CCNA for Not Yet Techies

Cisco certifications such as the CCNA -- Cisco Certified Network Associate -- are the premier certifications for networking hardware. Microsoft's MCSE certification concentrates more on the software, naturally since that is Microsoft's business. The CCNA advances your computer career.

But Cisco makes the hardware that carries the software, whether by Microsoft, Novell, Linux or any other. Cisco routers and switchers hold the Internet together. The CCNA gets your started in a computer career helping Cisco network the world.

Vendor

Cisco's certification system looks a little complicated at first, but there is a logic to it. Besides, if you can't figure out the certification system itself, you sure can't pass the tests anyway:)

They have two basic tracks:

• Network Design
• Network Support

OK, logical enough, right? If you want to be the one called in by a business when they need to design a network, you go for the Network Design track. If you want to keep working there running the network once it's in place, you go for the Network Support track. Of course, a lot of knowledge and skills overlap. Logic tells us that in the long run there will be a lot more job demand for network support specialists.

Within each track, there are three tiers of expertise. Naturally, you start out at the lowest tier and work your way up.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate is the first tier certification for the Network Support track. According to Cisco, the CCNA indicates "a foundation or apprentice knowledge of network design for the small office/home office (SOHO) market."

The CCNA comes in two tracks:

• Routing and Switching
• WAN Switching