Cisco Certified Network Associate

CCNA is the acronym 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 that indicates a foundation in an apprentice knowledge of networking. 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 become a CCNA, a passing score on the 640-802 exam must be achieved, or combined passing scores on both the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816 exams. Passing the ICND1 grants you 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 Concentrations:

Three CCNA concentrations were added in October 2008.These associate-level concentrations confirm an individual's specialized skills in voice, security, and wireless.

CCNA Voice

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to administer a voice network. The Cisco CCNA Voice certification confirms that the required skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

CCNA Voice track consists of two separate tracks:

* The CCNA Voice Certification enterprise option assesses skills/knowledge related to the Cisco Unified Communications Manager 6.0 (CUCM) 6.0. It is typically employed by large organizations such as governments, large companies, and colleges. The CVOICE #642-436 exam will be required for this option.

* The CCNA Voice Certification commercial option assesses skills/knowledge related to the Cisco CallManager Express (CME) and Cisco Unity Express (CUE) solutions typically used by medium & small organizations such as companies with less than 2,000 employees, retail businesses, and small school districts. To receive this specialty, a candidate will need to pass IIUC exam #640-460.

CCNA Wireless

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA® Wireless) validates associate-level knowledge and skills to configure, implement and support of wireless LANs (WLANs), specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. With a CCNA Wireless certification, network professionals can support a basic wireless network on a Cisco WLAN in a SMB to enterprise network. The CCNA Wireless curriculum includes information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks.

To receive this certification, potential candidates will need to pass the 640-721 IUWNE exam.

CCNA Security

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCNA Security certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security curriculum emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.

This exam tests competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security infrastructure, such as securing Cisco routers and switches. Includes installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain CIA Triad(confidentiality, integrity, and availability).

To obtain this certification, a potential candidate will need to pass the 640-553 IINS (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security) certification test.

Recertification

CCNA certifications (including specialties) are valid for three years. To re-certify you must pass one of the following:

* The current CCNA, CCDA, or ICND2 exam

* A current CCNA concentration exam (wireless, security, or voice)

* Any professional-level exam (of the 642-xxx category)

* Any Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams)

* A current CCIE or CCDE written exam

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