CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Certification; a strong choice after A/Ls

How to spend time effectively after G.C.E. A/L examination, while awaiting results, was discussed in a previous article. Whatever result one may get, a sector of those who sat for the exam always show an interest in joining the professional sphere. Another group wish to pursue further studies in Higher Educational centres. A Professional/ Career Certificate is something that adds value to both these parties. Not only would it help you to level up in the profession you are already employed in, but also it will help you to climb up the vast professional ladder as a whole. Therefore today, we will be bringing you information on the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification.

What is this Cisco CCNA?

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is an Associate Level Career Certification offered by one of the world’s largest network equipment manufacturing companies based in America called ‘Cisco Systems.’ If you are searching for an employment related to Networking in the field of Information Technology, this certification appearing in your CV can do wonders.

What are the types of CCNA Certification?

A considerable variety of different certificates have been introduced by Cisco Systems. While ‘CCNA Routing and Switching Certificate’ is given priority, they offer more certificates namely ‘Design Associate, Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, Industrial, Security, Service Provider and Wireless.

What are the benefits that can be gained through studying for CCNA?

1. As it is a certification that has won worldwide recognition, it paves the way for a profession related to I.T. in any country.
2. As it provides a basic understanding and knowledge in Networking, it can pave way for primary level jobs with attractive salaries.
3. It provides an opportunity to be certified through the giant of the Networking field.
4. It caters a significant amount of knowledge in using the facilities of internet and the like in the present day digitalized world.
5. Through this certification, current and up to date information and knowledge is given access to.

What are the Institutes that provide the facility of studying CCNA?

• SLIIT
• University of Moratuwa
• German Tech
• Kothalawala Defence University
• NIBM

More: Cisco Training Places in Sri Lanka

It is important to note whether the institute you wish to study CCNA in, is registered under ‘Cisco Network Academy’ before you make your pick. (https://www.netacad.com/)

In addition, only the ‘Cisco Press’ has the authority to provide you with the needed study material. ( http://www.ciscopress.com/promotions/cisco-networking-academy-136536?ranMID=24808)

What are the employment options available for a CCNA Certified individual?

High end professional positions like Network Administrator, Infrastructure Engineer, Information Security Analyst, etc have largely emerged in the world today. Companies like Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka Telecom and Pearson in Sri Lanka too offer jobs of similar nature to those armed with the CCNA certification.

How can you top-up and re-new this certificate?

The CCNA certificate is valid only for a period of 3 years. This is because the fields of Information Technology and Networking Industry are subjected to rapid change. Hence the individuals engaging in these fields need to stay updated. Because of this reason, they have suggested 2 ways of renewing this certification. One being resitting the examination, the other is facing a Professional Level Certificate of a higher nature than the Associate level. If the second method is followed, there is no need of resitting for CCNA.