CCNA Certification

Cisco Systems is an American company specializing in electronic technology, especially large computer networks, and innovative ways to use those networks. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is given to IT professionals who can prove their expertise in installing, troubleshooting, and working with these networks. Computer professionals with CCNA certification are in high demand in large corporations and can command considerable salaries. If you think that your knowledge of Cisco technology is good enough, or can be made good enough by taking courses, to attain a CCNA certification, then this could be the key to a successful and high-paid career.

According to Cisco's own Web site, the CCNA certification "validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks." To receive certification, you must take the exam 640-802 CCNA on Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices. Alternatively, you can take the pair of exams, 640-822 ICND1 and 640-822 ICND2. To take these exams, you must go to the Cisco Learning Network site and create an account. The 640-802 exam will cost you a fee of $250. (The two shorter exams will cost you $125 apiece, but you must take both to become certified.) Once you've been certified, your CCNA certification will last for three years. At the end of that period, you can become recertified by taking any of several exams listed on the Cisco site.

It's not recommended that you go into the CCNA certification exam without extensive knowledge of computer systems integration in general and Cisco networking in particular. There are many study guides available to prep you for these exams, and studying thoroughly is your best route to successful certification. But once you have your certification in hand, it can be your ticket to the high-paying computer job of your dreams. Getting the CCNA certification may seem like a lot of work and may require considerable study, but the time and money invested in preparing for certification could pay off many thousands of times over once you launch your career as a network technician.