CCNA Certification Exams

Cisco Certifications such as the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) are important to technology professionals serious about advancing in their careers. These designations are achieved by passing an examination such as the CCNA certification exam and indicated a level of ambition and technical competence that make job applicants attractive to potential employers. This article covers the most frequently asked questions about Cisco certifications.

1. What are all the Cisco certifications?

Cisco certifications are offered in two major areas at three distinct levels. Cisco certifications can be earned in network installation & support as well as in network engineering & design. Within those two major areas, individuals can achieve the following levels: associate, professional, and expert.

2. At the associate level, which Cisco certifications are available?

Technology professionals with a desire to install, configure, and operate local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), or dial-up service for small networks at the associate level should consider the CCNA & CCNA WAN Switching certifications. Individuals who would prefer to design LAN's and WAN's will be interested in attaining CCDA certification.

3. At the professional level, which Cisco certifications are available?

Technology professionals interested in installing, configuring, and operating LAN, WAN, & dial-up service for larger networks at the professional level have the options of the CCNP & CCNP WAN Switching certifications. Those more interested in the design of such networks can pursue the CCDP & CCDP LAN designations.

4. At the expert level, which Cisco certifications are available?

Experienced technology professionals who are looking for a rewarding career operating extremely complicated network environments with specific protocols, the CCIE Routing & Switching CCIE ISP Dial, CCIE WAN switching, & CCIE SNA/IP Integration designations are available at the expert level. Those who have a desire to design high specialized routed & switched networks should pursue the CCIE designation.

5. How much is a Cisco certification worth?

That really depends on the specific Cisco certification and the demand for technology professionals who possess that certification. According to a recently conducted salary survey, those who pass the CCNA certification exam earn about $10,000 more annually than they earned before receiving their CCNA certification.

The median annual compensation for Cisco certified professionals is about $60,000 per year however CCIE's often have starting salaries in excess of $100,000 per year. When would now be a good time to get started on earning your Cisco certification?

6. How does one go about earning my Cisco certification?

Generally all that's required to earn a Cisco certification is to pass the examination for the specific Cisco certification sought. However, several of the advanced Cisco certifications may require completion of some work in the laboratory).

Interested individuals have several options with regard to preparing for the Cisco certification exam. Some of the more popular options include classroom training, online training, self-preparation, and some applicants have passed the exam with no preparation using their real world experience.

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