In this article, we will look at How to Get a CCNA Certification and exactly what it takes to become CCNA Routing and Switching-certified to earn a good salary. We also included the Cisco CCNA Certification exam, and these exams basically test a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals.
Not only that it will equip you with knowledge, but also it will hold CCNA certification training to teach you how to install, operate, and configure a network.
Indeed, it might interest you that obtaining the CCNA certification is the first step in preparing for a career in information technology. Hence, to obtain the Cisco CCNA certification, you must pass an exam that covers a wide range of basic aspects of IT careers. Especially according to the latest networking technologies, software development skills, and job roles.
Although there are no prerequisites for the 200-301 exam, Cisco CCNA certification recommends at least one year of experience in implementing and managing Cisco solutions. As well as knowledge of basic IP addressing and a solid understanding of basic networking concepts.
Recently reorganized for the latest technology and new roles, the CCNA certification training course and exam gives you the foundation to evolve your career. For example, the CCNA certification training covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Network fundamentals
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
The 200-125 CCNA certification exam costs $325, while each ICND CCNA certification exam costs $165. Specifically, Pearson VUE is the authorized Cisco test delivery partner. There are also online courses available in this article.
Table of contents
- What is CCNA Certification?
- CCNA Certification Recommended Training
- CCNA Certification Exam Information
- Cisco CCNA Certification Jobs
- CCNA Certification Salary
- 7 Best Cisco CCNA Courses Online 2023
- #1. Cisco CCNA Packet Tracer Ultimate labs: CCNA Exam prep labs
- #2. The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course
- #3. CCNA 2020 200-125 Video Boot Camp
- #4. Cisco CCNA R/S (200-120 & 200-125): The Complete Course
- #5. Cisco CCNA 200-125 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified
- #6. Cisco CCNA / ICND2 (200-105) Complete Course: Sims and GNS3
- #7. New CCNAx 200-125 Routing and Switching
- Schools That Offer CCNA Certification
- CCNA Certification Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCNA Certification?
Indeed, the Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification (CCNA) validates your ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot routed and switched networks. Meanwhile, CCNA-certified professionals can establish connections to remote sites through a wide area network (WAN) and mitigate basic threats to network security. As well as understand the basic concepts and terminology of the network.
In addition, the CCNA certification is Cisco’s most popular certification and one of the most sought-after professional references in the technology industry. Hence, obtaining the CCNA certification is a distinctive first step toward a rewarding administrator or network engineer career. Moreover, many Cisco training programs and specialized academic degrees offer courses in Cisco networks.
In short, the new CCNA certification program has been designed to prepare it for the current positions of the partners in information technology. For instance, CCNA now includes security, automation, and programmability. Accordingly, the program includes a certification that covers a wide range of fundamentals for computer careers, with an exam and a training course to help you prepare.
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What are the Prerequisites for CCNA?
The CCNA certification is at the fundamental level of the Cisco certification hierarchy. Therefore, there are no technical prerequisites for the CCNA exam. This means you do not have to pass previous exams before being eligible for the CCNA certification. However, there are age restrictions for any Cisco certification:
Under 13 years: Cannot take the test even with the consent of their parents.
13-17 years of age – You can take the test with the consent of the parents
18 years and over – no age limit
While Cisco does not have prerequisites for CCNA certification, the CCNA exam (200-125) may be the best for those with one or two years of networking experience. But should also understand the exam topics before taking the exam.
CCNA candidates often also have:
- One or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions
- Knowledge of basic IP addressing
- A good understanding of network fundamentals
This should not deter those who do not have practical experience and still want to take the exam. You have to work harder and use the tools at your disposal, like GNS3 and Packet Tracer.
Note: As we will see in a later section, there are two ways to obtain the CCNA certification. Applicants without networking experience may wish to take the ICND1 exam first and then the ICND2 exam to obtain the CCNA certification.
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How to Get CCNA Certification?
As with any CCNA certification exam, there are several study materials to help candidates prepare for the CCNA certification exam. Especially when these media are available in different formats, for example, study guides, videos (live and at your own pace), workbooks, laboratory guides, practice tests, etc. Some of these materials come from Cisco, while others are available from other vendors.
