📘 CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) – Overview
CCNA is one of the most popular IT networking certifications offered by Cisco.
It validates a candidate’s skills in networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation.
🎯 Who Should Learn CCNA?
CCNA is ideal for:
- Students preparing for networking careers
- Beginners starting in IT infrastructure
- Professionals wanting to upgrade networking skills
- Aspirants looking for global networking job opportunities
🧠 What CCNA Covers (Core Topics)
1️⃣ Network Fundamentals
- OSI & TCP/IP models
- IPv4 & IPv6 addressing
- Subnetting
- Networking devices: Routers, Switches, Firewalls
- LAN, VLAN, WLAN basics
2️⃣ IP Connectivity
- Routing basics
- Static routing
- Default routes
- OSPF (Single Area)
3️⃣ IP Services
- DHCP
- NAT
- DNS
- NTP
- QoS concepts
4️⃣ Security Fundamentals
- Threats & vulnerabilities
- Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Device security (passwords, SSH, AAA)
- Basic firewall concepts
5️⃣ Automation & Programmability
- SDN basics
- REST APIs
- Controller-based architectures
📚 Exam Details – CCNA 200-301
- Exam code: 200-301
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Format: MCQs + Simulations (Labs)
- Cost: ~ $300 (may vary by country)
- Validity: 3 years
💼 Career Opportunities After CCNA
- Network Support Engineer
- Network Administrator
- System Engineer
- IT Infrastructure Engineer
- Technical Support (L1/L2)