How to Get CCNA Routing and Switching Certification
Prepaway – Benefits of Passing Cisco CCNA R&S Certification Exams
CCNA is one of the popular IT credentials issued by Cisco any professional seeking to pursue a career in networking should have. Professionals with this credential are armed with the technical skills and knowledge required to make sure network systems and routers run at optimum efficiency and quality. They can install, configure and troubleshoot midsize network systems as well as implement and verify remote site connections via WAN. For a professional who wants to narrow their specialization to switched and routed networks, registering for the CCNA R&S certification exam/s will be a great start.
How to Get CCNA Routing and Switching Certification
To get the CCNA Routing and Switching certification you have two exam options you can sit for:
- CCNA Composite
Pursuing your certification through this option involves doing the CCNA exam (200-125). It is a 90-minute test that has 60 to 70 questions. The test costs $325 and is delivered by Pearson VUE.
- ICND1 and ICND2
The second option for this certification involves taking two exams – ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105). 100-105 exam covers the first part of Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices. Similarly, 200-105 is the second part of Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices. The ICND exams cost $165 each and are also delivered by Pearson VUE.
The above tests examine one’s knowledge and skills in network basics. Whether you take the composite exam or go through the 2nd option, you will be tested on your ability to install, troubleshoot and operate medium-level enterprise branch networks. The topics covered here will include IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, networking types, connecting via WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, LAN switching technologies and infrastructure management, among others.
There are not any pre-requisites for sitting for the CCNA Routing and Switching exam. Since technology is evolving, this credential will be valid for 3 years. To stay abreast with new technology changes, Cisco CCNA Certification 200-301 reviews its programs and requires professionals to update their skills by registering and passing the same exam or choosing a higher level of Cisco recertification tests.
How to Preparefor YourExam
Since you are eager to get your certification and enjoy the numerous benefits associated with this credential, you should invest time in proper preparation. It’s important to note that both exam preparation and testing can be done either virtually or in a Cisco certified training and testing center. Additionally, learning can be self-paced or instructor-led.
To help the learners prepare for their certification exams adequately, Cisco has put together numerous resources accessed through their Learning Network Store. Here you can access practice tests, Virtual Labs (VIRL PE), and on-demand e-learning courses.
No matter the channel you take, do not forget to consider books and publications by Cisco Press. Cisco Press is the only body authorized by Cisco to publish study materials for Cisco’s certification programs. An example of such books is the Official Certification Guide for CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 Exam, which also contains Network Simulator Library. Note, that the materials provided by the vendor will are the first to be studied.
The above preparation options by Cisco come at a fee and many students might find them costly. This doesn’t mean you should give up on your quest for certification. Instead, you could look for other reputable resources to replace or complement the Cisco materials where applicable. See the resources below:
- PrepAway – prides itself as offering courses and the most valid exam dumps in ETE format prepared by industry experts and candidates who have done the exams recently. Using their materials, you stand a better chance of finding questions that look exactly like what’s usually asked in the real exam. PrepAway’s premium bundle comes with a study guide, practice questions & answers plus a training course.
- ExamSnap – offers thelatestfree practice questions in VCE files and Premium Exam bundle for the CCNA R&S exams (100-105), (200-105) and (200-125). The bundle is comprised of up-to-date questions and answers, study guide, and training course. All the materials are uploaded by those who have done the exam before and reviewed by industry experts.
- ExamCollection – provides practice test dumps for the two options of the CCNA R&S certification for free. They also have a paid premium bundle for each certification path that contains practice questions, study guide, and training course lectures.
These are just a few of the resources out there and their Premium offers can cost as low as $40. Dig further and see what you can find in Amazon, Youtube, and Exam-Labs online platforms.
What are the Benefits of Passing the CCNA R&S Certification Exams?
Stamp Your Authority in Networking and Stand Out
Your employer will notice your determination to excel in your job roles. Employers know that people who are eager to learn are also innovators. Learning keeps you in good books with your employer and offers incentives just to keep you.
You can also stand out in a job interview. It’s possible that you have IT skills. Employers don’t have all the time to check everything you put on your CV list or assess what you know. But seeing that you have a formal credential from a recognized body like Cisco can help you move to the next step of an interview faster.
Increase Your Career Options
As a holder of the CCNA Routing and Switching certificate, you can choose to follow the routing and switching path to earn professional and expert level certifications. If not so, you may identify your core skills and apply them to technologies such as Network Programmability, Wireless, Data Center, Security, Cloud or Security. These are all emerging specialties that are driving the IT profession forward. Earning your Cisco CCNA R&S certification opens your IT career to limitless possibilities.
Attract Great Employers
You earn your CCNA R&S certificate and big companies will be looking for you. Some of the known companies hiring IT professionals with CCNA credentials include Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, U.S Army, Cisco Systems Inc. and AT&T Inc., just to mention a few.
Besides, you can work anywhere since it’s a certification that is recognized globally. Many companies will not be strict about the country or continent you come from. All they need to know is that you have validated skills and knowledge to handle their networking needs.
Raise Your Rank and Enjoy Better Pay
Employers recognize and reward your quest for knowledge and skills that can make you perform your roles better and more efficiently. Earning this industry certification from Cisco can get you social recognition, one-time bonuses, a higher job rank or salary increase. Based on Payscale, CCNA R&S certified workers earn between $47K and $96K. Besides, you could use your new credentials to apply for an opportunity with a company of your dreams.
Stepping Stone to Other Cisco Certifications and Job Roles
CCNA R&S is the basic certification where networking career is built upon. Employers are now looking for people with these skills when hiring for various roles including Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer in Computer Networking and IT, IT managers, among others. The CCNA R&S credential testifies that you are able to perform such roles effectively, having a keen understanding of the network infrastructure and switching protocols as well as how they interrelate.
Conclusion
The benefits of passing the CCNA Routing and Switching exam and getting certification are wide and varied. By studying with Cisco, your skills are going to be validated by the networking leader. Many internet traffic pathways today run on Cisco infrastructure. Being certified to work on Cisco products makes you marketable. Prepare well and combine Cisco’s study resources with other online tools to earn your certification on your first try.
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