October 18, 2016
IT professionals are expected to be in-the-know of all things technology, and what better way to reflect your knowledge than with a certification? There are many certifications available for any level professional in technology that can enhance your skills. Network engineers are discovering the benefits of having a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching certification as it provides greater credibility to your understanding of network systems. Learn more about how you can become certified and more in this month’s certification profile.
What is CCNA Routing and Switching?
What was previously called the Cisco Certified Network Associate, is now known as CCNA Routing and Switching. The “CCNA Routing and Switching certification demonstrates competence as a network professional, and proves that a certified pro can install, configure, operate and troubleshoot routed & switched networks.” Network professionals will get more than simply increasing their networking expertise; you can be recognized at a greater level upon receiving this certification as many employers value certified professionals in their organizations.
Global Knowledge found the CCNA Routing and Switching certification to be one of this year’s more popular certifications among surveyed IT professionals, and results also found that these certified professionals earned an average salary of $79,942. Positions such as IP Network Engineers, Network Design Architects, and Network Engineers would gain the most value with this certification in their roles.
How can I become certified?
Cisco Routing and Switching certifications have four tiers, ranging from entry-level to field expert, and CCNA is second out of the four tiers. There are no prerequisites needed to obtain the CCNA Routing and Switching certification; however, having experience and understanding the basics of networking will give you an upper-hand and save time as you prepare for the certification exams.
There are two required exams ranging from $150-$250, and to register for an exam, you must login to your Cisco account. There is also recommended training courses associated with each exam listed below, but other online prep material can be found here.
| Certification Exams: |
Recommended Training Courses: |
| Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) |
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| Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) |
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| Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) |
What is the recertification process?
As found on Cisco’s website, the CCNA Routing and Switching certifications remain effective for three (3) years, and in order to recertify, you will need to pass just one of the exams listed below before the certification expires.
- Pass any current Associate-level exam except for ICND1 exam
- Pass any current 642-XXX Professional-level or any 300-XXX Professional-level exam
- Pass any current 642-XXX Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams or MeetingPlace Specialist exams, Implementing Cisco TelePresence Installations (ITI) exams, Cisco Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction exams, or any 650 online exams)
- Pass any current CCIE Written Exam
- Pass the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam
- Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review to extend lower certifications
The CCNA Routing and Switching certification is ideal for Network Engineers, and those in similar roles, who are looking to take their careers to the next level. Obtaining this certification will enhance your skillset and knowledge of computer networks, and you’ll certainly stand out from other candidates who aren’t certified.
Take a look at our other certification profiles here.
Posted By: Jaclyn Roman