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CCNA: Is it for you? - what is
CCNA?
(The CCNA version was
updated to #640-801 in June 2003. Although this article written before
then is based on the retired #640-607 exam, it still gives details of the CCNA
focus.) CCNA
has again been updated in 2007. There are new exams - CCNA 640-802 and
CCENT.
Learn
More:
New
CCNA 2007 Update
Quite a few prospective IT
certification candidates have an interest in Cisco’s foundation
program. This is no surprise as Cisco is a popular certification sponsor.
No wonder there is quite a bit of attention paid to Cisco Certified
Network Associate (CCNA). The Exam (#640-607) replaced 640-507 as the
Cisco Certified Network Associate 2.0 exam in March 2002.
What is CCNA?
But what really is CCNA? CCNA is a beginning-level program that aims
to certify a solid foundation in Cisco networking. Cisco’s certification
programs are about certifying the competence of Internetworking professionals
in routing, switching and connectivity. CCNA requires passing only one
written exam (#640-607). Once this certification has been obtained,
it can be a stopping point, as you’ve become qualified in Routing
and Switching (valid for three years), or can be a starting point for
a Professional-level certification.
But it is important to know
why you are getting certified. For instance, do you know that for CCNA,
you must have a good background in networking? In fact it is meant for
anyone involved in implementing or supporting networks. A CCNA professional
should be able to manage simple networked and internetworked environments
incorporating routers and switches. Do you have an interest in networks
or Internetworking? Do you want to work in the networking field? How
does CCNA fit into your career development plan?
So what does CCNA entail?
There are 55 to 65 questions asked, and and a candidate has 90 minutes
to answer them with a required passing score of at least 849. Possible
scores range from 300 and 1,000).
How you prepare for CCNA depends largely on your current knowledge and
experience of networking. Certification preparation options include
instructor-led training, e-simulations, practical labs, practice tests,
study materials, etc.
If you have the funds and time, it is always advisable to include instructor-led
training in your preparations.
Back to Basics
As a first step, let’s
go back to networking. You must be comfortable with the technical fundamentals
of networking. Practical networking means being familiar with the basics
of networking. Can you describe the functions of the OSI model and explain
the basic differences between a hub, switch, router, and bridge?
Fundamental networking means being able to: 1) apply fundamental data
communications and network concepts, 2) identify different types of
networks and network topologies, 3) share resources such as printers
on a network, 4) install and configure Network components, 5) identify
the differences between types of networks, 6) install and configure
networks, and 7) troubleshoot network problems with proven techniques
that are efficient and effective
It is absolutely essential that you have a good foundation in the fundamentals
of networking.
Let us look into CCNA
in more detail:
The objectives for CCNA can be divided into eight categories. You are
expected to master all the categories:
Let us briefly look at what
you are expected to know in each category.
OSI Model
The OSI model was created by the ISO (International Standards Organization)
for the purpose of creating a networking standard all vendors could
adhere to. The presence of a standard makes it possible for vendors
using different operating systems to communicate on the same network.
OSI uses layered communication. A mnemonic used to memorize the order
of the layers is “All People Seem To Need Data Processing”.
A solid understanding of this model is required. The layers are: Application,
Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data link and Physical.
Bridging/Switching
What are bridges? What are switches? You should be able to explain the
difference between a bridge and a switch. And you must also know the
difference between the methods of switching. What are VLANs? How does
the Spanning Tree Protocol work?
Network
Protocols
You need to understand the key differences among network protocols,
primarily TCP/IP and SPX/IPX. Understand the functions of individual
segments of each protocol as well as the addressing scheme used by each
networking protocol and have a general understanding of protocol services
and access lists
Routing
Protocols
What is a routing protocol? What is it designed for? You should
know about RIP and IGRP. Understand the different types of routing protocols.
This also involves knowing their differences.
WAN
Protocols
In this category, CCNA professionals are expected to know how to configure
ISDN and frame relay connections. You should also understand ATM, HDLC
and other technologies.
Network
Management
What are DNS and Telnet used for? Do you know the commands specific
to troubleshooting for each of the WAN, LAN, and routing protocols?
This may involve simulation or actual basic day-to-day usage of Cisco
equipment.
LAN
Design
You need to know about the various LAN types (Ethernet, Fast-Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet, and Token Ring). What are their features and benefits?
Your network troubleshooting skills are also important.
