Cisco CCNA Common Info

Vendor: Cisco

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Certification overview

As more corporate and public organizations use Cisco in their systems, Cisco certifications grow more prestigious among IT practitioners. These accreditations serve as validation of IT professionals' competency. There are several levels of Cisco network accreditation. These are: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect, which is the highest accreditation that could be achieved in the Cisco Career Certification program.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a degree where candidates are well-versed in the foundations of Cisco networks. Under the associate level, a candidate could apply for a accreditation in various paths.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is an accreditation for new network engineers. It warrants a student's foundation and education in networks. To pass the CCNA test for this path, a candidate must be well-versed in installation, configuration, operation, and repair of routed and switched networks.

CCNA Data Center certification is for technology architects. An individual studying for this accreditation may choose to avail of a CCNA online test in order to test his/her skills in data center network design, execution, and preservation.

The Cisco CCNA Security accreditation validates network-related security technologies as well as comprehension Cisco security structure. This qualification is a proof of an IT practitioner's skills in security infrastructure development, as well as in network threat recognition. A candidate aiming for this accreditation may avail of a CCNA test online to prepare for the actual examination.

CCNA Service Provider is for network engineers and specialists assigned to deliver infrastructure that can expand to support new managed requirements. This accreditation validates an IT professional's ability to manipulate Cisco network.

CCNA SP Operations certification is for network professionals to prove skills needed to seclude network problems and implement fault measures. It validates a student's knowledge in repairing devices within class IP NGN core network. This accreditation is being phased out. No CCNA Service Provider Operations accreditation exam will be available starting February 1, 2015.

CCNA Video accreditation is for professionals specializing in audiovisual involved in analog solutions. A student who wishes to test CCNA preparation in Video certification may avail of a CCNA online test specifically for this path.

Associate-level skills in administration of a voice network is validated by the CCNA Voice accreditation. CCNA Wireless accreditation validates an IT professional's knowledge and skills in operation of WLANs. The program for this accreditation consists of preparing an IT professsional to configure, monitor, investigate problems and repair a Cisco WLAN.

Every path accreditation requires a candidate to pass its respective CCNA test. CCNA test questions for every exam depend on the orientation of every certification path. There are CCNA sample test questions available in the internet for students who would like to gauge their skills and aptitude before taking the Cisco CCNA test.

Required exams

A candidate must complete the required examinations for the chosen certification. Each test tackles various aspects needed for the chosen path.

There are two required CCNA tests to achieve a CCNA Data Center accreditation:

• 640-911 DCICN
• 640-916 DCICT

For CNNA Routing and Switching, one must pass the following CCNA tests:

• 200-120, or
• 100-101 ICND1
• 200-101 ICND2

These are the required CCNA tests for the Service Provider certification:

• 640-875 SPNGN1, and
• 640-878 SPNGN2

To attain a CCNA Video accreditation, a candidate must pass these CCNA tests:

• 200-001 VIVND
• 640-461 ICOMM

There are paths that only require one CCNA test. Candidates aspiring to achieve a CCNA Security accreditation must complete and achieve a passing grade in the 640-554 IINS exam. For students targeting a CCNA Voice accreditation, the 640-461 ICOMM test must be passed. For the Wireless path, one must complete the 640-722 IUWNE test.

Required courses

As preparation for CCNA tests, it is suggested that students complete courses related to their chosen IT path. CCNA test prep courses can be availed from training providers to prepare students for CCNA tests. Students can also prepare for CCNA tests through CCNA practice tests available online. A student in the CCNA Security path can prepare by enrolling a training course on executing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS). A student aspiring for CCNA Voice certification may enrol in the course Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration (ICOMM). CCNA Wireless candidates can prepare for the exam by enroling in a course called Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE).

These trainings are suggested for students aiming to achieve CCNA Routing and Switching:

• Interconnecting Networking Devices Part 1
• Interconnecting Networking Devices Part 2
• Interconnecting Networking Devices: Accelerated

For CCNA Video accreditation, candidates can enrol in:

• Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices, Part 1
• Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices, Part 2
• Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration

A student aspiring for CCNA Data Center qualification can prepare by enrolling in the following trainings:

• Introducing Cisco Data Center Networking
• Introducing Cisco Data Center Technologies

There are also trainings for CCNA Service Provider accreditation candidates:

• Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks, Part 1
• Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks, Part 2

Study materials

Cisco recommends various study materials in its website. There are also practice CCNA test online for students who want to gauge their skills and knowledge in their chosen paths. There are several CCNA sample test and CCNA practice test files and applications available on the internet to help prepare students for their actual Cisco CCNA test. There is also a study group for various CCNA expertise where students could ask questions and share ideas with other candidates. For those seeking instructor-led courses, websites of Cisco Authorized Learning partners could be accessed online.

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