Did you know that you can grab around 20% hike in salary after completing CCNA Certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate)?
Yes, employers are proactively looking for CCNA-certified IT experts and flexible to pay a generous package for the same. Issued by Cisco, the CCNA certification is a prestigious credential in the IT industry, paving the way for numerous lucrative job opportunities. In this blog, we'll delve into the details of the CCNA certification, preparation for the accreditation, and top jobs after ccna certification.

What is a CCNA Certification?

The CCNA certification is a globally-recognised professional credential offered by Cisco, the esteemed industry leader in networking technology. It validates your expertise in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-sized routed and switched networks. The certification is designed to provide a solid foundation in networking and is ideal for those upscaling their careers in IT and networking.

Topics Covered

The CCNA certification covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Network Fundamentals: Basics of networking, including protocols, models, and topologies.
• LAN Switching Technologies: VLANs, inter-switch connectivity, and spanning-tree protocol.
• Routing Technologies: IP addressing, subnetting, and routing protocols like OSPF and EIGRP.
• WAN Technologies: VPNs, MPLS, and other WAN technologies.
• Infrastructure Services: DHCP, DNS, SNMP, and NTP.
• Infrastructure Security: Security threats, mitigation techniques, and secure network access.
• Infrastructure Management: Monitoring tools, device management, and network automation.

Exam Format

The CCNA exam format consists of a single comprehensive exam known as 200-301 CCNA. The exam typically includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, simulations, and tests, designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Eligibility

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, but a basic understanding of networking concepts and some hands-on experience can be extremely beneficial. However, Cisco recommends having some practical experience in networking to crack the CCNA Certification.

Preparation Time and Flow

Preparation time might vary depending on your previous knowledge and experience in network administration. On average, it can take anywhere from three to six months of dedicated study to prepare for the CCNA exam. The DataSpace Academy CCNA Training program has a training duration of 3 months.
A typical preparation flow includes:

1. Understanding the Exam Essentials: Familiarise yourself with the topics and objectives.


2. Study Materials: Utilise Cisco's official study guides, DataSpace Academy’s CCNA Training Materials, video tutorials, and practice exams.


3. Hands-on Practice: Use simulators or real equipment to gain practical experience.


4. Review and Revise: Regularly review and test your knowledge to reinforce learning.

Exam Cost

As of 2024, the cost of the CCNA exam is approximately $300 USD, which should stand around Rs. 25,122 INR for Indian students. This price may vary slightly depending on your location and the testing centre.

Top 6 Jobs after CCNA Certification

A career after CCNA certification is highly rewarding.
Earning a CCNA certification opens up a wide range of job opportunities in the networking field. Here are some of the top career opportunities that you can look out for:

1. Network Engineer

This is one of the most sought-after jobs after ccna certification. As a Network Engineer, your primary tasks will be designing, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure. This role involves troubleshooting network issues, optimising performance, and ensuring the security of the network. A strong understanding of routing and switching, which the CCNA covers, is crucial for this position.


2. Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of an organisation's network. Their duties include monitoring network performance, installing hardware and software, and providing technical support. The CCNA certification equips you with the skills needed to handle these tasks effectively.


3. Systems Administrator

While primarily focused on servers and systems, the job of Systems Administrators often needs a solid understanding of networking. The CCNA certification equips Systems Administrators with the know-how to configure and manage network resources, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and enhance system security.


4. Network Analyst

Network Analysts examine and optimise network performance. They analyse data to identify issues and also recommend improvements as needed. The analytical and troubleshooting skills developed through CCNA training are highly relevant for this role.


5. IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists offer technical support to end-users and ensure smooth operation of IT systems. The CCNA certification empowers you with the foundational networking knowledge needed to diagnose and resolve network-related issues. In other words, the globally-recognised certificate makes you a valuable asset to any IT support team.


6. Network Support Engineer

Network Support Engineers are responsible for setting up and maintaining network hardware and software. They perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot problems, and ensure network availability.

After Words

A career after CCNA certification can be incredibly rewarding, offering diverse job opportunities and a solid foundation for further growth in the IT industry. Whether you're aiming to become a Network Engineer, System Administrator, or Network Analyst, the skills and knowledge you gain from the Cisco Certificate will serve as a stepping stone to your professional success.
To enhance your prospects, consider enrolling in the CCNA online training course from DataSpace Academy which is spearheaded by industry-certified professionals. This course provides structured learning, hands-on practice, and expert guidance to help you ace the certification exam and upskill your career. However, remember, the journey doesn't stop with certification. Continuous upgradation to the latest technologies is also essential to stay ahead of the curve amid sky-high competition.
So, gear up, get certified, and unlock the doors to a multitude of career opportunities!