Synopsis

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is an entry level certification that supports all of the career tracks within Cisco's Certification program and indicates a foundation in knowledge of networking. The Cisco CCNA Network Associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. This new curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2), VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).
A CCNA certified individual will be able to:
• 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

Intended Audience

CCNA certification is intended for network administrators and technicians, new to Cisco products and services, responsible for implementing and managing small and medium business networks.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this certification path, providing delegates follow the recommended learning track, but general networking knowledge is an advantage.

Re-certification

CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To re-certify, pass the current CCNA exam, the ICND or ICND2 Exam, a Cisco Qualified Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or any professional level exam bearing a prefix 642, or pass a CCIE written exam on or after October 1, 2004. Advancing to the next level or recertifying at the professional level automatically renews all related Associate level certifications.

Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)

This new certification is for those who feel that the CCNA is too high a level for them. This is ideally suited to those delegates who are looking to enter a networking or IT field, or those who are working with a small network. This is the first step towards the CCNA certification, although is not a pre-requisite.
The CCENT validates job skills such as the ability to install and verify basic network configurations, which is a requirement for most entry level network support positions.
CCENT is awarded ONLY to those who pass the ICND1 exam from 1st August onwards. It is not awarded to those who pass INTRO, the old style ICND, ICND2 or any combined CCNA exam, nor can it be awarded in arrears for any reason.

Security Certification

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCNA Security certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security curriculum emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.

CCNA Voice Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA® Voice) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to administer a voice networkThe Cisco CCNA Voice certification confirms that the required skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.
The CCNA Voice Certification enterprise option assesses skills/knowledge related to the Cisco Unified Communications Manager 6.0 (CUCM) 6.0. It is typically employed by large organizations such as governments, large companies, and colleges. The CVOICE #642-436 exam will be required for this option.
The CCNA Voice Certification commercial option assesses skills/knowledge related to the Cisco CallManager Express (CME) and Cisco Unity Express (CUE) solutions typically used by medium and small organizations such as companies with less than 2,000 employees, retail businesses, and small school districts. The IIUC exam #640-460 will be required for this option.

CCNA Wireless Certification

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) validates associate-level knowledge and skills to configure, implement and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. With a CCNA Wireless certification, network professionals can support a basic wireless network on a Cisco WLAN in a SMB to enterprise network. The CCNA Wireless curriculum includes information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks.