what is the first course for cisco i should take

by Malinda McDermott 7 min read

Associate-Level Certification

Course Name Provider Cost Skill Level
Cisco Certifications: First Steps LinkedIn Learning $19.99 or $29.99/month after free trial ... Beginner
Cisco CCNA (200-301) Cert Prep: Network ... LinkedIn Learning $19.99 or $29.99/month after free trial ... Beginner, Intermediate
Cisco CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Asso ... Pluralsight $24.92-$37.42/month after free trial Beginner, Intermediate
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC ... Pluralsight $24.92-$37.42/month after free trial Beginner, Intermediate
May 5 2022

1. Take a basic networking course. If you're just starting out in IT or cybersecurity and you don't have any real knowledge or experience yet, one of your first steps should be to start building basic networking knowledge (my Intro to Networking course can help).

Full Answer

What is the Cisco CCNA course?

This Cisco CCNA course (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification will be a prerequisite to all other specialised Cisco certifications and, therefore, further study through Cisco will see you needing to gain your CCNA first. There are two different options when looking to achieve your CCNA.

How to prepare for Cisco certification exams?

Over the next 10 years, jobs involving Cisco skills are expected to grow by more than 32%, Zeile adds. To help you study and prepare for the certification exams, Cisco provides links to digital learning courses, a training catalog, a classroom training locator, an e-learning network store, certification communities, training books and other tools.

What topics are covered in a Cisco Networking exam?

The topics covered during these exams include the following: CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician) is a Cisco certification that is perfect for those just starting out in the field of networking and also forms a part of the CCNA certification.

What are the prerequisites for CCNA certification?

There are no formal prerequisites for CCNA certification, but you should have an understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam. CCNA candidates often also have: One or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions

How do I start studying Cisco?

5 Study Tips to Pass the CCNA Certification ExamGet Practical Experience.Obtain the Proper Study Materials.Schedule Practice Tests.Refresh Your Knowledge Right Before the Exam.Take a Breather.

Which is best course in Cisco certification?

Following are the top 5 Cisco Certifications:CCNA – Routing and Switching.CCNP – Routing and Switching.CCNA- Security.CCDA – Cisco Certified Design Associate.CCENT – Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician.

Can a beginner start with CCNA?

The Cisco CCNA is a good certification for beginners that want to pursue a career in IT, computer networking, or cybersecurity. Beginners that have access to the CCNA curriculum through their school or have the support of an employer should consider using those resources to earn the CCNA.

What is the most basic Cisco certification?

Cisco's entry-level certifications Cisco has two entry-level credentials: the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT). No prerequisites are needed to obtain either the CCENT or CCT credential, and candidates must pass a single exam to earn each credential.

What is CCNA salary?

The average salary for CCNA certification is $79,000 (as of May 2021), according to PayScale; this is nearly 30% higher than the average salary in the United States.

Can I skip CCNA?

CCNA cover basics of Cisco Routing & Switching technologies and you can not skip CCNA to do CCNP. if you don't have CCNA Certification but you have knowledge of CCNA R&S, then you can go for CCNP R&S Course, but in order to get CCNP Certified and to get the Certification, you will have to pass CCNA and CCNP Exams.

Can I learn Cisco on my own?

Passing the Cisco CCNA requires hands-on experience and knowledge of computer networking concepts, however these skills can be obtained solely through self-study if one chooses, using commonly available online learning tools and software.

Can I self-study CCNA?

Passing the CISCO CCNA will always need hands-on knowledge and experience of computer networking concepts. But, if you want, the skills can be procured solely through self-study if you choose to go for it. For that, you need to use the easily available online learning software and tools to the rescue.

Is Cisco easy to learn?

So, is the Cisco CCNA hard? The Cisco CCNA is a challenging entry-level IT certification exam because it requires both technical networking knowledge and the ability to configure specific equipment issued by Cisco.