With this purpose in mind, Cisco has provided a free online list of approved study materials. You can see some of these studies guides in this article. Remember, no matter what study material you use; you must cover all the test content.
The study material you decide to start with depends on how you learn. Some prefer videos to textbooks, while others install themselves immediately after watching a video. This section provides an example of a guide (and planning) for the study material to prepare for the CCNA exam.
Start with the Videos at Your Own Pace So You Can Explore a Lot of Ground Quickly
This is especially useful if you are new to networks. Seeing the concepts explained visually helps a lot in understanding such concepts. However, do not rely solely on these training videos, as it is easy to overlook important concepts when watching videos. In fact, training videos usually focus on more practical aspects of an exam and can hide the theoretical issues necessary to pass the exam.
Obtain the Official Certification Guide (OCG) for the CCNA Exam
If you only read a guide, you should know this because it is the only self-study guide approved by Cisco. These guides are usually quite large, but they are worth it. They are available in various formats (e-book, hardcover) from Cisco Press and other libraries, such as Amazon.
Laboratories
Videos and study guides cannot replace practical experience. Previously, this was complicated because it meant I needed access to expensive devices such as routers and switches. Fortunately, simulation/emulation tools such as GNS3, Packet Tracer, and Cisco VIRL have changed the game. As an indication, more than 90% of the contents of the CCNA exam can be put into practice with a combination of these tools.
Practice Tests
Unless you use landfills (which we do not recommend), no practice test can show you the exact questions that will arise in the actual exam. The best thing you can learn from exercise tests is what kind of questions you can expect during a real exam. As such, do not rely too much on your performance during practice tests to measure your success on the actual exam.
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CCNA Certification Recommended Training
Learning takes your career to the next level. Fuel your career with the new CCNA Certification training that unlocks possibilities for both network engineers and developers. In this article, the updated training and certification program offers a direct route to your technology career aspirations.
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v3.0
The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v3.0 CCNA certification training course teaches you how to install, operate, configure, and verify a basic Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) network. As well as configuring a LAN switch, configuring an IP router, connecting to a WAN, and identifying basic security threats. You will also learn how to perform basic troubleshooting steps in enterprise branch office networks and prepare for Cisco® Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification in this training.
Course Duration
- Instructor-led training: 5 days with hands-on lab practice
- Virtual instructor-led training: 5 days of web-based classes with hands-on lab practice
How You’ll Benefit
This course will help you:
- Install, operate, configure, and verify an essential IPv4 and IPv6 network.
- Perform basic troubleshooting steps in the enterprise branch office
- Prepare for the CCNA certifications exams
For More Information, click on the link
Or you can also view the subdivision of the CCNA certification training, which includes
- Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1); 100-105 ICND1
- Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2); 200-105 ICND2
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1 (ICND1) v3.0: 100-105 ICND1
The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1 (ICND1) CCNA certification training course helps you prepare for the Cisco CCNA® Routing and Switching and CCENT® certifications. Also, for associate-level routing and switching network engineering roles. This CCNA certification training course teaches you how to install, operate, configure, and verify a basic IPv4 and IPv6 network. And also gives you the knowledge you need to configure LAN switches and IP routers, manage network devices and identify basic security threats.
It is also the first of two courses in a series that can help you prepare for the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. The second course in the series is Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2 (ICND2).
For More Information about Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1 (ICND1) CCNA certification training Click Here
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2 (ICND2) v3.0: 200-105 ICND2
The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2 (ICND2) v3.0 CCNA Certification course helps you prepare for the Cisco CCNA® Routing and Switching certification and for associate-level routing and switching network engineering roles. This course gives you the knowledge and skills to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network.
For More Information about Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 2 (ICND2) v3.0 CCNA Certification course Click Here
You can also get the full detail about the CCNA Certification and Training Program on the link below
CCNA-Certification-and-Training-Program-at-a-glance
CCNA Certification Exam Information
To earn the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification, you must pass the following exam(s):
Option 1: CCNA Composite
200-125 CCNA
Last date to test: February 23
This CCNA Certification exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management.
