The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an associate-level credential offered by Cisco, designed to validate foundational knowledge and skills in networking.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a globally recognized, vendor-specific certification for IT professionals pursuing careers in network engineering, administration, or support, emphasizing modern networking technologies like automation, AI, and cloud integration.
Key Details:
- Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA (v1.1)
- Target Audience: IT professionals with 1-2 years of networking experience or those transitioning from entry-level certs like CompTIA Network+ into Cisco-focused roles.
- Level: Associate (bridges foundational IT skills to specialized networking expertise).
What It Covers:
The CCNA v1.1 exam focuses on six key areas, updated in 2024:
- Network Fundamentals:
- Core concepts (e.g., OSI model, TCP/IP, network topologies).
- Introduction to AI and machine learning in network operations.
- Network Access:
- Configuring VLANs, wireless LANs, and Ethernet switching.
- Managing access points and client connectivity.
- IP Connectivity:
- Routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, static routing).
- IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting.
- IP Services:
- Configuring DHCP, NAT, and cloud network management tools.
- Basics of QoS and network redundancy.
- Security Fundamentals:
- Implementing security policies (e.g., ACLs, VPN basics).
- Securing devices and understanding generative AI in security.
- Automation and Programmability:
- Using tools like Ansible and Terraform for network automation.
- Understanding SDN and controller-based architectures.
Exam Format:
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based questions (approximately 90-110 questions).
- Passing Score: Approximately 825 out of 1000 (exact score varies, not officially published).
- Cost: Approximately $300 USD (plus tax, varies by region).
Prerequisites:
- No formal prerequisites required.
- Cisco recommends 1+ years of experience with networking and Cisco solutions.
Benefits:
- Prepares candidates for roles like network administrator, support engineer, or junior network specialist.
- Serves as a foundation for advanced Cisco certifications (e.g., CCNP, DevNet).
- Demonstrates proficiency in managing modern, automated, and secure Cisco networks.
Launched on August 20, 2024, the CCNA v1.1 (200-301) update reflects evolving trends like generative AI, cloud-native networking, and automation with tools like Terraform, making it a critical credential for staying competitive in today’s IT networking landscape!