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The CCNA has long been a staple of the networking world and is known for retaining value better than most certifications in the industry. Part of the reason it holds its value is because of how thorough this exam is. The other reason is because it gets revamped from time to time in order to stay current; its most recent updates occurred earlier this year.
Learning path objective
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching
Target audience
According to Cisco’s website the CCNA Routing and Switching is for network specialists, network administrators, and network support engineers with 1-3 years of experience. This certification can be a chicken or egg situation since many network support engineer positions require the CCNA certification.
Learning path course sequence
200-120 CCNA – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated
Cisco CCNA: Introduction to Networking (3:38)
Cisco CCNA: Initial Router and Switch Configuration (4:05)
Cisco CCNA: Routing and VLANs (5:37)
Cisco CCNA: Network Control and Security (5:37)
Cisco CCNA: WAN Technologies (2:05)
Cisco CCNA: Advanced Ethernet and File Management (4:53)
Cisco CCNA: IP Routing (4:26)
Total: 30:21
Or if you want to go the two exam path, here is the content broken out:
100-101 ICND1 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
Cisco CCNA: Introduction to Networking (3:38)
Cisco CCNA: Initial Router and Switch Configuration (4:05)
Cisco CCNA: Routing and VLANs (5:37)
Cisco CCNA: Network Control and Security (5:37)
Total: 18:57
200-101 ICND2 – Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
Cisco CCNA: WAN Technologies (2:05)
Cisco CCNA: Advanced Ethernet and File Management (4:53)
Cisco CCNA: IP Routing (4:26)
Total: 11:24
A misconception about the CCNA is that it is an entry-level certification, because for years it had been the lowest level certification Cisco offered. In reality the CCNA actually encompasses two levels of content: introduction to networking, which is covered in the CCENT/ICND1 exam, and the network engineer-level routing and switching knowledge which is covered in the ICND2 or CCNA exams.
Cisco has provided a couple of different paths to get the CCNA. The first is a single exam: 200-120 CCNA, or Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX). This exam covers all topics in one go, and it’s recommended for those with more experience with Cisco IOS or those extremely comfortable with the materials. The second option is two parts which includes 100-101 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 200-101 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2). This path separates the basic networking fundamentals from the more advanced topics, and gives you more time to complete each section. As an added bonus, you’ll become CCENT certified once you pass 100-101 ICND1. This might get you in the door at some places while you practice and prepare for the second exam. There are pros and cons to either approach so feel free to recommend the path you prefer in the comments.
The Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification is valid for three years. In order to keep the certification for longer than three years you must re-certify. Currently there are numerous ways to re-certify including passing any other associate-level exams (CCNA security, for example), any professional-level courses (such as 642-902 ROUTE) or any CCIE written exams. If you’re looking to re-certify I always recommend checking the Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching Recertification page for an updated list of possible exams.
If you have any learning path recommendations you’d like to share or specific paths you’d like us to cover, please let us know in the comments!
Gary Eimerman (VP of IT Pro Content) heads up the IT pro curriculum at Pluralsight. He brought his expertise over from TrainSignal, where he spent eight years helping to grow the company into the leader in online IT training. Gary has a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems from University of Iowa and brings hands-on experience with computer hardware, networking and administration, as well as a passion for education, to the Pluralsight team. You can follow him on Twitter @garyeimerman.