200-125 CCNA certification exam topics
Option 2: ICND1 and ICND2
100-105 ICND1
Last date to test: February 23
This CCNA Certification exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.
100-105 ICND1 CCNA Certification exam topics
200-105 ICND2
Last date to test: February 23
This CCNA Certification exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.
200-105 ICND2 CCNA Certification exam topics
For More Information, Kindly click on the link below to know more
Exam Policies and Requirements
Cisco CCNA Certification Jobs
CCNA certification qualifies you for a variety of IT job roles, including:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Cisco Network Engineer
- Network Support Specialist
- More Cisco Certification Jobs
CCNA Certification Salary
For Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) and related Cisco CCNA certification holders, the average salary is $59,000. The most interesting part is that no one who earns such a great amount won’t be pleased, so getting a job in this field will so amazing. The CCNA certification salary is massive, so I will advise you to engage as soon as possible. Below are more CCNA certification jobs with their average salary.
- CCENT: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician | $59,00
- CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching | 75,000
- CCNA Security | $78,000
- Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist | $86,000
- CCNA Voice | $79,000
- CCDA: Cisco Certified Design Associate | $88,000
- CCNA Wireless | $79,000
- CCNP Wireless | $89,000
- CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional, Routing & Switching | $92,000
- CCVP: Cisco Certified Voice Professional | $95,000
- CCSP: Cisco Certified Security Professional | $100,000
- CCNP Security | $103,000
- CCDP: Cisco Certified Design Professional | $106,000
- CCIE Routing & Switching | $122,000
- CCIE Security | $130,000
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7 Best Cisco CCNA Courses Online 2023
#1. Cisco CCNA Packet Tracer Ultimate labs: CCNA Exam prep labs
To make sure you are ready to pass the CCNA exam! Prepare practically for the Cisco CCNA certification, the most in-demand networking certification in the world today! Also, make sure you can pass the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 exam!
This course tests your knowledge of CCNA topics with practical, hands-on labs. Labs include both configurations as well as troubleshooting labs. This course includes:
- 21 hours of on-demand video
- 1 article
- 150 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
Requirements
- Preparing for ICND1, ICND2 or CCNA exams
Enroll for this CCNA Course
#2. The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course
This course is for anyone who wants to attain the Cisco CCENT or CCNA certification
This course will prepare you for the CCNA 200-125 certification exam, and CCENT / ICND1 100-105 certification exam, and ICND2 200-105 certification exam. This course includes
- 54.5 hours of on-demand video
- 75 articles
- 1 downloadable resource
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
Requirements
- There are no specific prerequisites as the course covers all the topics in detail.
- Basic understanding of computers (connect to the Internet)
#3. CCNA 2020 200-125 Video Boot Camp
My CCNA Video Boot Camp is refreshed for the latest version of the exam, and every CCNA online training video in this course (and all my courses) is fully downloadable. Which basically allows you to study any time, anywhere — on YOUR schedule. This course includes
- 62.5 hours of on-demand video
- 3 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
#4. Cisco CCNA R/S (200-120 & 200-125): The Complete Course
This course is over 45+ hours long and will cover all the needed subjects to pass the CCNA 200-120 exam and the new CCNA 200-125. The Cisco Packet Tracer & VIRAL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab) are Cisco proprietary software and can only be obtained through Cisco.
This is a complete & comprehensive CCNA R/S, the CCENT & ICND2. It is designed to prepare the student to be able to take any of these certification exams. Not only will students acquire the knowledge and practice labs in this course, but they also will be able to make it transferable to real-world use as a Cisco and IT Professional. This course includes:
- 48.5 hours on-demand video
- 122 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
Requirements
- Basic understanding of Networking
- Students must obtain either the Cisco Packet Tracer or similar simulators (i.e., GNS3, BOSON, ETC). These are not part of the course, and it is not provided.
- A CCNA R/S Study Guide book would be helpful.
