How to Become a CCNA
Posted by peteresperanto at 04:41 AM on December 1, 2008 in Technology.
Cisco networking certification is valuable in today's Web 2.0 world. Not only is the knowledge useful but also listing a Cisco certificate of any kind on a resume can help job seekers obtain entry into the kinds of companies and jobs they desire and seek. Read on to learn how to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
1. Find a school or training facility that offers training programs to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Know that most well-rounded community colleges offer Cisco networking courses, however, many private training facilities offer the courses too.
2. Understand that tuition costs may vary--community college courses for Cisco may cost the same as any other community college course, whereas enrolling in a continuing education or private training program may cost thousands of dollars more. Compare tuition prices before enrolling in Cisco courses.
3. Visit the Cisco website to learn about levels and purposes of different certifications. Know that it is now recommended that students obtain the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) training before studying for their CCNA. Search regionally for Cisco approved training facilities and schools near you under the "Participating in the Program" link to become a CCNA.
4. Know that Cisco certificate training requires progressive and successful completion of multiple courses per certificate block. Understand that weekly testing prepares learners for major cumulative testing, which leads to certification.
5. Keep up with weekly readings, exercises and lab work, which are all crucial for successful completion of coursework—higher than average grades must be maintained for Cisco Academy approved coursework.
6. Study online materials as well as text and lab books. Practice during lab exercises to grasp harder Cisco concepts to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
7. Know that you can complete Cisco courses independently through an online school, but you will lack the hands-on training and experience needed (unless the online school has a Cisco lab in your town or city). Official Cisco Academy courses include a combination of course room lecture and online, text and hands-on lab instruction.
8. Find out all details before enrolling in a Cisco certification program of any kind and make sure the school or training facility is Cisco approved. Become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) once you have completed all coursework, course testing and the final certification tests.
9. Take official certification tests at any Cisco approved location for an extra fee. See the difference between certificates awarded by your school and official certificates awarded by Cisco such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Source: ehow.com
CCNA Exams:
- 640-801 - CCNA
- 640-811 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices
- 640-821 - Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies
- 640-822 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
- 640-802 - Cisco Certified Network Associate
- 640-816 - Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
- 640-460 - IIUC Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications (IIUC)
- 640-553 - IINS Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security
- 640-721 - Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE)
Other Cisco Exams: 642-873, 642-456, 642-426, 640-553, 646-204, 642-383