Should I start with CCT or CCNA?

CCNA's are generally junior-level network engineers that work under more experienced engineers to build on their knowledge. Who should get the CCNA certification? The CCENT is great if you want to do more than just field work (CCT), as it will allow you to support, configure and troubleshoot networks on your own.

Are Cisco exams open book?

Opt to take your exam at home There is no word on whether this will be a permanent option, so if you'd like to take your test at home, now is the time! This does not mean that your CCNA 200-301 exam is now an “open-book” test; it's quite the opposite. You will be proctored online while you take the exam.

What certification should I get before CCNA?

Consider Taking the CompTIA Network+ First If you haven't earned your CompTIA Network+ yet, and you are interested in both of these certifications, one option for you to consider before you take the CCNA would be to instead prepare for and sit for the Network+.

What is a Cisco Certified Network Professional?

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is the next level above CCNA and requires that you understand a large number of different technologies and features to a much greater depth. This is expected at the CCNA level. CCNPs typically act as senior-level network engineers in a number of different environments. The CCNP can serve as a team leader who guides junior-level network engineers on their tasks or as a solo engineer working on a variety of different technologies/devices.

What is a Cisco Internetwork Expert?

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) builds on the objectives learned at the CCNP level and adds some depth in specific features, as well as coverage on a number of different features that are not covered in much detail in previous tracks. Candidates looking to become the most knowledgeable on the covered objectives seek out and become CCIE’s. This journey is expensive and each candidate must determine from their goals whether having the CCIE credential will help in obtaining their specific career goals.

How to get CCIE?

To obtain the CCIE you must take and pass two different exams: The CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam (400-101) and the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam. The CCIE written exam is a proctored computer-based version, just like the CCT, CCNA and CCNP.

What is CCT certification?

CCT certification. The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) is one of two entry-level certifications offered by Cisco, the other being the CCENT, which we’ll discuss next.

Why do IT managers need CCNP?

First, as with the CCNA, it allows you to validate the skills of your technical team members. Second, as with most sought-after certifications, it allows employees to have a sense of accomplishment.

What is a Cisco CCENT?

The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is the second Cisco entry-level certification. The CCENT’s objectives require that you understand a diverse number of networking fundamentals and configuration commands. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) includes the knowledge gained with the CCENT and adds to it with more complexity and feature depth. CCNA’s are generally junior-level network engineers that work under more experienced engineers to build on their knowledge.

What is a CCNP?

The CCNP can serve as a team leader who guides junior-level network engineers on their tasks or as a solo engineer working on a variety of different technologies/devices.

What is Cisco certification?

A Cisco certification can help you become more skilled and marketable in your technical career. U.S. News & World Report Education takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence. By Lance Whitney.

What is Cisco associate level?

The entry-level certification is designed for people who want to work as Cisco technicians or field engineers. The associate level prepares you for a career in IT and network technologies. You can pursue one track to cover a range of fundamental skills or focus on software development or cybersecurity.

Is Cisco an architect?

Cisco once offered an architect level, but that was retired. In addition to the core levels, a specialist level is available in several areas. Most of the certifications fall into the category of either network infrastructure or software development.

What should I do before sitting for CCNA?

One final thing that I recommend people do before sitting for the CCNA is to spend some time online watching Cisco CCNA configuration videos. There are hundreds of videos available online where you can watch a networking professional configure any and every topic that is listed on the CCNA objectives.

How to start a network?

1. Take a basic networking course. If you’re just starting out in IT or cybersecurity and you don’t have any real knowledge or experience yet, one of your first steps should be to start building basic networking knowledge ( my Intro to Networking course can help ).

CCNA explained

CCNA certification proves you have what it takes to navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT. CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability. Designed for agility and versatility, CCNA validates that you have the skills required to manage and optimize today's most advanced networks.

CCNA success story

I always thought as long as people can see my work, I'm good. Now I realize the power of having a certification.

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