- Desire to pass the CCNA R/S certification exam
#5. Cisco CCNA 200-125 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified
If you want to jumpstart your career in IT and networking by acing the Cisco CCNA exam, then this course is for you! It gives you a full understanding of all the concepts and topics you need to earn the most in-demand networking certification today by passing the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 exam.
This course offers an easy-to-understand, structured approach to shortcut your path to mastering Cisco networking to the CCNA level and beyond. This course includes
- 37 hours on-demand video
- 33 articles
- 219 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
Requirements
- You’ll need basic knowledge of how to operate a computer and browse the Internet; that’s it!
- Absolute beginners to networking are welcome. I start with beginner-level networking and explain every acronym and concept you need to pass the exam.
#6. Cisco CCNA / ICND2 (200-105) Complete Course: Sims and GNS3
Welcome to the complete Cisco CCNA / ICND2 (200-105) Complete course with Simulations and GNS3! This course includes:
- 32 hours on-demand video
- 55 articles
- 4 downloadable resources
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
This course helps you prepare for the newest CCNA 200-105 exam (ICND2). But you will also get free access to the CCENT ICND1 course!
This course is unlike other CCNA courses as it contains:
- A large amount of practical video content with detailed explanations of CCNA topics and GNS3 demonstrations
- Simulations – online, integrated Cisco simulations to test your knowledge (over 70 simulations and more coming)
- GNS3 lab demonstrations – multiple topologies using GNS3. Create your own local lab and follow along.
- Software – Subnetting Calculators, Config-Register, binary & hexadecimal & decimal calculators
- Many demonstrations show you practically how to configure and build GNS3 and Cisco networks
- Cheatsheets
- Quiz questions
Requirements
- Basic understanding of computers (connect to the Internet)
- Attended a CCENT course or passed the CCENT certification
#7. New CCNAx 200-125 Routing and Switching
The new CCNA 200-125 exam already replaced the old CCNA 200-120 exam. In this course, you will be introduced to the Cisco networking world with completely new CCNAx 2.0 (200-120) trained by expert dual CCIE certified with 10 + years of training and working experience in production networks.
The New CCNAx v 3.0 updates include:
- Troubleshooting Routing
- Troubleshooting Switching
- IPv6 Routing
- DHCP
- Introduction to WAN technologies like VSAT, MPLS, VPN, Metro Ethernet,
- HSRP, VRRP, GLBP
- external Authentication methods
- updated software on Cisco routers and switches.
- Quality Of Service
- IP services ( NAT, Syslog, NTP Overview)
Above all, you can start with a basic network understanding of all technologies and further get into more depth per the new CCNAx v 3.0 (200-125) Syllabus. This course includes:
- 31.5 hours of on-demand video
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and TV
- Certificate of Completion
Schools That Offer CCNA Certification
Purdue University Global
AAS in Information Technology – Network Administration
- Method: Online Degree
- Degree Level: Associate
- Accredited School: Yes
- Financial Aid Available: Yes
Course Highlights & Certifications
- Includes Certification Preparation for:
- CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Prepares Graduates for Entry-Level Roles in Network Administration and IT Support
- Microsoft Windows Administration Training
- Cisco Network Design and Management
- Network Security and Digital Forensics
- Intro to Web Development & Programming
Southern New Hampshire University
BS – IT: Network & Telecommunication
- Method: Online Degree
- Degree Level: Bachelor
- Accredited School: Yes
- Financial Aid Available: Yes
Course Highlights & Certifications
- Includes Certification Preparation for:
- CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+
- TestOut Network Pro, Security Pro & Pro PC
- Gain the Skills and Credentials for Jobs in Network Management, SysAdmin, and Cyber Security
- Enterprise Network & Telecomm. Management
- Linux and Unix Systems Administration Training
- IT Service and Process Management/Improvement
- Information Security Tools and Techniques
Colorado Technical University
MBA – Technology Management
- Method: Online Degree
- Degree Level: Master
- Accredited School: Yes
- Financial Aid Available: Yes
- Prerequisite: Bachelor’s
Course Highlights & Certifications
- Lead Organizations in the Planning, Development, Operation & Management of IT Solutions
- Applied Managerial Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Decision-Making
- Use IT to Foster a Real Competitive Advantage
- Database & Telecommunications Management
- Impact of IT Innovation on Business Strategy
- IT Management and Team Leadership Training
Do certification exams expire?
