The Benefits of CCNA Training
What is CCNA Training? “CCNA” stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. If you want a career in the IT industry as a network administrator or network security engineer, it’s best to have this on your list of qualifications, says Robert Half. Your resume will be all the better for it. The starting salary for qualified individuals in the U.S. is from $71,250 to $105,750. Security engineers with this credential, on the other hand, can expect as much as $99,250 to $138,500 for a base salary. That’s a whole lot of compensation and commensurate to the time, effort and costs you’ll put into acquiring that CCA certification in the first place.
Which Type Do You Choose?
Cisco offers four certification levels for the CCNA. This include 1.) networking, network design and security, 2.) voice and collaboration solutions, 3.) storage networking as well as data center management and last and 4.) service provider knowledge and expertise.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
Before you could take a CCNA training, you will need to undergo the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician or CCENT certification. It’s the first level of certification if you want to go on the Cisco certification path. Think of it as a stepping stone. It focuses on topics that include the OSI model, basics and essentials of the DNS along with the basics on routing, router configuration and NAT, says the Tech Republic. Once you have this in the bag, you can choose whatever type of specialization to go for and prep for the exams of whatever CCNA field of expertise you chose.
Benefits of a CCNA certification
- Improves hiring prospects
A CCNA certification demonstrates your proficiency with IT topics and areas. If you’re in an interview and you have this qualification listed on your resume, hiring teams are more likely to pick you over those without a certification. The certification works like a recommendation. It tells companies that you have the skills and expertise they need for the job. In a job market that’s tough with competition, these credentials can make the difference between finding a position that’s right for your skills, one that challenges you and gives you the remuneration you deserve over getting a job that only pays the bills.
- Help you map out your career
Aside from improving your job prospects, getting a certification also helps you plan your career. By taking aCCNA training coursefrom reliable training providers like Koenig, you can discover the path you want to take in the IT industry. It can help you determine which areas—whether it’s about network security or database management—are uniquely suited to your own skills and talents and which ones aren’t a good match. Beyond making yourself marketable, you also find the tools you need to plan your career and take your future in your hands. By going after the right qualifications and credentials, you could pave the way for your own success in the field and find the kind of work that fulfils you the most.
- Get that promotion
For people who already have a job, getting this certification means you can move up the ranks in your company. If you think you’re ready for a higher position up the ladder, acquiring this certification is an excellent way to get to the top. You can easily stack the odds in your favour against other candidates who don’t have the qualifications or credentials you have, says Work It Daily. That should make the climb to success a whole lot easier.
- Achieve financial security
By getting a certification, you can count on the company to provide you with proper remuneration. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re pulling in a salary that isn’t equal to the work you do or the skills and knowledge you have, a certification can fix that easily enough. With a certification, landing better-paying offers are going to be in the cards. You can achieve the level and quality of financial security you want with the right certification.
How to Get One
There are plenty of ways to study and pass the CCN certification exam. But taking specializedCCNA training courses is the best way to go. You’ll need to undergo the CCENT certification exam first, though. After that, you can take a CCNA course to help you prepare for D-Day. You could also improve your training by getting a range of learning materials to help you review. Sample problems and solutions could give you the training and preparation you need and supplement the knowledge you’re learning from your CCNA course. Other materials, like books, online videos and study groups can also offer help and assistance. However, for a more intensive training with the best results, a training course is the best choice you could go for.
With the benefits a CCNA certification brings to the table, it’s clear why a lot of IT professionals feel it’s a question of ‘when you should take one’ instead of it.
