| If a person has a CCNA certification, it means that he | | | | wide-area networks (WANs). Knowledge on Ethernet |
| has the necessary skills that networking professionals | | | | and VLANs is also necessary as well as skills in IP |
| use in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting routed | | | | addressing, and knowledge on TCP/IP protocols (ARP, |
| and switched computer networks and systems. They | | | | RARP, BOOTP, and ICMP). |
| are also capable of implementing and managing | | | | Moreover, the aspiring candidate should be proficient |
| connections to remote sites using the WAN. Moreover, | | | | with routers and routing protocols, bridges, and |
| they are equipped with basic knowledge on network | | | | switches. He should also be an expert with the Cisco |
| security issues, wireless computer networking, and | | | | IOS (Internetwork Operating System) and lastly, he |
| other performance-based computer skills. | | | | should have prime knowledge on computer network |
| What is a CCNA certification? | | | | management and security. |
| CCNA stands for the Cisco Certified Network | | | | What other things should an aspiring CCNA know? |
| Associate (CCNA) certification. It is the entry-level | | | | There are no pre-requisite tests for getting CCNA. |
| certification of Cisco. Such is a pre-requisite for the | | | | Generally, the exam for the CCNA certification will last |
| other higher levels of Cisco certifications. | | | | for two hours as it is only comprised of seventy eight |
| Basically the CCNA certification is the first step | | | | questions. |
| towards the series of Cisco IT certifications. It is best | | | | In order to pass the exam, the aspiring candidate |
| suited for IT help desk engineers, field technicians, | | | | should be able to answer at least sixty three questions |
| computer networkers, and other IT professionals | | | | correctly. Also, before any individual can take the |
| involved in managing the processes of computer | | | | certification exam, he is required to pay an average of |
| networks. | | | | a hundred dollars as exam fee. Once the aspiring |
| What is the next step after getting a CCNA | | | | candidate pass, the results will be valid for three years. |
| certification? | | | | However, an official recertification exam should be |
| After an IT professional has gained the CCNA | | | | taken at the end of the validity period. |
| certification, he can then move forward and acquire | | | | How can one be prepared for a CCNA certification |
| the other Cisco Certifications. These include the CCNP | | | | exam? |
| (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification | | | | The aspiring individual should be able to get hands-on |
| which is designed for network administrators and | | | | experience with computer systems, as well as formal |
| network technicians; and CCIE (Cisco Certified | | | | IT trainings. In addition to that, an individual can opt to |
| Internetwork Expert) certification which is tailor made | | | | find an official Cisco Learning Partner. Such |
| for senior network administrators and high level | | | | organizations will offer aspiring candidates with "live" |
| positions. | | | | preparation courses and materials. |
| What are the topics that are included in the CCNA | | | | If an IT professional cannot avail of actual training |
| certification exam? | | | | courses, he can study for the CCNA certification |
| An individual aspiring for a CCNA certification should | | | | exam using books and online sources. Aside from |
| be knowledgeable with the basic history of networking. | | | | step-by-step tutorials and lectures, an aspiring |
| He should also be able to identify and utilize the OSI | | | | candidate can access comprehensive practice exams |
| reference model and the basic principles used in | | | | for the CCNA certification. In doing so, he can assess |
| network designs. Also, he should be able to construct | | | | his present knowledge and capability to be CCNA |
| and design both local-area networks (LANs) and | | | | certified. |