The Cisco certification program had a change on Feb. 24, 2020. Therefore, to become CCNA-certified, you now have to pass only one single comprehensive exam. In fact, there are no longer multiple different CCNA exams and certifications. The new CCNA exam code is 200-301 CCNA, and its full name is “Implementing and Administering Cisco Networking Technologies.”
About the CCNA 200-301 exam
Under the old CCNA certification program, there were multiple concentration exams for different learning paths. However, they’ve all been replaced by the new CCNA 200-301 exam. According to Cisco, the new exam covers a broad range of fundamentals based on the latest technologies, software development skills, and job roles.
The new CCNA 200-301 is a single exam consisting of about 120 questions. It covers various topics, such as routing and switching, security, wireless networking, and even some programming concepts. You can take it at any Pearson VUE certification center as with other Cisco certifications.
The modules comprised in the new CCNA curriculum are:
- Network Fundamentals – routers, switches, cabling, TCP and UDP, IPv4 and IPv6
- IP Connectivity – IP routing, OSPFv2
- IP Services – NTP, DHCP, QoS, SNMP
- Security Fundamentals – VPNs, wireless security, port security
- Network Access – VLANs and trunking, EtherChannel
- Automation and Programmability – REST APIs, Puppet, Chef, JSON, SDN
How to prepare for the new CCNA 200-301 exam
It’s essential to invest some time in proper preparation before taking the new CCNA 200-301 exam. You can have both the exam testing and preparation in a Cisco-certified testing center, or you may decide to have it done virtually.
Also, the learning may be instructor-led or self-paced. Cisco has put together various resources accessed through their learning network store to help learners prepare well for their certification exams. With this, you can easily access Virtual Labs (VIRL PE), practice tests, and on-demand e-learning courses.
Only Cisco press is authorized to publish study materials related to Cisco’s certification programs. Thus, no matter the channel you take, do not forget to consider books and publications by Cisco Press.
Furthermore, he preparations offered by Cisco come at a fee, and most learners find them costly. You shouldn’t give up your quest for certification because of this. Instead, you could look for other resources to complement or replace the Cisco materials where applicable. Some of the resources you could use include the following;
- AllExamsCert – this platform offers the latest practice questions prepared by experts in the field for free. AllExamsCerts contains practice questions, exam simulators, and exciting blogs to guide you, all for free. With the materials provided, you stand a better chance of passing the real exam because there are chances of finding questions that look exactly like what’s usually asked in the actual exam.
- ExamSnap – ExamSnap offers the latest practice questions in VCE files and also a premium exam bundle for the CCNA. The bundle consists of the study guide, training course, and up-to-date questions and answers.
- ExamCollection – this platform provides free practice tests for CCNA certifications for free. They have a paid premium bundle for each certification path, containing a study guide, training courses, and practice questions.
In addition, there are other resources out there whose premium offers can cost as low as $40. You can dig further and see what you can find on YouTube, Amazon, and Exam-Labs online platforms.
Benefits of a CCNA certification
1. Increase your career options
As a holder of the CCNA certificate, you can increase your career options as you may choose to follow the routing and switching path or identify your core skills and apply them to technologies including Data Center, security, Network Programmability or Cloud.
2. Attract prospective employers
Big companies will want you if you earn your CCNA R&S certificate. Some of the companies that hire IT professionals with CCNA credentials include Allen, Hamilton, Booz, Cisco Systems, U.S Army, AT&T Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, etc.
3. Raise your rank and enjoy better pay
Earning a CCNA 200-301 certificate will raise your bank and enjoy better pay because employers will recognize and reward your quest for knowledge and skills that can make you perform your roles better and more efficiently. Stamp your authority in networking and stand out.
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