In recent years, the vast majority of IT networks have migrated to the cloud. Cloud computing and virtualization continue to grow at a rapid rate. This poses a significant question for many young people and professionals alike: Is earning a CCNA Certification still worth it?
It’s true that great architectural marvels weren’t erected in a single day, and if the foundation isn’t solid, even the stunning buildings will fall apart. Nowadays, we hear about analytics, IoT, blockchain, Big Data, and a slew of other technologies. All of these advancements have focused on data mobility. We still need strong networks in order to transmit information across borders.
To put it simply, the cloud is someone else’s equipment. These machines must be linked together. Yes, it does save money on infrastructure at the client end, but it also needs a robust network to transmit data among these machines on the provider side. As a result, networking continues to be an essential component of cloud technologies, even though not all industries are using them. Not every industry makes use of cloud technology, although all require a solid network to develop further.
The recession has had a minimal influence on the networking business. As a result, the CCNA credential acts as an entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in networking. The CCNA certification has evolved into the world’s most in-demand IT accreditation. Since its inception in 1998, CCNA has expanded over time, upgrading the curriculum when needed. CCNA emphasizes laying a solid foundation for prospective IT networkers who are waiting to start their careers.
However, the 200-301 examination will take its place as it is more relevant than ever before, with Cisco’s CCNA certification series being discontinued. This blog discusses whether or not you should invest your money and efforts into obtaining this new CCNA certificate or if you should wait until the end of 2020 when these certificates are no longer valid.
Cisco is a global leader in network routing and switching. Therefore we at MyComputerCareer include the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam preparation in our cybersecurity expert curriculum. We feel that this training will prepare you for long-term success in your new field of Information Technology profession. For more information, contact us today!
What Has Happened To the CCNA?
Candidates who want to become Cisco network professionals need only one exam: the Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA). To obtain the credential, candidates had previously completed several tests.
It’s intended to assess technical knowledge and competence in a wide range of skills and expertise—including security, networking fundamentals, programmability, and automation.
CCNA 200-301 testing is open to anybody with no previous experience necessary. Still, Cisco recommends that applicants have at least a year of expertise in Cisco solutions and a basic understanding of IP addressing. They should also be knowledgeable about networking fundamentals.
What CCNA Certifications Will Be Replaced?
With the new changes brought on by Cisco, the following certifications are discontinued as of February 24, 2020:
- CCNA Routing and Switching
- CCNA Security
- CCNA Data Center
- CCNA Service Provider
- CCNA Collaboration
- CCNA Cloud
- CCNA Industrial
- CCNA Wireless
These associate-level certifications will be integrated into the new Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam. The only exception is the CCNA Cyber Operations certification, which still remains.
Is The Cisco Associate Certification Still Worth It?
The new CCNA credential: Cisco’s 200-301 exam has received a significant overhaul in the curriculum. To keep up with the ever-changing IT development, Cisco has added wireless networking, security, and network automation as part of the curriculum. This updated curriculum is designed to help professionals better handle complex job responsibilities in an ever-increasingly tech-oriented environment.
The Cisco 200-301 exam is a 120-minute test that may be taken in English or Japanese. It is made up of the following sections:
- IP connectivity (25%): The exam will check your grasp and abilities to create, validate, and troubleshoot basic routing using a variety of routing protocols, including static IP/VPN/DMZ routing. It will include topics such as BGP, vRouter, dynamic routing protocols (RIPv1 and RIPv2), OSPF V3, EIGRP vNext, PBR, redistribution (of IGPs into EIGRP and RIP, of static routes into OSPF), policy-based path control (PBR).
- Network access (20%): In addition to these topics, students will be tested on their understanding of the following subjects: VLANs, Interswitch connectivity, Layer 2 discovery protocols, and EtherChannel; Spanning Tree Protocol functions; Wireless LAN architecture, deployment methods, physical WLAN components used in Cisco network devices, AP and WLC management access connections.
- Network fundamentals (20%): Understanding the network architecture is vital for addressing vulnerabilities. Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and authentication technologies are all examples of endpoint devices that can be used to protect data in transit or at rest. Different physical connections and media connectivity, and IP address assignment, are examples of network topologies with varying amounts of security threats presented by firewalls, IPSs, and other security appliances. IP fragmentation (IP fragmentation), routing tables, and MTU are just a few of the many IP configuration settings that must be considered when assessing data security risks.
- Security fundamentals (15%): Authentication, access control, data center security policies, physical access controls, password rules, access control lists, Layer 2 security features, wireless transmission protocols are just a few of the essential security levels that IT specialists use to separate assets and users.
- IP services (10%): Understand and test the components of a VPN connection; finding public DNS servers to resolve hostnames with incorrect or no addresses; comprehending NTP, NAT, and NTP configuration; examining DHCP, DNS, SNMP, and Syslog functionality; per-hop behavior; utilizing SSH; TFTP/FTP description.
- Automation and programmability (10%): This book will teach you how to compare conventional networks with controller-based ones, offer automation ideas, and show you how to interpret JSON data.
To obtain a job, you must demonstrate these abilities to a possible employer and get employment. It’s also an indication that you have the networking expertise for the position since you passed the certifications. The CCNA credential is valid worldwide for three years after being earned, which means it’s recognized everywhere. You may renew your CCNA certification by passing another CCN certification test or obtaining any of the higher-level professional credentials (CCNP).
The CCNA certification is one of the most popular CISCO certifications and does not require any prerequisites. It will provide you with a firm foundation for your network administration knowledge. If you want to work in this field, MyComputerCareer can help. Contact us today for more information!