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By: Ryan Corey | Date: 07/17/08
Tags: Networking, Cisco Systems, Inc., CCNA
For individuals who are seriously interested in building a future in the networking domain, one of the best paths to take is to become certified as a CCNA. The world of computing is changing quickly and it is advisable to acquire the CCNA certification in addition to a university degree. Taking this approach will allow an individual to enter the marketplace with a higher level of confidence and at a better level of compensation as well.
Cisco Certified Network Associates earn this internationally recognized entry level certification by successfully completing one of the most rigorous technical exams for IT professionals that is awarded by Cisco. With this certification an individual and work anywhere in the world.
This fundamental certification ensure that the individual is qualified to handle all the aspects of network administration required for Wide or Local Area Networks as well as dial access services for small networks. But that is not where the story ends.
In June 2008 Cisco Systems announced three new levels of expertise or concentrations that can be added to the entry level CCNA certification:
Two exams, Voice and Security are available now at testing centers at the same cost as the entry level CCNA exam. The Wireless Exam will go live on July 26th.
According to Christine Yoshida, the Senior Manager of Learning Product Development for Cisco, these additional concentrations were developed based on a survey of 1,500 hiring managers that showed employers are now seeking employees with specializations earlier in their career. Particularly in the case of hiring managers in "emerging" countries the three concentrations for the new exams pinpoint the specializations that are most desired. Individuals who obtain one or more of these specializations have other professional advantages.
In 2009, Cisco plans to release new certifications on the professional level. The three new concentration exams that are being released this year will also play an integral role for individuals who want to advance through to future certifications, such as mid-level Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) exam. This exam will replace the CCSP's Securing Cisco Network Devices (642-552) exam which will be retired in November 2008. The CCNA Voice concentration will be a prerequisite for taking the Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) exam due to debut in June 2009.
