If you are an IT engineer looking into ways to make the transition to working as a network engineer, becoming a Juniper Network Certified Internetwork Associate is an excellent path to take.
What is JNCIA?
Juniper Network Certified Internetwork Associate (JNCIA) is the first level of certification that is required before engineers can go on to complete other Juniper certifications. It allows people to secure a foundation knowledge, before going on to specialize in areas such as routing and switching, security, or cloud networks.
The JNCIA-Junos exam covers foundational knowledge about networking and delivers the basics on the Junos operating system. Previously, two more courses on an introduction to Junos and Junos routing were required before taking the JNCIA certification, but these are now incorporated into one course.
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How does JNCIA Certification Help IT Engineers?
If you are an IT engineer who wants to become a network engineer, an entry-level certification is the best place to start. Once you have started to build your foundational knowledge about networking, you can continue your training and build your networking skills. JNCIA certification is designed to be an entry-level and foundational certification that starts you on the path to becoming a network engineer, leading to other certifications in specific areas at specialist, professional and expert level.
JNCIA-Junos can lead to paths in a data center, enterprise routing and switching, security and service provider routing and switching. There is also the possibility of JNCIA-DevOps and JNCIA-Cloud.
The Benefits of JNCIA Certification
There are several excellent benefits to taking the JNCIA certification. Firstly, it is an excellent first step if you want to have a choice of options for what to do next. It opens up several training paths so that you can decide which area you want to specialize in once you have passed the certification.
There's no need to have any knowledge of networks to get started. The certification helps engineers to stand out from their peers who might not have an official certification to demonstrate their skills. It can help you to grow your career and gain access to many more opportunities.
Skills Measured by the JNCIA Certification
The JNCIA exam measures a range of skills concerning general networking and specifically relating to Junos.
The exam objectives for the JNCIA-Junos certification includes:
- Networking fundamentals - including the function of routers and switches, and Ethernet networks
- Junos OS fundamentals - including Junos device portfolio and software architecture
- User interfaces - such as CLI functionality and modes
- Junos configuration basics - including initial configuration and user accounts
- Operational monitoring and maintenance
- Routing fundamentals - such as show commands and monitor commands
- Routing policy and firewall filters - including default routing policies and routing policy flow
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Juniper JNCIA Certification Exams
JNCIA exams aren't something you can pass without any study. They will test your knowledge of a range of networking issues, including both Junos and general networking. The exam tests your practical knowledge too, ensuring you can put the theory into practice.
To prepare for the exams, you should seek out training, and also explore the additional resources that you can find online. It can also be helpful to do a practice test if you want to have a better idea of what the exam will involve. Juniper offers a practice test that you can do to test your knowledge.
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Juniper JNCIA Certification Prerequisites
JNCIA certification is an entry-level certification for people who want to learn about networking. There are no official prerequisites to take the exam, so anyone can register for it and take it when they want to.
However, there are some things that you might consider if you want to be able to understand the material and have a good chance of passing the exam. The course is best suited for people who already have experience as an IT engineer and are looking for ways to expand their knowledge into networking and using Junos.
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Juniper JNCIA Certification Training
It's important to undertake some preparation for the exam if you want to gain your JNCIA certification successfully. The recommended preparation from Juniper includes introducing them to Junos OS, which offers the options of instructor-led and on-demand courses.
They also have Networking Fundamentals to teach a range of topics relating to networking. Juniper also recommends some additional material, such as documentation about Junos and the Junos Genius app. The practice test also offers a useful tool to prepare you for the real exam. Once you take the exam, the certification is valid for three years and then re-certification is needed.
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Juniper JNCIA Certification Jobs
After gaining the JNCIA certification, there are many jobs available. The basic certification will allow you to begin working in network engineer roles and using Junos. Some people also choose to continue following one of the other training paths offered by Juniper to specialist, professional or expert level. These training levels can open up even more opportunities in networking. Many network engineer jobs specifically ask for experience in Junos and might also require other certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP.
Both permanent and contract work can be available to you when you have a JNCIA certification. FieldEngineer.com is helping freelance engineers and businesses by connecting them online. The freelance marketplace is benefiting businesses by allowing them to discover the freelance network engineers that they need with ease.
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Juniper JNCIA Certification Salary
People with a JNCIA-Junos certification could earn an average of more than $110,000 within the US, with a median US salary of $105,000. Outside of the US, the average annual salary is around $60,000, but it can vary depending on the country. In the UK, network engineers can earn about £34,000 ($44,000) and senior engineers £55,000 ($72,000).
Working as a freelance engineer can help you discover the best opportunities. FieldEngineer.com offers an easy to use platform that gives freelancers control over their network engineering work, with employers all over the world looking for JNCIA-certified professionals with the right experience.
