CCNA still the best entry level cert?

opethdisciple

opethdisciple

opethdisciple

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As the title says is the CCNA still the most respected entry level networking certification?

I did a little bit of study a few years ago, but a mixture of lazyness/difficulty and I didnt pursue the certification.

A few years later and a few years of IT support under my belt, I basically want to pass it now, as I feel like I am indeed a lazy bugger and I need to give myself a kick up the backside.

How has the CCNA changed since 2006/2007?

Is there a focus on IPv6 now?
 
The newer CCNA track does include IPv6 but its far from focused on it. I had 1 question on IPv6 in my CCNA exam, although that was just under 3 years ago, I believe its still the same now.
Its a great qualification/course to do, just don't expect to be able to walk into a networking job with a CCNA.
I'm due to take my first CCNP exam in August, if you plan on going further after the NA, don't do what ive done and leave it till the last minute. The NP is fairly in depth.
 
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My aim is not neccessarily to go for networking jobs....

I just want to have a basic level of knowledge for dealing with switches and routers etc.....

Configuring them etc...

Something that looks good on the CV too.

I read on the Cisco website that the exams are only valid for 3 years?

Surely you can still keep it on your cv beyound this time right?
 
YOu would be better off with the COMPTIA A+ and N+ instead of the CCNA.

Ive got a CCNA and its obviously more focused on cisco kit than a general view.
 
opethdisciple said:
I read on the Cisco website that the exams are only valid for 3 years?

Surely you can still keep it on your cv beyound this time right?
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That certification is only valid for 3 years, you could keep the CCNA on your CV it obviously wouldn't be a valid certificate but would show you previously completed it.

The CCNA is obviously focused on Cisco kit although a lot of the background networking knowledge is transferable.
 
I was all fired up to do the CCNA - as a CV item, i'm a software engineer by trade but i have to deal in such a wide range of areas i wanted a simple 'proof' item for the CV instead of it looking like i've listed lots of things.

Having read the study guide it left me thinking a bit "is that it?" (i'm not saying i'd pass with flying colours without study, but it certainly didn't cover the in depth topics i was looking for) about it, now i'm not so sure i'd persue it.

If i could skip it and go for a more relevent CCNP then i'd consider it but i believe you need the CCNA first to progress.
 
Your correct, you need the CCNA before you can sit any of the NP exams. Just be aware that the current 640 802 exam is due to change shortly, currently the IE's in the world have been asked to contribute to the next NA exam - I'd guess that will be the 640 803? :).

I. a bit of laaaazzzzy jack*** too and need to sit the exam before the change over. There is little bit of IPv6 (leading zero's and zero compression, bit length etc - basics) I am in a Networking role though, so no reason for me not to do it.

Let us know how you get on.
 
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Do it, its a brilliant course and you'll learn a lot of useful stuff from it. I disagree with the person who said do the A+ instead, I've got both and it's not even comparable in regards to networking knowledge.
 
The CCNA has weight behind it, a good name (Cisco) and is valued in the work place.

Basically I want to do this as cheap as possible.

Luckily from the previous time I did a little bit of the ccna, you can self study from the books, and get the simulation programs to play with and configure ios.

Do you know when the course is meant to change?
 
There's an American CCIE who writes good CCNA (and NP) material - Not sure if i can list his name but he likes Trains and Signals.... he must be a bit of a train spotter :)
 
Cisco aren't what they once were in terms of ubiquity these days. That's devaluing the CCNA a little but more of a problem is there seem to be an increasing number of people who have a CCNA and very little idea what they're doing, certainly it's no qualification at all for a networking related job in my view, you need more these days.
 
bigredshark do you have any advice for someone who will soon be finishing an ICT degree and will soon be doing a CCNA exam (but have no other qualifications) as to what other certifications or useful skills would be to pick up to get an entry level job with the hope of advancing into a networking career after I pick up some experience?
 
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The CCNA is a good starting point, but a good network engineer it does not make. It's a foundation, and that's it...but it's something really good to build from.

I was speaking to a friend about the value of these qualifications the other day and we both came to the conclusion:

CCNA = Much like a GCSE, lies to children

CCNP = Much like A-Level, lies to teenagers

CCIE = This is how it REALLY works.

Saying that, the CCNP track is becoming more closely aligned to the CCIE track nowadays and the exams are far from easy. Ultimately it's experience working in enterprise networks that will build the skills on top of the theory of the books.

Cisco aren't pushing IPv6 much even at the CCNP level now, on the 5 day instructor led course they don't cover it at all. It's additional material you're given on a CD to read up on in your own time.

Cheers
 
afaik the CCNP content covers everything tested for on the CCIE. The CCIE is just a more hands on real world kind of testing process?
 
Styles said:
Ultimately it's experience working in enterprise networks that will build the skills on top of the theory of the books.
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This is true in terms of experience but it's not enterprise, it's service provider, nothing interesting, innovative or challenging happens in enterprise networks - you need to work for a service provider to see even moderately high level stuff.

Most enterprise network types just about know what MPLS is, but not how it works, let alone how to configure it or where it's appropriate.

Same goes for any remotely complex BGP config, or any IS-IS at all. OSPF gets a look in but it's rarely really well understood.
 
Dist said:
bigredshark do you have any advice for someone who will soon be finishing an ICT degree and will soon be doing a CCNA exam (but have no other qualifications) as to what other certifications or useful skills would be to pick up to get an entry level job with the hope of advancing into a networking career after I pick up some experience?
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Work for a service provider somehow, unfortunately unless you get lucky blagging an interview, know somebody or come across a small and growing outfit then that'll mean a few years of tech support purgatory. It's where you'll get to play with new and interesting stuff frequently and in general is better paid than enterprise (banks aside obviously...).

I can't say qualifications wise really, I don't rate Cisco at the high end any more, they simply don't compete on any criteria any more so Cisco qualifications are of little practical application (says the man with a CCDE) but look good on your CV. a CCNP/CCDP/CCIP are all decent and respected still but worthless without experience.

I think the Juniper qualifications are excellent, challenging and relevant but not much help unless you work with Juniper a lot.
 
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