Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

What is Cisco Certified Network Associate? It is a second level Cisco certification that validates the ability to install, configure, trouble shoot and operate small routed networks. It is included the verification of connection to remote sites in a WAN. It is for Network specialists, Network administrators, and Network Support Engineers with 1 to 3 years of experience.

Areas Covered in CCNA: Concerning with the certification, it covers several areas in general including configuration, operation, and installation and troubleshooting of medium sized and switched networks.Through CCNA, CCNP will be achieved that is the ground where medium sized branch networks are dealing with complex network solutions.

CCNA’s Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for CCNA.

Taking Exam: In order to pass the exam, a candidate has two choices between:

  • 200-101 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX)

OR

  • 100-101 (ICNDI) and 200-101 (ICND2)
  • Exam is available in English and Japananese.
  • Time Duration is 90 minutes including 40-50 questions.

Which areas the course will cover?

  • Keeping concern with ICND1, it will cover Network Types, WAN technogies, Configuration and operation of iOS devices, IP Addressing and Routing, Switching fundamentals.
  • ICND2 will cover the areas of Extending Switched Networks with VLANS, IP Routes Determination, and Managing of IP traffic with Access List.
  • CCNAX will be the combination of ICND1 and ICND2. The amalgamation of both will generate a new course.

How to get registered?

  • For registration, Contact Pearson VUE online or call Pearson VUE at 1-8-777-404-EXAM as Pearson is a test delivery partner of Cisco.
  • Gather personal information along with valid email address, desired certification and information prior to the registration.
  • For exams cost, related information and rescheduling of exams

How to get trained for CCNA? CCNA is significant and it is a must to train yourself before getting appeared for exam. Experts say that the best way to get prepared is to appear for Cisco-approved training. For the training of the candidates, Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part1 (ICND1) and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) are the courses designed.

Current Dates and Fee Criteria: Currently, dates are unavailable for CCNA Routing and Switching. Students in US have to wait for 5 calendar days after registration process in collaboration with Pearson VUE.

In case of passing CCENT, that signifies you have passed ICND1. To pass ICND2, it costs $150. If a candidate intends to pass CCNA composite exam means ICND1 and ICND2, it will cost $295.

Criteria for Recertification: As far as CCNA’s validity is concerned, its validity time span is three years in general. Recertification is also offered by Cisco for its candidates. In order to recertify, pass any of the below mentioned test before the expiry date:

  • ClearICND1 exam or any current Associate Level exam or any current 642-XXX professional level or any 300-XXX professional level or
  • Do pass current CCIE exam or CCDE written exam or CCDE practical exam or
  • Clear any current 642-XXX Cisco Specialist Exam or
  • Clear any Current CCIE written exam, or current CCDE written exam or
  • Pass Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview and CCAr board review.

For more details http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/associate/ccna/recert.html