Becoming Trained in CCNA

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a certification from Cisco that was designed to set the standard for those wanting a first level Cisco career.

Nowadays it is regarded as an essential certification for those wishing to pursue jobs in CCNA that work with Cisco systems.

The aim of the CCNA certification is to ensure an individual has the ability to install, configure, operate and trouble shoot medium-size routed and switched networks. It also includes the implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

What does the exam include?

The CCNA is a composite exam that covers topics such as:

• Types of network
• Routing and switching
• IP addressing
• WAN technologies
• Connecting to a WAN
• How to implement network security measures
• TCP/IP and OSI models
• Using VLANS to extend switched networks
• Determining IP routes

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• Access lists to determine IP traffic
• Frame relay connections
• Establishing point – to – point connections
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

These topics are the building blocks of all networking topologies and protocols, hence why the certification is sought after by many employers.

You can also tailor your CCNA training to focus on different areas on networking for example you can choose to specialise in:

• Network security with the CCNA security - This includes building knowledge on infrastructure security, threat mitigation and network vulnerabilities and is an essential part for future progression to the CCNP security.
• Voice technologies with the CCNA Voice - This includes building knowledge of voice technologies administrator, voice engineer and voice manager. It validates skills in VOIP and offers exposure to Cisco Unified Communications architecture.
• Wireless LANS with the CCNA Wireless - This includes building knowledge of configuration, implementation and WLAN support.
• Service Provision with the CCNA Service Provider - This validates the candidate’s ability to configure and implement baseline Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation networks.

Where can I get CCNA training?

There are several CCNA training institutions that will be able to help you train for your CCNA certification exams:

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What jobs can I get after CCNA training?

CCNA training is a great way to get access in to a whole host of IT jobs. It is most likely to lead you in to jobs such as Network Engineer, Network Technician, Network Support or Network Analyst, although it can open doors into many other areas of IT as well.

It is a first level qualification, which means that it is a great starting point for those with little networking experience looking to start out in IT. It can also help those who are currently working in IT achieve higher pay levels and career progression.