Cisco's CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is an introductory-level certification that is a prerequisite for higher-level certifications, such as the CCNP and CCDP. The CCNA is designed for IT professionals who can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
CCNA Certification Benefits
CCNA certification is the beginning of a career as a Cisco certified professional. As a Cisco Certified Network Associate, you will be in an entry-level position with the ability to handle networking jobs. While this is just the beginning, you will be building a foundation for one of the most popular IT jobs in the market today.
According to a salary 2006 survey by Certification Magazine the average salary for a CCNA was $72,400 in 2006, while starting salaries for CCIEs (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) were over $105,500/year.
Exam Objectives
1 or 2 exams: The single exam option is the most popular route to earning the CCNA, however, a two-exam option was introduced by Cisco in 2003. Both options test candidates on material in the same 2 courses.
CCNA Exam - The exam will certify that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices. The exam covers topics on Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections.
OR
Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies Exam - covers Network Types, Network Media, Switching Fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP Addressing and Routing, WAN Technologies, Operating and Configuring IOS Devices, and Managing Network Environments. Certifies that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to describe and identify major network and WAN components, along with their function and purpose.
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Exam - certifies that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices. The exam covers topics on Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, Determining IP Routes, Managing IP traffic with Access Lists, Establishing Point-to-Point connections, and Establishing Frame Relay Connections.
