CCNA Certification

The Cisco CCNA network associate certification certifies that a certain person has 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. CCNA also covers topics on security issues, wireless net working’s basic concepts, and performance-based skills. It is not bound to but also includes many different protocols used today IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2), VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).

Exam:

Candidates have the option of acquiring the certificate by either appearing in one test of CCNA or two tests. The two tests are ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816, or one single test CCNA 640-802. The two-test option has the advantage of allowing the candidate to focus on certain subjects but in one test programme you have to study both subjects which different with each other and give a combine test.

Validity:

The certification is valid for three years; at that time a CCNA holder must either re-take the CCNA or ICND exam, or take and pass an exam for one of the Professional CCNP (master in CCNA) or Specialist level certifications (excluding the sales specialist exams).another option is to passthe CCIE written exam. It not only extends the validity period of CCNA certifiacte but also gives the certified person more opportunities in practical filed.

Dates:

The current number assigned to exams are based on the circulums. Whenever the circulum date will change their numbers will also change. The current exam number for CCNA is 640-802 which satrts from 15 Aug 2007. New ICND Part1’s number is 640-822 ICND1 and ICND Part2’s number is 640-816 ICND2. These exams are more commonly known by their by their numbers then their names. The combine test CCNA 640-802 is available from Aug 2007. Part 1 exam by itself will give you a CCENT.

Cost:

These exams are conducted by a VUE and Prometric. The $125 USD is for each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and is validate till 06.23.2008 after that the costs will be reviewd. The cost for full CCNA exam is $250 USD.