- Yes. Exam expiration dates help us ensure that candidates complete multi-exam certifications within a given time frame.
- Exams for associate and professional level certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass. Exams for specialist certifications are valid for two years from the date passed.
- For CCIE written exam expiration information, visit the CCIE Exam Information page.
About Retired exams
After we retire an exam, all its active certifications remain valid until their expiration dates, but the exam is no longer available for new certifications or to recertify.
CCNA Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Prices for exams vary by level and by currency. Choose your country to find the cost of your exam.
Visit the CCIE Lab Exam page to learn about prices and locations.
Cisco written exams
CCIE lab exams
Cisco written exams
Pearson VUE administers all Cisco exams except CCIE lab exams.
Pearson VUE offers two ways to pay for an exam:
Use your credit card in the Pearson VUE registration system
Prepay for your exam before you schedule it by purchasing an exam voucher
CCIE lab exams
CCIE Lab exam payment, cost, and registration information is found on our CCIE Book Your Exam resource page.
Exam vouchers – Learning Credits
Cisco customers and learning partners can redeem their Cisco Learning Credits for certification exam vouchers.
You can usually schedule an exam up to six weeks in advance and as late as the same day.
For exams other than CCIE lab exams, schedule your exam at Pearson VUE. Visit the Exam Registration Information page for details.
For CCIE Lab Exams, visit the CCIE website.
Candidates who fail an exam must wait a period of 5 calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before they may retest for the same exam.
Candidates who fail any CCIE or CCDE written exam must wait for a period of 15 calendar days, beginning the day after the failed attempt, before retaking the same exam.
Schedule an exam
We have already discussed some study materials that you can use to prepare for the CCNA exam in the previous section. In this section, we will discuss non-technical preparation steps for the CCNA exam, including the preparation method and the calendar.
There are two ways to obtain the CCNA certification:
Pass a CCNA composite exam (currently 200-125)
Take two individual ICND exams (currently ICND1 100-105 and ICND2 200-105). In fact, 200-125 = 100-105 + 200-105
The question then is: “Which way should I take?” Specifically, the answer to this question is totally subjective and depends on your situation.
Hence, if you have networking experience or if your calendar is adjusted for CCNA certification, continue with the CCNA composite exam. However, this means that it has more content to cover and that the risks are greater.
As we said in a previous section, some people choose to complete their study by participating in a training camp.
Specifically, I think it’s a mistake to participate in a training camp without doing a self-study beforehand. This is because the training camps are specialized and highly specific training programs designed to fill gaps in their understanding. If you do not know much about the subject, you will not make the most of your training as you should.
Although there is no fixed time to study before starting a training camp, you should probably attend a training camp when you are about to take the test. This means that you must have seen videos, guides, and tutorials, which can last from three to 12 months, according to our previous analysis.
The same reasoning applies to how long you must study before taking the test. Unfortunately, as with any other exam, there is no way to know if you are fully prepared for the exam until you submit to it! Therefore, when you discover that you have mastered most of the exam topics and you are in a situation of “paralysis by analysis”, reserve your exam and try your luck.
Conclusion
Specifically, in this article, we have looked at How to Get a CCNA Certification and how to become CCNA-certified. We have also clarified the different Cisco CCNA Certification Jobs and their respective salary.
Equally, we also didn’t forget to discuss Cisco CCNA Courses Online and Schools that offer CCNA Certification. Good luck with your test! In addition, we have answered the question, What is CCNA Certification? As well as pointed out the CCNA Certification Recommended Training and CCNA Certification Exam Information.
Finally, we also discussed some of the study materials to prepare for the exam, including videos, official certification guides, practice tests, etc. We even went so far to answer some of the CCNA Certification frequently asked questions(FAQ). You can find them in the sections below.
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