Importance of CCNA: Explained in Detail

In a world where networking and technology have become integral to all businesses, the Importance of CCNA cannot be stressed enough. Companies often hunt for skilled professionals with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification to help build a robust networking system, because of which there is a lot of demand for such professionals.   

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a CCNA can range between £36,000 to £60,000. This shows how lucrative getting a CCNA certification is. It also helps businesses employ the best individuals for IT networking solutions. This blog will help you understand the Importance of CCNA and how it can help you succeed in your IT and networking career. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is CCNA? 

2) The Importance of CCNA in your Networking and IT Career 

3) Benefits of CCNA 

4) Career Growth With CCNA 

6) Conclusion 

What is CCNA? 

The CCNA Certification is provided by Cisco Systems and is recognised in the marketplace as an industry standard qualification for IT and networking careers. It is the entry level certification for both working professionals as well as those just entering the networking field that tests knowledge regarding network fundamentals, routing and switching, security and wireless. 

In gaining the CCNA certification, networking candidates are trained extensively On IP addresses, subnets, routings and other related necessities in the networking industry. This internationally recognised credential shows your concern for career enhancement and is appreciated by the hirer for your networking proficiency and capacity to deliver network associated work.

Earning CCNA certification enables one to have confidence in problem solving when it comes to matters concerning networking and in the overall success of his/her organisation. It also provides a good platform to go for more CSA level Cisco certifications and create employment in network administration, engineering and security.

Exam to qualify for CCNA 

To qualify for the CCNA certification, you need to pass an exam called Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (code: 200-301 CCNA). This exam is available in English and Japanese, and the fee is £239.5 plus tax. The focus of this exam is on testing the knowledge and skills in the following domains: 

1) Network fundamentals  

2) Network access  

3) IP connectivity  

4) IP services  

5) Security fundamentals  

6) Automation and programmability  

You can study for the exam on your own with CISCO resources like Cisco Press Book or join the official Cisco training. 

The Importance of CCNA in Your Networking and IT Career  

The CCNA certification proves to be the foundation for the advancement of your career and the entry to the world of opportunities. Some of the areas it deals with include; Introduction to Networks, Advanced Routing and Switching, Security, Wireless. This general understanding provides you with detailed knowledge of the basics that you need to master before being promoted to the next level.

CCNA certification provides you with a competitive edge over the competition within the job market and differentiates you from many other candidates who may not have any formal networking certifications. CCNA is well understood and appreciated by employers as signifying determination and merits towards the professional role making you a competitive candidate for networking job opportunities.

CCNA is a one-time credential and lifelong training and certification. Since the Networking technologies are constantly changing, it becomes essential to know about CCNA certification validity to know that the certification still counts or that you are invested enough to keep updating yourself. This commitment to continuous learning makes you appealing to employers and relevant to the ever-evolving dynamics of networking.

Boost your career with CCNA Certification and become a networking expert.

Benefits of CCNA 

Obtaining a CCNA certification brings numerous advantages to networking professionals. Here are some major benefits of the CCNA Certification.

 

1) Enhanced Networking Knowledge  

CCNA provides comprehensive training on networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, equipping professionals with a deep understanding of network fundamentals, routing and switching, network security, and wireless networking.  

CCNA provides comprehensive training in network knowledge, protocols, and technologies and arms professionals with thorough knowledge in Networking, Routing, Switching, Network Security and Wireless Networking.

2) Industry Recognition and Credibility  

CCNA is an international certification that documents your readiness to advance your career and proves your networking proficiency to employers thus increasing your employability.

3) Increased Career Opportunities  

The CCNA helps you explore a career with job opportunities of various positions and careers like network administrator, network engineer, systems engineer, or security analyst in different industries.

4) Networking Community and Resources  

CCNA offers a chance to join a large networking community and obtain useful information: learn from and communicate with other professionals, expand your contacts, and stay informed. 

5) Foundation for Advanced Certifications  

CCNA acts as a building block when it come to the more advanced Cisco certifications such as CCNP or CCIE, which can provide the means for branching out into different areas of expertise such as Network Design, Security, Wireless, or Collaboration, and thus offer other career paths.

Acquire the skills to build a simple network and understand LAN and WAN connections with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 Training.

Career Growth with CCNA 

The CCNA certification indeed has the potential to boost one’s career path in the IT and networking domain. This internationally acclaimed qualification certifies your skills in network concepts, routing, switching, security, and wireless. By being CCNA certified, you show your employer that you are willing and able to advance in your chosen field, and that you are thus an asset to their company.

There are many jobs that are made available to people with this certification including network administrator, network engineer, security specialist among others. It also offers a strong ground upon which one can be able to enroll for more complicated Cisco certifications which will also enhance your ability to do better at work.

It is not unusual for organisations to seek CCNA certified personnel especially because of their capacity to perform complex assignments and solve problems. They offer that certification not only enhance your self-confidence in addressing Networking problems but also improve your remuneration as well as job security. Altogether, the CCNA certification is only a preparation stone for a bright and profitable career in the IT and networking field. Some of the popular entry-level jobs and their average salaries in the UK are given in the table below. 
 

                                                                                                                                               Source: Glassdoor

CCNA is also useful as an entry point when it comes to career advancement and detailing. With experience and extra certifications you can move higher and obtain Cisco Certified Network Professional, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert and other positions for which you are considered an expert. CCNA acts as a first step towards the more focused fields which can include such things as security, wireless, cloud, collaboration and video technologies.

Learn how to construct a medium-sized switched network with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 Training.

Conclusion 

For a networking professional, the Importance of CCNA cannot be stressed enough. It provides a solid foundation for career growth and advancement in the networking and IT industry. It opens doors to various roles, offers competitive salaries, and provides a way to higher-level certifications. By continuously expanding your knowledge, honing your skills, and embracing new technologies, you can achieve significant career progression and establish yourself as a highly skilled professional. 

Become a Cisco Certified Network Associate with our CCNA Trainings.