If you are considering CCNA as your next certification, then you are about to embark on an exciting and rewarding journey.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network associate) is your starting point for gaining knowledge in networking technologies and Cisco specific commands and concepts. This step is the foundation for the next professional and expert levels. As any foundation, it must be laid properly, steadily and in a solid manner.
Cisco recently retired nine CCNA tracks, and replaced them with a single well made exam. This was a very smart move, as it consolidated various overlapping topics from all tracks.
The new exam is going live February 24th, 2020 and
Would attaining CCNA make you a IP network guru?
Most certainly not! I always compared CCNA to getting a driving license. You are not an elite driver yet, but can safely drive on the streets and roads. You have enough knowledge to manage networks, understand the deployed technologies, and of course configure devices and troubleshoot related issues efficiently.
Memorise or understand topics?
Actually you have to do both. Some information should be understood, and other memorised. Topics you are continuously exposed to in the work place will naturally be easily memorised and become part of your day to day. For the purpose of the exam, there are few good proven techniques which help memorising.
Practice labs are a crucial part of your preparation and learning process. As an associate, you must be able to configure confidently and know your way around CLI. If you do not have access to real hardware, there are tools out-there you can use. Namely, Cisco packet tracer, EVE-NG or Cisco VIRL.
The exam content can be split into 6 main topics.
- Network fundamentals
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
There are no formal pre-requisites to taking CCNA. Training sources range from e-learning video to books, instructor led classes or self study, combining all options.
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