Cisco
Basics, IOS and Network Basics
How can you issue commands on the Cisco IOS - the operating system running
on the device that is used to connect the networks? Cisco requires you
to be proficient with IOS, its Internetworking Operating System, which
runs on almost all of their products. You need to be VERY comfortable
at the command line before attempting any Cisco exam. You need to be
aware syntax differences and different interface modes.
Note that Cisco exams are form-based in design (as opposed to adaptive),
but do not give you the ability to mark questions or view previous ones.
Once you’ve marked an answer, you move to the next question and
never return.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 640-607 exams are offered
worldwide through VUE or Sylvan Prometric test centers.
640-607 replaced 640-507 as the CCNA 2.0 in March 2002. The new exam
(640-607) uses the same objectives as the previous one but now features
hands-on simulation questions.
You can get more information on the implications of the change here:
http://www.jidaw.com/certification.html#cisco2
The objectives for the CCNA exam combine basic networking knowledge
with specifics for a large number of protocols. This serves to make
for an exam that is knowledge-intensive. CCNA is the ideal certification
for a solid foundation in Internetworking and Cisco networking. The
exam tests real-world knowledge of networking and Internetworking fundamentals
that any Internetworking professional worth their salt should master.
Do you know all the objectives and sub objectives for this exam? If
you are in doubt, don’t even attempt the exam. What I have highlighted
are brief introductions to the key topics to be aware of if you are
preparing for the exam. For details of the objectives, click here:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/programs/ccna.html
Final Note:
Certification alone cannot move your IT career forward. Practical experience
and professionalism are important. Do you have a career focus or you’re
just joining the CCNA bandwagon? CCNA is obviously a popular and an
in-demand IT certification, but only go for CCNA if it fits into your
career development plan.
All the best in your IT Career,
Jide Awe
Jide Awe is the founder of Jidaw Systems,
an IT Training and Certification provider that focuses on building IT
Careers and publishes http://www.jidaw.com, an IT Career portal. He
has extensive experience with technical IT Training, Management and
Career counseling and he speaks and writes on IT Careers and IT certification.
(The CCNA version was
updated to #640-801 in June 2003. Although this article written before
then is based on the retired #640-607 exam, it still gives details of the CCNA
focus.) Click
to learn more about CCNA 640-801 Exam Tips and Preparation
CCNA
has been updated in 2007. There is a new exams - CCNA 640-802 and CCENT.
Learn
More:
New
CCNA 2007 Update
What
Do you Have to Say? Post
Your Comments about this article Here
COMMENTS
for "CCNA: Is it for You?":
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March 15, 2008
Lewis O.in Port Harcourt,
Rivers State. Nigeria says:
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It's wonderful how
this site covers a whole lot of areas which are important to a
very wide group of individuals. This is actually an article that
has demystified CCNA to me. I appreciate it.
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March 10, 2008
Anoop in
India says:
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Hey.. A very good to
the point article. Excellent for Beginners, who are wondering
from where to start with... thanks mate..
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March 3, 2008
Ugo in Abuja, Nigeria says:
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Thanks for the
expose. I am really interested in knowing more like the closest
venue for the exams in my location.
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February 14, 2008
Shani Kushwaha
in Pune, India says:
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Good
stuff! i was really scared what this ccna is. Thanks to
this page which has told me about ccna...
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February 3, 2008
Natheesan.G
in Toronto ON,
Canada says:
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Jide Awe it is a
simple article that makes me understand what is ccna is
all about. I feel like i want to read more..anyway i just wanted
to say thank you!
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January 24, 2008
B. Jayawardena
MIT Undergraduate in Sri Lanka says:
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Thanks for the
article Jide Awe, just the right introduction on CCNA I ever
needed, which i didn't get from anywhere else. Thanks!
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November 23, 2007
ADEWARA ADEDAPO
ADESOJI
from Lagos, Nigeria says:
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The article was
nice, and it makes me to real understand what CCNA is all about.
But Sir, am a gradute in Computer Engineering and I wish to
further my career in Telecommunication Company, but the
certificate to acquire I don't know. Please advise me on what to
do in other to build up my career. Thanks
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July 11, 2007
Ninad C. Raut
from Mumbai, India says:
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You have provided
very nice information regarding CCNA. I had passed bachelor of
commerce exam [graduation]. I want to develop a career in
networking. Thanking you.
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April
18, 2007
Paresh
from Seattle, Washington says:
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CCNA tips & then the differences between old and New CCNA
Nice article. Definitely helpful to make u understand where to focus :).
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For more coverage and information related to this topic, head to the CCNA Resources
http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/ccna.html
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