In pursuing a Cisco certification, the first mile marker one will encounter along the path is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. This certification is designed to validate a solid foundation of networking skills, including a basic knowledge of the OSI reference model, networking protocols, Layer 2 switching concepts and protocols, routing concepts and protocols, and wide-area networking (WAN) connectivity. A person who achieves CCNA certification should have the skills necessary to provide basic network installations and level 1 troubleshooting skills.

The knowledge required to pass the CCNA certification exam is among the most valuable skills required in the networking field. The topics covered by the CCNA certification exam are the building blocks of all networking topologies and protocols. Without the proper grounding in these skills, a networking professional will find it difficult to understand many of the more complex technologies in the networking field. The most important aspects of the certification are the ways that devices communicate between each other in a networking environment using the different devices, such as Layer 2 switches and routers, to provide interconnectivity.

Cisco has revised the CCNA certification to validate the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot more complex, medium-sized routed and switched networks, including the ability to configure IP addressing and authentication, as well as establish and troubleshoot connections to service providers over a WAN. The new curriculum also covers mitigation of basic security threats and an introduction to wireless network concepts. CCNA certifies a comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals and the skills required for positions such as a Network Specialist or Associate Network Engineer. At TestKing, we have updated all the CCNA study content to reflect the changes made by Cisco, so you can be sure that our exam preparation materials are up to date and relevant