The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification has helped several students secure high paying jobs in the field of networking. This article has information on CCNA certifications, like its cost and exam details.
CCNA is an industry accepted and reputed certification offered by Cisco Systems. When a candidate obtains such world-class certifications, employers are assured that the candidate has excellent knowledge of the concepts and fundamentals of networking. More over, a candidate obtaining such certifications is considered as an industry-ready professional, and that is why CCNA job salaries have been very impressive throughout the world.
CCNA Certification Details
CCNA certified professionals are considered to be experts in the installation and operation of a LAN, Wireless LAN and WAN and the Switched Network Services. These professionals make use of the Cisco compatible equipment in the installation and maintenance of infrastructure in companies they work for.
To get CCNA certifications, you need to clear the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816 exams or a single 640-802 CCNA composite exam. Those who opt to study CCNA security should be able to give services like troubleshooting of network devices, installation of network and identification of threats to networks. This CCNA security certification requires you to clear the IINS 640-553 exam.
Some professionals opt for the CCNA voice certification which can help them get jobs like voice technology manager, voice engineer etc. This certification is also in demand like the CCN security one, and requires you to clear the IINS 640-553 exam. On the other hand, the CCNA wireless certified professionals are experts in configuring and implementing LAN’s. For this particular certification, you need to clear the 640-721 IUWNE exam.
CCNA is an entry-level networking certification offered by Cisco. This is considered to be one of the best certifications for fresh graduates to start a lucrative career in the information technology (IT) sector. Generally, it is suggested that you have a networking background for getting this certification, though it is not mandatory. Those with networking skills will be able to understand and learn the course contents better.
For other students, it takes anything between four to six months to prepare for the CCNA exam. Remember that this is one of the most widely accepted computer based exam for which you need to have analytical skills, mathematical ability, logical thinking skills and great presence of mind along with networking abilities to fare well. Taking mock tests and practicing solving multiple choice questions is necessary to clear the CCNA examination.
After clearing the CCNA exam which is administered by the Pearson VUE, you become eligible for following jobs:
- Network security manager
- Network administrators
- Network engineers
Certification Cost
The CCNA certification expense would be $250. International candidates can convert the amount into their own currency to get an idea of how much exactly they will have to spend. If you wish to take the two separate CCNA exams, then you will have to pay $125 for each exam. The fees for the CCNP Composite (642-892) exam is $300. The Cisco CCNA certification expense is same worldwide and hence, there has been no discrimination regarding price in this context.
For all those who are eager to know how much the overall certification cost, knowing that cost of books and study material might not be entirely included in the above mentioned fees. Also students will have to bear expenses of traveling to the test venue themselves. The certification requires renewal after every three years and the cost for the same is also not included in the CCNA certification expense. You can also consider the A+ certification which has great job openings in today’s job market.
So, these were some vital details about the CCNA certification. Many students from varied backgrounds eager for a career in networking are taking the can exams. To fare well in the exam and become successful in this career, you need to have patience and hard-working ability. Good luck!