Do
you want to learn how to install, configure, and maintain simple
networks? Are you trying to increase your knowledge, demonstrate your
expertise, or improve your credibility? The foundation you gain when
preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA™) is also the first step on an industry recognized career track.
Gaining and Certifying Foundation Skills
The CCNA certifies an individual’s networking skills at the foundation
level. Candidates who pass proctored exams will receive a CCNA
certificate from Cisco and may use the CCNA designation on their
business cards.
The CCNA is awarded in two tracks:
- Routing and Switching
- WAN Switching
To
help candidates prepare for the certification exams, Cisco Learning
Partners offer the following services:
- Leader-led and e-learning courses
- Mentoring and online chat rooms
- Hands-on skills development via Internetenabled
remote labs
The
Cisco Networking Academy Program also offers CCNA preparation for high
school and college students. Self-study materials are available through
the Cisco Learning Store.
Benefits of CCNA Certification
Overall, Cisco certification validates an individual’s achievement, so
it increases the holder’s professional credibility by ensuring high
standards of technical expertise.
In particular, the CCNA certification indicates knowledge of networking
for the Small Office, Home Office (SOHO) market and the ability to work
in small businesses or organizations whose networks have fewer than 100
nodes. A CCNA can do the following:
- Install and configure Cisco switches and routers in multiprotocol
internetworks using LAN and WAN interfaces
- Provide Level 1 troubleshooting service
- Improve network performance and security
Positions for a CCNA include:
- Help desk engineer
- Field technician
- Level 1 systems engineer
- Level 1 systems integrator
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