How To Become an Effective CCNA Network Engineer (Part 1) – Introduction to the CCNA Certification
by Francis Teo on July 15, 2009
in Cisco CCNA Test Overview
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is one of the most well known and valuable certifications in the IT industry. Based on a TCPMag salary survey, a certified CCNA network engineer can expect get an average salary of $76,000. The CCNA certification is also well known to be a difficult one to get, as compared to many others in the industry. In recent years, Cisco has introduced many more interactive elements in the CCNA and other Cisco certifications, including the often tricky simulation questions – also known as the CCNA lab questions.
There are now 2 possible ways to obtain the CCNA certification. Taking and passing the current CCNA exam (640-802 CCNA) will qualify you as a certified CCNA. The CCNA certification can also be taken in 2 exams (640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2). In addition, passing the ICND1 exam will qualify you as a CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). More information can be found at the Cisco website.
Why get the CCNA certification?
First off, why even consider a career in networks? IT network professionals have access to a niche job market, and networking skills are transferable from industry to industry. In an uncertain economic climate such as the one we have today, IT network professionals have better job security when compared to other IT professions such as generic programmers.
Cisco is clearly the market leader in terms of market share when it comes to enterprise network solutions today. The CCNA certification is a great way to leverage this market advantage. In addition, the CCNA courses and certification is well known in the industry for providing an excellent foundation in terms of core networking competencies such as routing and switching.
Coming Up…
In the next part of this series, we will be taking a look at CCNA preparation and the possible (and recommended) ways to prepare for the CCNA to become a certified and effective CCNA network engineer. Please subscribe to my RSS feed so you don’t miss it.
[Update 22 Jul 2009: Please read the 2nd part of this series here.]
Until next time,
Francis (savvynetcert on Twitter)
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