its breakdown includes:

Network Fundamentals (20%)

  • Components like routers, switches, and access points
  • Network topology architectures
  • Physical interfaces, cabling types
  • IPv4 and IPv6 configuration
  • IP parameters
  • Wireless, virtualization, and switching fundamentals

Network Access (20%)

  • Configuring and verifying VLANs, interswitch connectivity
  • Layer 2 discovery protocols, EtherChannel
  • Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol operations
  • Cisco wireless architectures, AP modes, physical WLAN components
  • AP and WLC management access connections, wireless LAN access

IP Connectivity (25%)

  • Routing tables, router decision-making
  • Configuring and verifying IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
  • Single area OSPFv2
  • First hop redundancy protocol

IP Services (10%)

  • Configuring and verifying NAT and NTP
  • Describing DHCP, DNS, SNMP, syslog features
  • Per-hop behavior, using SSH
  • Describing TFTP/FTP

Security Fundamentals (15%)

  • Security concepts, threats, mitigation
  • Physical access control, password policies
  • Access control lists
  • Layer 2 security features
  • Wireless security protocols

Automation and Programmability (10%)

  • Comparing traditional networks with controller-based networks
  • Automation concepts
  • Interpreting JSON data

How to Get the CCNA Certification

To earn CCNA certification, you must pass the 200-301 CCNA exam provided by Cisco. While there are no specific prerequisites for the exam, candidates generally benefit from the following prior experience. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge further, exploring topics related to network security, you might find value in a Cyber Security Course in Chennai to complement your CCNA preparation.

  • At least one year of using and implementing Cisco products and solutions
  • Basic knowledge of IP addressing
  • Knowledge of network fundamentals

For CCNA preparation, there are various options:

CCNA Courses and Training

Many online courses are available to prepare for the CCNA exam.

In-person classes at local community colleges may also be an option.

Cisco’s Online Course

Cisco offers an online course named “Implementing and Administering Solutions” designed for CCNA exam preparation. The course costs ₹65,557 ($800 USD).

FITA Academy Specialization

  • The “Computer Communications” specialization on FITA Academy provides a comprehensive introduction to networking.
  • Individual courses focus on specific skills, such as TCP/IP or packet switching networks.
  • While not explicitly preparing for the CCNA, the specialization covers fundamental computer network concepts.
  • Introduction to Networks and Cisco Devices Guided Project

FITA Academy offers a quick refresher on networks through the Introduction to Networks in CCNA Course in Bangalore, which can be completed in under three hours. These resources aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the CCNA exam.