Importance of CCNA: Explained in Detail

In a world where networking and technology have become integral to all businesses, the Importance of CCNA cannot be stressed enough. Companies often hunt for skilled professionals with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification to help build a robust networking system, because of which there is a lot of demand for such professionals.   

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a CCNA can range between £36,000 to £60,000. This shows how lucrative getting a CCNA certification is. It also helps businesses employ the best individuals for IT networking solutions. This blog will help you understand the Importance of CCNA and how it can help you succeed in your IT and networking career. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is CCNA? 

2) The importance of CCNA in your networking and IT career 

3) Benefits of CCNA 

4) Career growth with CCNA 

6) Conclusion 

What is CCNA? 

The CCNA is a widely recognised certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is a foundation for professionals and freshers entering the IT and networking field. Getting CCNA certifications validates your knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, routing and switching, security, and wireless networking.    

With CCNA, you can gain an understanding of networking technologies like IP addresses, subnets, and routing protocols. This certification holds global recognition and shows your commitment to professional growth. Employers value CCNA-certified professionals for their competence in networking and ability to handle network-related tasks.    

By getting CCNA certified, you become more confident in tackling networking challenges and contributing to the organisation's success. CCNA provides a strong foundation for further Cisco certifications and opens doors to diverse career opportunities in network administration, engineering, and security.


 

Exam to qualify for CCNA 

To qualify for the CCNA certification, you need to pass an exam called Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (code: 200-301 CCNA). This exam is available in English and Japanese, and the fee is £239.5 plus tax. The focus of this exam is on testing the knowledge and skills in the following domains: 

1) Network fundamentals  

2) Network access  

3) IP connectivity  

4) IP services  

5) Security fundamentals  

6) Automation and programmability  

You can study for the exam on your own with CISCO resources like Cisco Press Book or join the official Cisco training. 

The importance of CCNA in your networking and IT career 

The CCNA certification plays a vital role in boosting your career prospects and opening new opportunities in the industry. It covers various topics, including network fundamentals, advanced routing and switching, security, and wireless networking. This comprehensive knowledge equips you with the fundamental skills required to advance in your career.   

A CCNA certification gives you a distinct advantage in a competitive job market and sets you apart from other candidates who may lack formal networking credentials. Employers recognise CCNA as a mark of dedication and competence, making you a desirable candidate for networking positions.    

CCNA is a one-time achievement and ongoing learning and professional development. Networking technologies evolve rapidly, and maintaining your CCNA certification demonstrates your dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements. This commitment to continuous learning positions you as an asset to employers and keeps you relevant in the ever-changing networking landscape. 

Learn the fundamentals skills to design and build network switch and VLANs for businesses and advance your career with our CCNA Training (Cisco Certified Network Associate) course. 

Benefits of CCNA 

Obtaining a CCNA certification brings numerous advantages to networking professionals. Here are some major benefits of the CCNA Certification.

Enhanced networking knowledge  

CCNA provides comprehensive training on networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, equipping professionals with a deep understanding of network fundamentals, routing and switching, network security, and wireless networking.  

Industry recognition and credibility  

CCNA is globally recognised, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth and showcasing your expertise to employers. It enhances your professional credibility and validates your networking skills.  

Increased career opportunities  

CCNA opens doors to diverse career paths, allowing you to pursue roles such as network administrator, network engineer, systems engineer, or security analyst across various industries and sectors.  

Networking community and resources  

CCNA provides access to a vast networking community and valuable resources. This helps you connect with professionals, expand your network, and stay updated on industry trends.  

Foundation for advanced certifications  

CCNA is a solid foundation for pursuing advanced Cisco certifications like CCNP or CCIE, enabling you to specialise in network design, security, wireless, or collaboration and unlocking further career opportunities. 

Acquire the skills to build a simple network and understand LAN and WAN connections with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 training course. 

Career growth with CCNA 

CCNA also opens doors to a diverse career path in networking and IT. Organisations actively seek CCNA-certified professionals for their ability to contribute to the planning, implementation, and management of network infrastructure.  

With this certification, you can get entry-level or mid-level jobs with better pay than non-certified ones. You can pursue roles such as Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, or Security Analyst.   

The average salary for CCNA-certified professionals varies depending on location, experience, job role, and industry. However, CCNA-certified individuals often command higher salaries than non-certified individuals in similar roles. Some of the popular entry-level jobs and their average salaries in the UK are given in the table below. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Source: Glassdoor

CCNA also serves as a good starting point for career growth and specialisation. With experience and additional certifications, you can progress to more advanced roles, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), and other senior-level jobs. CCNA is a foundation for branching into specialised areas, such as network security, wireless networking, cloud networking, or collaboration technologies. 

Learn how to construct a medium-sized switched network with our Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 training course. 

Conclusion 

For a networking professional, the Importance of CCNA cannot be stressed enough. It provides a solid foundation for career growth and advancement in the networking and IT industry. It opens doors to various roles, offers competitive salaries, and provides a way to higher-level certifications. By continuously expanding your knowledge, honing your skills, and embracing new technologies, you can achieve significant career progression and establish yourself as a highly skilled professional. 

Become a Cisco Certified Network Associate with our CCNA Training courses.