What you need to know about CCNA Certifications
Why You Should Get A CCNA Today
The rapid expansion of the IT industry has taken the world by storm. The sector has been growing steadily for the last three decades or so. Engineers from various backgrounds have benefited from this growth.
However, this growth has been knowledge-based. The more knowledge you have, the better you’re paid. It is that simple. Professionals turn to certifications to prove their mastery. Industry standard certifications are an objective way for the companies to know your expertise.
Networking is an integral part of any system of computers. To that end, being knowledgeable in this field is valued across companies. And in Networking, there’s one company far ahead of the competition. Cisco. Any certificate from Cisco will catapult your career into a whole new level.
There are several Cisco certifications that are offered. CCNA, CCENT, CCNP, and so on. However, you will have to start with CCNA.
What is CCNA?
Basically, CCNA stands for Cisco Certified-Network Associate. This is an associate-level certification. Back in 2013, major changes were made to the existing certifications. CCNA was broken into several subgroups.
Today, the certification that resembles the original one most is CCNA Routing and Switching. This certification validates your skills in developing a security infrastructure. It also demonstrates your ability to recognize and mitigate security threats in a network.
Why You Should Get Your Cisco CCNA Certification
Your CV and one interview are not enough to showcase your IT skills. You might be brilliant but there’s no way your employers know that. And companies don’t go around conducting elaborate exams every time they want to hire.
A Cisco CCNA certification will show them that you are a solid engineer with verifiable networking skills. It is important to understand that ultimately, the HR teams decide whom to hire and adding a formal, reputable certificate to your CV will boost your chances infinitely.
Eligibility
There are no prerequisites.
But always keep in mind that CCNA course and CCNA boot camp will help you to expand yourself about networking basics.
CCNA Exam cost:
There are two ways to go about the CCNA exam.
Route 1.
Pass the CCNA Composite or the 200-125 exam. This is a comprehensive test. Passing it will give earn you the certificate.
Route 2.
ICND1 as well as ICND 2
You will have to pass two separate exams. Clearing both those exams will qualify you for a CCNA.
First exam: 100-105 ICND1
This is fundamentally a networks exam. You will also have to have a working knowledge of routing technologies and infrastructure services.
Second exam: 200-105 ICND2
This is an exam designed to evaluate your expertise in LAN switching technologies. You will also need to be proficient in IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies.
CCNA Certification Cost:
If you decide to take the first CCNA test, route, the exam will cost $325. If you are following the second method, you will have to pay for two exams.
Both cost $165 each.
CCNA Certification Benefits
Of course, you get a certificate. But you are also at the forefront for network related job opportunities. You are knowledgeable in various areas like installation, operation, configuration, and troubleshooting network systems.
Your areas of expertise will be:
1. IP data network operations.
2. IP addresses.
3. IP services.
4. IP routing technologies.
5. LAN switching technologies.
6. Troubleshooting network systems.
7. WAN technologies.
8. Network security.
You can master it by readying CCNA study guide taking CCNA Practice test.
Job Benefits
This certification unlocks the door to a lot of well-paid job positions.
1. Systems Engineer:
You will be tasked with the responsibility of installing and managing network systems in the company. You will be working on PCs, routers, and switches.
2. Network administrator: You will exclusively work on ensuring the smooth functioning of existing hardware and networks. You may also be called a systems administrator.
3. Technical Support Engineer: A TSE resolves issues that the client faces. You can do this through phone, video calls, or even remote access. You will be a part of a support group. Note that this job might require working an occasional night-shift.
When you are not resolving your clients’ issues, you will be maintaining and upgrading systems within the organization.
4. Network Engineer: This is the most popular job title. You will work on the systems within your company. You will be tasked with the design, implementation, support, and maintenance of your company’s networks.
CCNA Salary
While exact salaries are dependent on your experience, knowledge, and skill, This certification leads to some very handsomely paid CCNA jobs. Without a day of experience, you can expect $45000 a year. However, this isn’t the case for most people. Even if you have worked only for a couple of years, $60000 is assured. An industry veteran is usually paid about $115000 a year.
In conclusion, a CCNA certification opens doors to amazing opportunities and if you want a career in networking, a CCNA is indispensable. |
