One of the most popular entry-level IT credentials is Cisco’s CCNA certification. The CCNA test measures a network professional’s knowledge and skills in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting medium-sized networks. The Cisco Certified Network Associate is directed toward network specialists.
This certificate will help you understand various topics across networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Most professionals wonder if paying the CCNA exam cost is worth it. We have listed everything you need to know about getting Cisco certified in this post
Why get CCNA certified?
One of the top 15 technology credentials sought by businesses is the CCNA. It also serves as a prerequisite for two more Cisco certifications: Cisco Certified Network Professional and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.
In February 2020, Cisco introduced significant improvements to its exam format, focusing on making it more straightforward. The most recent upgrade to Cisco’s various CCNAs, combined all specialization options into a single certification. They were essentially becoming the prerequisite for all Cisco-based job routes.
Roles
- Entry-level network engineer
- Help desk technician
- Network administrator
- Network support technician
What are the CCNA certification requirements?
The CCNA test has no official prerequisites, according to Cisco. Cisco does, however, recommend that CCNA candidates have the following skills:
- A basic understanding of IP addressing
- A firm grasp of the foundations of networking
- At least one year of experience with Cisco Networking.
With the modifications to Cisco’s certification program in 2020, the CCNA and other examinations were revamped to reflect a networking professional’s typical career path. When candidates believe they are qualified, they can take an exam.
Exam details
| CCNA CERTIFICATION COST | $300 |
| EXAM DURATION | 120 MINUTES |
| LANGUAGES | ENGLISH, JAPANESE, SPANISH, CHINESE |
The CCNA credential is not offered directly by Cisco. Instead, they work with Cisco Learning Partners to provide training and testing. The Cisco Learning Partner assigned to support your learning will determine the cost of taking and passing a CCNA exam. Therefore, you may expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a Cisco CCNA credential.
The domains candidates are tested upon are:
- IP connectivity (25%)
- Network access (20%)
- Network fundamentals (20%)
- Security fundamentals (15%)
- IP services (10%)
- Automation and programmability (10%)
Benefits
CCNA certification course will improve your career prospects because firms like to hire people who have certificates. Furthermore, holding this form of certification might lead to additional promotions within your current firm or greater compensation at other companies where you may work.
How to prepare?
When studying, the Cisco 200-301 exam domains should be your starting point. We previously stated that you should prepare for the Cisco 200-301 exam using the Cisco 200-301 test domains. To learn what to expect on the certification exam, go to the CCNA website and obtain the official test blueprint.
Taking Cisco’s “Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)” training module is the most effective approach to passing the CCNA exam. It includes a variety of study resources, including lectures, hands-on laboratories, and self-study materials, all of which cover the CCNA curriculum.
Is the CCNA Certificate Valid for Life?
After the issue date, your Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is valid for three years. To recertify before your certificate expires, you must first complete specific recertification requirements.
Before your CCNA certification expires, recertification exercises must be completed. The CCNA is a network security certification that can be renewed in two ways. The first option is to recertify using a traditional exam. The second way is to obtain Continuing Education credits.
CE credits are available through Cisco Learning Partners. Passing Cisco professional-level job certifications, generating exam questions for Cisco, completing relevant Cisco authorised courses, and/or participating in live technical sessions are examples of events that can earn you credits.
Most people take a written test or an instructor-led online course and pass with 80% correct answers. The certification renewal from Cisco Learning Partners is much less expensive than traditional recertification exams. All you must ensure is that the activity or event you’ve chosen is Cisco compliant.
Conclusion
CCNA exam fees, courses, study materials, and training can rack up thousands. However, the highest cost of acquiring these credentials is your time. Professional and expert certification such as CCNA certification can be time-consuming, requiring many hours of study every day for up to a year. However, they are needed to progress in the evolving IT landscape. If you are unsure about it, it will help you do some personal research and ask your employer if certification is a good fit.
