Most beginners are unsure if the Cisco CCNA certification would benefit them in the long run.  For those new to IT, network administration, or security measures careers, the Cisco CCNA is a fantastic certification. Beginners who are given access to the CCNA course through their educational institution or through their employers ought to consider it a good opportunity to obtain the CCNA.

Remember that we need to consider not one but two separate notions.  The first question is obviously whether a novice can obtain the CCNA. Second, we will examine if a novice should at all try for a CCNA certification. Let's address both questions.

Can a Novice Achieve CCNA Status at Cisco?

For instance, the well-known Cisco CCNA is an "associate" level certification compared to Cisco's expert and professional certification levels.  Currently, the CCNA is unquestionably targeted toward novices. This shift is a recent trend and was not so in the past if experts are to be believed.

In their description of the CCNA, Cisco implies that the certification is intended for novices.  For instance, they claim that obtaining the CCNA is "the first step" and "the foundation" for your future in IT. 

Additionally, they highlight a number of topics that the CCNA addresses, such as "network fundamentals" and "security fundamentals," which give a solid idea of the Cisco CCNA Certification's essential focus.

The CCNA program begins with fundamentals. Before beginning CCNA training at the Cisco Academy, you are not required to have any prior networking experience. So, is the CCNA possible for a novice?  As long as they are completely familiar with the networking principles and Cisco IOS setup commands tested on the exam, a novice can pass the CCNA with sufficient study and preparation.

Which Skills Are Necessary to Start Studying CCNA?

If you don't have any experience with IT or computer networking when you first begin studying for the CCNA, don't worry too much about it. The fundamentals of networking are quite thoroughly covered in every significant textbook and the online program on the CCNA, which includes the CCNA's own curriculum.

However, you should have some experience with PCs and other technologies, particularly experience with Microsoft Windows computers, before you start studying for the CCNA exam.  For instance, a warehouse employee who never owned a computer will find it more challenging to study the CCNA content than someone with very rudimentary computer knowledge.

Also Check: The Path to Networking Success Cisco CCNA for beginners

Before beginning your CCNA adventure, you should have the following skills:

• Knowledge of utilizing software programs and web browsers on a Windows-based computer.  You might first consider enrolling in a simple computer course if you are not familiar with computers.

• Ideally, you should have some expertise in configuring or troubleshooting equipment. In this case, your home computer, wireless network, and/or cell phone may just need to be set up or connected.  Your ability to debug and configure will benefit from this additional expertise.

• Study habits are acquired by learning new ideas or honing professional expertise.  You'll want to ensure that your study abilities are good enough for you to grasp the new content if it has been a long time since you were in school and you don't read or study frequently.

Also Check: Top 29 MCQs For CCNA Certification Exam 2023

The Cisco CCNA: Should a Novice Try Earning It?

We may now discuss whether a novice should pursue the CCNA after proving they can.  Do novices benefit from earning the Cisco CCNA Certification?

To decide if you ought to obtain the CCNA, you need to consider several variables. Let’s examine some of these variables:

• Have you considered a career in networking or cybersecurity?

The CCNA may benefit you if you want to work in cybersecurity or information technology.  Although holding the certification to work in the industry is unnecessary, doing so is beneficial. Many cybersecurity experts have earned the CCNA before starting their profession.

Even if your future job doesn't utilize Cisco gear, the CCNA will prove helpful to you if you want to enter the networking field of IT.  Therefore, Cisco CCNA Course is a terrific complement whether you're looking for work as a Network Administrator, Network Engineer, or anything that’s relevant to the field.

The CCNA is probably not the best subject to concentrate on if you want a programming or coding career.

• Why Did You Pick CCNA Instead of Network+?

Network+, a certification issued by CompTIA, is another well-known entry-level networking credential available. This course additionally addresses all fundamental networking ideas. The Network+ is comparable to the Cisco CCNA Certification. However, it excludes Cisco-specific ideas like the Cisco device setup.

Even though both examinations are difficult, you'll need to put in more effort to prepare for the Cisco CCNA because it requires you to understand the IOS commands.  Many of these topics are skipped over by the CompTIA Network+. Selecting the proper certification is an important decision for you since both may further your career.

The majority of individuals who pick the Cisco CCNA as their first certification do so because either they are entitled to the material through their educational institution and are able to acquire it in that manner or because their company likes it.  However, many individuals who already hold the Network+ or have expertise in the sector opt to take the CCNA exam since it is valuable in the industry.

Do you need to obtain any certifications before obtaining the CCNA?

You might also want to consider the CompTIA A+ credential and take the CompTIA Network+ exam before taking the CCNA, as mentioned above. The A+ is designed for people who desire to work in a first-level IT position, such as a help desk, computer technician, or computer repair.

Having the A+ before moving on to the CCNA tends to benefit, even if it is not necessary to acquire any further certifications. The A+ does cover a considerable amount of networking topics.

Also Check: CCNA Certification Program: Overview, Prerequisites, Salary Trends & Exam Cost 

Factors regarding the Cisco CCNA Exam

Make sure you obtain a copy of the course materials or a textbook and make arrangements for access to tools or a simulation if you're still considering pursuing the CCNA course.  As indicated on the CCNA, you'll want to have the chance to gain expertise in configuring Cisco equipment.

Conclusion

Because trained experts can perform quickly in the challenging information technology sector, most employers choose to hire them. In this CCNA Certification in Austin course, you will learn about the key components of a computer network and their characteristics, understand LANs, the network access layers and explore various aspects and functions of routing. The real-world evidence that you possess the abilities needed to be a network engineer is the Cisco CCNA Certification.