Although the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam has no official prerequisites, the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification is a good starting point to prepare for the most advanced CCNA certification. CCENT certification is obtained by passing the first part of the Cisco Network Device Interconnection exam (ICND1). The ICND1 certification course and exam are also required for CCNA credentials. Although positions that use CCNA credentials are not required for certification, they generally require several years of experience.
Exam preparation can be accomplished through self-study with textbooks and practice exams, on-site programs, online courses or concentrated training camps offered in many locations, including Cisco authorized learning partners. People who have already obtained CCENT certification only need to take the second part (ICND2) of the certification training and pass the second part of the exam to become CCNA. Alternatively, those without prior certification can take a combined course and an exam covering both the ICND1 and ICND2 materials.
Many universities offer programs designed to prepare students for the CCNA exam. These programs cover topics such as core network concepts, LAN routing and switching concepts, along with the terminology and skills needed to pass the exam and obtain CCNA certification. Students may also consider graduate programs in related areas such as information technology.
Cisco certification exams can be taken at authorized test centers. Applicants can register online up to six weeks in advance. Most exams can be completed in two hours. Laboratories can take up to eight hours. The marks passed are based on the scores of the current tests, therefore the minimum required can vary from test to test. The certifications are valid for three years. Repeating the CCNA certification exam, passing a CCNA specialist exam or completing a more advanced level of certification can obtain certification.
Consider specialized exams
The CCNA certification demonstrates competence in the skills necessary to build, maintain and solve the routing and switching problems of medium-sized networks. In addition to the general CCNA certification to support core networks, there are four additional special certifications available in security, service provider operations, voice and wireless networks. Depending on the specialization, some certification exams may require examiners to have the current CCNA certification.
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