The Cisco CCNA certification stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate certification which is basically a networking certification of Cisco at the foundation-level. The candidates who clear the CCNA certification have their various networking and maintenance skills validated like configuring, installing and operating WAN, LAN, small network dial access services and other troubleshooting duties.

The Cisco CCNA certification stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate certification which is basically a networking certification of Cisco at the foundation-level. The candidates who clear the CCNA certification have their various networking and maintenance skills validated like configuring, installing and operating WAN, LAN, small network dial access services and other troubleshooting duties. Also, the CCNA candidates will be well equipped with essential working knowledge of the various protocols like IGRP, Frame Relay, Serial, IP, IP RIP, Access Lists and Ethernet.

There are as such, no crucial pre-requisites to become CCNA qualified. But, do not mistake CCNA as an entry-level networking certification. CCNA certification is more inclined towards those with at least some sort of intermediate networking knowledge and also decent networking experience. But, even those without any prior networking knowledge and experience can become CCNA certified. Only, they would have to first take a networking certification at entry-level such as CompTIA’s Network+, before taking CCNA certification 640-802 exam.

But, you should know that CCNA is in itself a prerequisite for various other advanced certifications of Cisco like CCSP, CCIE and CCNP. To take any of the above mentioned advanced Cisco certifications, CCNA is a stepping stone.
CCNA certification exams have been charted out in two different ways to suit the candidates as per their studying and understanding patterns. One route involves taking two individual exams on two different days. Other way involves taking a single combined exam; of course, that would be a larger paper than any one of the two individual exams. The individual exams comprise of 640-821 INTRO and 640-811 ICND. The combined exam is the 640-801 CCNA. Both of these routes involve the same syllabus and the same subjects. You can pick any one route as per your convenience and preferences.

A CCNA Certification remains valid for a period of three years, after which, a candidate would have to recertify himself to remain CCNA qualified. A candidate can opt to take a CCIE exam for ascertaining his CCNA certification.

It is important to keep all of your Cisco certifications safely, in case of any Cisco correspondence in the future.

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