CCNA for Not Yet Techies 2

"Computer Careers: This Cisco Certification is Where You Start If Your High Tech Jobs Goal Is To Become an Expert at Supporting Networks Using Cisco Hardware"

by Richard Stooker, President Info Ring Press and author of Secrets of Changing to a Computer Career

CCNA

To attain the CCNA, you must pass one test, the 640-507. The test contains 63 objectives. Cisco provides a comprehensive list of the skills covered by this exam on their web site, in a PDF file format. In short, they are:

Install, configure and support routed networks for LAN, WAN and dial access services
Install, configure and support switched networks for LAN, WAN and dial access services

For small businesses and home offices involving less than 100 nodes.

You are tested in these 7 CCNA areas:

OSI Reference
WAN Protocols
IOS
Network Protocols
Routing
Network Security
LAN Switching

You must know at least these protocols:

IP
IGRP
IPX
Serial
Appletalk
Frame Relay
IP RIP
VLANS
RIP
Ethernet
Access Lists

The CCNA is not only the first tier certification for the Network Support track, it is also a prerequisite for anyone in the Network Design track to move up from the CCDA certification to the second level, CCDP Cisco Certified Design Professional.

This is a little confusing, but it makes sense in that it must be difficult for someone to properly design networks if they don't also have a solid foundation of knowledge of how how to run them.

It would actually make a lot of sense for everyone to pass both certifications, so that no matter where you go from there, you have a solid basic foundation of all aspects of networks. You increase your chances of getting a job.

Plus, the difference between the tracks at the Professional level, is only one additional test, so that reaching the top of the Network Design track is not a huge amount of extra work for someone who is gunning for the Network Support track.

Cisco also has another type of CCNA certification, the CCNA WAN Switching certification:

Cisco CCNA WAN Switching certification

The CCNA/WAN Switching certification indicates an apprentice knowledge of WAN switched networks. It shows you can install:

WAN switches
IPX
IGX
BPX
AXIS Shelf
modems

To attain the CCNA WAN Switching certification, you must pass one test, the 640-410 CCNA WAN Switching.

After you pass either test, your CCNA is good for three years. After that, you must retake the test, unless you've already moved up to the next level, which I recommend if you have any ambition in you at all, or any greed to support your family in comfort and have a financially comfortable retirement.

This is a summary of the CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate certification.

Next: CCDP certification

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