Why Every Computer Network Professional Should Have A CCNA

A CCNA or Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is entry-level for computer network professionals. Many employers require employees in this field to have a CCNA, and for a good reason. Obtaining a CCNA demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to manage small enterprise networks. Organizations in the DevOps sector need team members who can guide them through pulling docker images like in this JFrog guide, pushing to a container registry, and running containers in a production environment, ensuring smooth operations. These organizations will benefit most from team members with CCNA certification.

What Is A CCNA, And What Does It Stand For?

The CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is a certification offered by Cisco Systems. This certification demonstrates a fundamental understanding of networking principles and the ability to configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

The CCNA exam is divided into the ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) exam and the ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2) exam. You can choose to take both exams at once or separately. Once you pass both exams, you’ll be awarded the CCNA credential.

Why Should You Get A CCNA Certification If You’re In The Computer Networking Field?

Getting a CCNA certification shows employers and clients that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle networking tasks, making you a valuable asset in the job market. It can also lead to career advancement opportunities and increased salary potential.

Additionally, having a CCNA certification sets you apart from other networking professionals who may not have this credential.

How Can A CCNA Certification Help Your Career Prospects And Salary Potential?

According to Dice’s 2020 Salary Survey, individuals with a CCNA certification have an average salary of $101,254. This is significantly higher than the average IT salary of $81,328. In addition to potentially earning more money, having a CCNA certification can also open up new career opportunities and advancement possibilities.

1. A CCNA Can Help You Advance Your Career: In today’s job market, it’s more important than ever to have credentials that set you apart from the competition. With a CCNA, you can qualify for positions that wouldn’t be open to you without the certification and command a higher salary. Having a CCNA on your resume will show employers that you have the skills and knowledge to manage enterprise-level networks—and that’s a valuable asset in any organization.

2. CCNAs Are in High Demand: Not only are CCNAs in high demand by employers, but the demand for qualified professionals is only increasing. According to Cisco, there will be one million new jobs created worldwide in the next five years for networking professionals—so if you’re thinking about becoming a CCNA, there’s no time like the present.

3. The Certification Process Isn’t as Intimidating as You Might Think: If you’re putting off getting your CCNA because you think the certification process is too complicated, think again. Yes, becoming a CCNA requires passing two exams—but Cisco offers plenty of resources to help you prepare, including training courses, e-learning options, and practice exams. And once you pass the exams and become certified, Cisco provides free tools and resources to help you maintain your certification so you can keep your skills up-to-date.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A CCNA Certification Compared To Other Networking Certifications?

While many other networking certifications are available, the CCNA is unique because it’s vendor-specific and covers a broad range of topics. This makes it a valuable credential for professionals who want to work with Cisco systems and those who wish to have a well-rounded understanding of networking principles.

Additionally, Cisco’s high market share means having a CCNA can make you more attractive to potential employers. And because the CCNA certification process requires passing two exams, it shows commitment and dedication to your career.

How Do You Go About Getting A CCNA Certification, And What’s The Process Like?

To become certified, you must pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams or take and pass the CCNA composite exam. These exams test your knowledge and skills in various networking concepts, including IP addressing, routing protocols, and network security.

Before taking the exam, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of these concepts through hands-on experience or formal training. Cisco offers both instructor-led training courses and self-paced e-learning options to prepare for exams.

Once you pass the exams and become certified, you must stay current with industry developments by participating in continuing education activities every three years. This helps you maintain your CCNA certification and keep your skills up-to-date.

What Are Some Of The Best Resources For Learning About The CCNA Exam And Preparing For It?

Some great resources for studying and preparing for the CCNA exam include Cisco’s official training courses, practice exams, and e-learning options. Other helpful resources include study guides and review materials from providers like Cisco Press and Exam collection. It’s also a good idea to regularly participate in networking forums and discussions to stay current with industry developments.