Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a widely accepted industry certification. It was developed by Cisco Systems to identify the primary skills in installation and support of medium-sized networks. This certification authenticates the ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot routed & switched systems. The certified professionals use Wide Area Network (WAN) to establish a connection to remote sites.
They should have good knowledge and skills about network security threats and fundamental networking concepts and terminology. Becoming a CCNA certified is the first step to become a Network Administrator or Network Engineer. Cisco System offers many courses in Cisco networking.
Cisco Certified Network Associate Job Description
A Cisco Certified Network Associate job roles include expertise in specific fields. CCNA certification focusses on key knowledge areas and skill sets that are part of the assessment. The professionals usually carry out the tasks of a network technician or network administrator. The primary responsibility of the CCNA is to take care of the networking equipment such as routers and switches. The other include:
- Have good knowledge about different network design and topologies that interact to form a secure IT network.
- Can describe the working of computer networks and their interactions with networked devices.
- Must be able to verify, configure and troubleshoot VLAN and inter-switch communications.
- Should execute IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet specific network requirements.
- A proper understanding of routing and router operations on Cisco devices will make it easier to resolve issues.
- Must be prepared with the countermeasures in case of any network security threats.
- Implement all the appropriate tasks for wireless local area network (WLAN) administration.
- Should take care of setting up WAN links and connect them with Wide Area Network (WAN).
- The CCNA Engineer can implement Network Address Translation (NAT) and Access Control Lists (ACLs) in office networks to enable private systems that use unregistered IP addresses to connect to the internet for additional security.
Cisco Career Certifications
It was in the year 1998 the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification program began with one core certification. Over the years, it started offering accreditation in other Computer Networking and Network Administrations at various levels such as Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. Currently, the CCNA specialized certifications are:
CCNA Cloud
The CCNA Cloud certification will help candidates to develop, advance, and validate their cloud skill set.
CCNA Collaboration
This certification is for individuals who want to enhance their collaboration and video skills in accordance with the convergence of voice, video, and data.
CCNA Cyber Ops
Cyber Ops certification will prepare the individual to detect and respond to cybersecurity breaches and other security incidents.
CCNA Data Center
The certification will teach the candidate how to install, configure, and maintain data center technology.
CCNA Industrial
It provides the candidates necessary skills to implement and troubleshoot most common industry standard protocols.
CCNA Routing and Switching
It ensures that the candidates stay relevant with skill sets needed for interconnecting Cisco networking devices.
CCNA Security
The certification helps to recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks and mitigate other security threats.
CCNA Service Provider
This certification is for candidates who want to configure and implement robust baseline Cisco Service Provider IP next-generation networks.
CCNA Wireless
It will strengthen the basic Cisco Wireless LAN’s configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and support skills.
Educational Background
Candidates who are going for computer-related positions will have an added advantage with Cisco Certified Network Associate credential. Cisco offers five-tier information technology certification. The candidate does not need any specific degree to earn a CCNA, but it is better to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information science.
Jobs that need CCNA
Usually, companies that use Cisco routers and switches are in search for IT professionals with Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. The typical job profiles include Network Engineer and Network Administrator. Any candidate who is planning to go towards networking will usually have a CCNA certification, but this does not guarantee employment. But, it is one of the substantial components to possess in the IT sector. Many companies prefer candidates with CCNA certification.
Cisco Certified Network Associate salary
As per infosecinstitute.com, Network and Computer Science System Administrators with CCNA get paid about $39,195 to $118,830. According to Indeed.com, the CCNA salary ranges from approximately $49,204 per year for IT Support to $82,293 per year for Network Engineer.
Career opportunities for CCNA
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected rise of 8 percent in job opportunities. The factors that contribute to the growth are more usage of internet and networking technologies at the workplace. In the future, it is the healthcare and computer systems design sectors that would want to hire these professionals. But, at the same time, the other fields will witness slow growth rate due to the use of cloud computing.
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