Cisco Certified Network Associate - CCNA

CCNA stands for the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification from Cisco. In speech and in writing, this certification is properly referred to by the initials CCNA rather than the full name.

CCNA certification is a second-level Cisco Career certification. CCNA certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

To achieve CCNA certification, one must earn a passing score on Cisco exam #640-802, or combined passing scores on both the ICND1 #640-822 and ICND2 #640-816 exams. Passing the ICND1 grants one the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT). Passing scores are set by using statistical analysis and are subject to change. At the completion of the exam, candidates receive a score report along with a score breakout by exam section and the passing score for the given exam. Cisco does not publish exam passing scores because exam questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice.

CCNA Paths

At the CCNA level, CCNA certified individuals will specialize in specific technologies. All specialized tracks require an individual to pass and maintain a CCNA certification.

* CCNA Security

CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation. Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in "Cisco IOS Network Security"

This certification is earned by passing the IINS 640-553 (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam. The price of the exam is USD$250.[9][10]

* CCNA Voice

The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.[11][12]

The CCNA Voice certification is earned by passing the 640-460 IUC (Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications) or 642-436 CVOICE (Cisco Voice Over IP) exams.

* CCNA Wireless

The CCNA Wireless certification validates the knowledge of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials.

The CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.

The CCNA Wireless certification is earned by passing the 640-721 IUWNE (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials) exam.

* CCNA Routing & Switching

CCNA Routing & Switching validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. Skills include making connections to remote sites via a WAN, mitigating basic security threats, and understanding the requirements for wireless network access.

This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-816 ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)) or 640-802 CCNA composite exam. The price of ICND1 and ICND2 exam is USD$125 for each and $250 for the CCNA composite exam.[13]

* CCNA (SP Operations)

CCNA Service Provider Operations validates basic knowledge and skills in a prescriptive troubleshooting environment within a carrier class IP NGN core network infrastructure.

This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) ) or 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) )and possess any valid CCNA certification. The price of the exams is USD$125 each.