The New CCNA: Your Guide on the New CCNA Certification Exam

Are you ready to launch your career as an IT professional? If so, good news! Cisco has redesigned the CCNA certification to prepare professionals for associate-level IT jobs. The new CCNA cert (which is scheduled to go live in February 2020) will validate a broad range of knowledge and skills, covering topics from networking and security fundamentals to automation and programmability.  

Why do I need a CCNA Certification? 

The CCNA certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications for an associate-level IT professional. Once becoming Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certified, you are prepared for a broad range of roles— whether you are just starting out in IT or you are looking to advance into a new position. The CCNA cert delivers confidence and know-how that can help make you a Champion in your organization. The knowledge you gain with a CCNA includes: 

• Network fundamentals 
• Network access 
• IP connectivity 
• IP services 
• Security fundamentals 
• Automation and programmability 

 Learn more about Cisco certification salaries here.

What is the Difference Between the Current CCNA and New CCNA? 

Currently, you have a choice of 10 difference tracks to earn your CCNA: 

• CCNA Routing and Switching 
• CCNA Cloud 
• CCNA Collaboration 
• CCNA Cyber Ops 
• CCNA Data Center 
• CCNA Industrial 
• CCNA Security 
• CCNA Service Provider 
• CCNA Wireless 
• CCDA Design 

The variety of tracks to earn your CCNA can be confusing to both network engineers and employers by not properly representing your range of skills. This format also does not allow aspiring CCNA candidates to study and be tested on a variety of skills at one time. Instead, it forces candidates to study and be tested on each individual track which can be time-consuming and costly to do. 

What’s the New CCNA Certification Path?

Starting February 24, 2020, the CCNA tracks are being condensed into two tracks:  

• CCNA 
• Cisco Certified DevNet Associate  

The new CCNA track now combines the skills from the previous 10 tracks and has created a curriculum that covers the most important portions of each of the previous tracks. Cisco has also created a new curriculum for engineers to gain the knowledge and skills in programming network environments in the Certified DevNet Associate certification. This track is for developers who want to use their skills in networks, or for network engineers who are looking to cross-train into programming. 

How can I prepare for the New CCNA? 

Cisco does not require any prerequisites for the CCNA certification, but an ideal candidate should have: 

• One or more years’ experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions 
• Knowledge of basic IP addressing 
• A good understanding of network fundamentals 

Are you looking for some live, instructor-led training to help prepare you? Check out our current class schedule and stay up-to-date on the most current Cisco courseware and certifications.  

The New CCNA Exam

Earning Your Certification 

Cisco has simplified the exam process for the CCNA and requires you to now pass only 1 exam, Implementing and Administering Cisco Networking Technologies (200-301 CCNA), instead of the previous 2. This exam covers the fundamentals you need as an IT professional to launch your career in any direction you need to go. By taking the course Implementing and Administering Cisco Networking Technologies, you can prepare with hands-on labs and curriculum that can be applied in real-world settings.  

Have you already scheduled your exam? Once you pass your CCNA certification, not only can you tell your peers you have passed, but you will now be rewarded with a digital certification badge for your social media profiles.  

I’m Already Working Toward my CCNA, What do I do? 

Have you already been working toward your CCNA, or do you already have your CCENT? Have no fear, you have until February 24, 2020 to complete any training and exams on the former certification structure. Cisco requires recertification once every three years, so if you meet the deadline, you are in the clear! Any training or exams after the February deadline will require you to follow the new streamlined program.  

Do you have any questions about the new CCNA structure, or how you can prepare? Reach out to someone our team or fill out the form below. We will set you up for success and help you advance in your IT career!