🧩 Cisco CCNA

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Type: Technical

πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability

  • Target roles or profiles:
    Network Administrator, Junior Network Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, IT Technician

  • Practical applications:
    Setting up and securing small-to-medium networks, troubleshooting connectivity, supporting routing/switching infrastructure

πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    None officially required

  • Suggested experience:
    1–2 years in IT or networking roles

  • Required technical knowledge:
    Basic understanding of TCP/IP, subnets, OSI model, Cisco CLI, and basic security concepts

πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Network Fundamentals

    2. Network Access

    3. IP Connectivity

    4. IP Services

    5. Security Fundamentals

    6. Automation and Programmability

  • Technologies/tools:
    Cisco IOS, VLANs, ACLs, NAT, DHCP, SSH, IPv4/IPv6, Routing Protocols (RIP, OSPF), Packet Tracer

  • Framework mapping:
    Partial alignment with NIST SP 800-115, NICE Framework (Technical Support Specialist roles)

πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (theoretical + CLI-based practical)

  • Labs/environments: Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), NetAcad virtual labs

  • Materials: Cisco Press CCNA Official Cert Guide, video courses, lab manuals

  • Recommended platforms: Cisco Networking Academy, Udemy (David Bombal, Neil Anderson), INE, CBT Nuggets

πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Mode: In-person or online proctored via Pearson VUE

  • Duration: 120 minutes

  • Questions: 100–120 (multiple choice, drag and drop, simlets, testlets)

  • Languages: English and Japanese

  • Retake policy: 5-day waiting period after failed attempt

  • Certification validity: 3 years

πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee: $300 USD

  • Training cost: ~$500–$1,200 USD (optional, depending on provider)

  • Renewal cost: Retake exam or earn Continuing Education credits (30 CE credits for recertification)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Globally recognized as a foundational networking certification

  • Organizations that value it: Cisco partners, telcos, ISPs, financial institutions, MSPs, education and healthcare sectors

  • Comparison: More technical than CompTIA Network+, vendor-specific but highly respected

πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Network Technician, Helpdesk Technician, Systems Administrator, Network Analyst, Junior Security Admin

  • Suggested paths:
    β†’ CCNA β†’ Cisco CyberOps Associate or CCNP Security / CCNP Enterprise
    β†’ CCNA + Security+ β†’ CySA+, GCIH, or Blue Team certs

πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $60,000–$85,000/year

  • Europe: €35,000–€60,000/year

  • Salary impact: +10–20% over non-certified technicians

  • (Sources: PayScale, Glassdoor, CyberSeek)

πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Retake the current CCNA exam

    • Earn 30 Continuing Education credits

    • Take a higher-level exam (e.g., CCNP)

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Beginners and intermediate professionals aiming to build a strong base in networking and start a cybersecurity career

  • When to pursue:
    Early in your career or before diving into specialized certs like CyberOps, CCNP, or cloud networking

  • Tips:
    Build labs with Packet Tracer or GNS3. Master subnetting and CLI. Combine study with visual and hands-on practice.