Meet the Updated Cisco CCNA Certification

Certifications grow and evolve all of the time, in order to provide the most value to the delegates that take them, as well as reflect the ever-changing IT trends. This helps ensure that your learning is entirely up to date and in line with the latest standards.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification recently changed. Join us as we take a look at this qualification, the changes that have been made and how CCNA can help you progress in your IT career.

What is the CCNA? (Formally known as ‘Implementing and Administering Cisco Networking Technologies’)

The CCNA is a qualification provided by global technology company Cisco. The qualification is taken by delegates to show that they are capable of administrating and managing routed and switched networks.

We’re all doing more and more online. Solid networks and infrastructure are critical in helping to keep us connected, no matter where we are in the world.

The CCNA is an internationally recognised certification, which means that it is accepted by IT professionals all across the world.

In fact, did you know that over 74% of all Network Engineer jobs require candidates to have Cisco networking skills? This makes it an excellent qualification to have, whether you are new to networking or are an IT professional.

What has changed?

In the past, there were a vast number of different CCNA qualifications available, each focusing on a different area of the network. For example, there were separate qualifications focusing on cloud infrastructure, network collaboration, service providers and wireless technology.

These qualifications have all now been retired and replaced by one new CCNA qualification, known as 200-301 CCNA.

This qualification lasts for three years before you need to renew, the same as before.

What does the new CCNA qualification cover?

The new CCNA qualification covers a broad range of topics including:

1. Network fundamentals – focusing on routers, switches and cabling
2. Network access – focusing on VLANs and trunking
3. IP connectivity – focusing on IP routing
4. IP services – focusing on QoS, SNMP, NTP and DCHP
5. Security fundamentals – focusing on VPNs, wireless security and port security, as well as cyberthreats
6. Automation and programmability – focusing on JSON, SDN, Chef and REST APIs

The qualification is awarded following a two-hour exam, taken online.

Why has the certification changed?

Cisco changed the qualification to make things easier for delegates. Rather than spending time deciding which qualification is the best one for your circumstances, you now just study for the one exam.

This can make things considerably less daunting, especially if you are entirely new to the world of IT infrastructure.

As you learn a more comprehensive range of principles and processes with CCNA, the new certificate gives you a lot more flex.

While studying for the CCNA, you may find that a particular area interests you more than the others, and that you want to specialise in this area in the future. Alternatively, you can apply what you have learned with the CCNA across different channels, giving you a well-rounded and more generalist skillset.

With the new CCNA, you don’t have to worry about choosing a specific area to focus on, and then finding out that you don’t enjoy it.

As Cisco says, the new CCNA is a “springboard” to help you get to where you want to go in your future career.

Which certifications have changed?

Here is a list of all the certifications that have been retired and replaced with the new CCNA (200-301).

• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
• CCNA Cloud
• CCNA Collaboration
• CCNA Data Centre
• CCNA Industrial
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
• CCNA Routing and Switching
• CCNA Security
• CCNA Service Provider
• CCNA Wireless

If you hold any of the old qualifications, they have been automatically replaced with the new CCNA qualification. You don’t need to do anything.

When it is time to renew, you will take the new CCNA exam.

What if I want to still specialise in a particular area?

If you want to specialise in a particular skill set, then this is still an option with Cisco.

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is the next step on the ladder after CCNA, and this qualification allows you to specialise in a particular area if you want to.

With CCNP you can specialise in enterprise technologies, data centres, security, service providers or collaboration. There are two modules to study for – a general module and then a module in the area you want to specialise in.

You don’t have to complete the CCNA to study for CCNP, but it is recommended.

If you are new to the world of networking, the CCNA can give you a broad introduction. You can then elect to specialise in a particular area with the CCNP qualification if you want to.

Why choose ITonlinelearning to carry out your CCNA qualification?

Here at ITonlinelearning, we’ve been offering the full range of Cisco CCNA courses for several years. We are now proud to offer the new CCNA certification as one of our learning options.

As well as covering the topics mentioned above, we will help you to prepare for your exam – increasing the odds of you achieving this highly-coveted qualification.

Learn more about our Cisco CCNA course.

Want to find out more about Cisco CCNA? Get in touch!

Do you want to show that you are skilled in administering a network?

The updated Cisco CCNA is a brilliant way to show your employees that you have the knowledge needed to keep things up and running in the workplace.

We not only offer the new Cisco CCNA but a wide range of IT certifications that you can use to showcase your skillset. All of our qualifications can be completed online, helping you to study at a pace most comfortable to your needs.

Plus with our flexible finance, you can study for your brand new career right away.

Contact us to find out more, and take the first step towards CCNA accreditation today.