Cisco revises CCNA programme...

...and announces new entry-level certification

Cisco have published details of a major overhaul of its market-leading Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA) certification programme as well as an associated new entry-level certification, Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) aimed at those working in a small network environment.

CCNA – how has it changed?
The CCNA programme will still be divided into two courses as before, however instead of the 4-day Introduction to Cisco Networking (INTRO) course covering only networking fundamentals and the meat of the configuration and support material in the 5-day Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND ) course, the content will be divided into 2 equally weighted 5-day courses titled ICND1 and ICND2.

The revised CCNA has greater breadth – including more coverage of security, troubleshooting and basic wireless—and more time devoted to performance-based skills with 50% of each course consisting of hands-on labs.   The CCNA certification will validate the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a secure, medium-size enterprise network. 

ICND1 will provide foundation-level networking connectivity and optimization knowledge and hands-on practice suitable for an entry level position in network support, or for senior technicians or help desk staff in small network environments.

ICND2 extends Part 1 and focus is on supporting medium-sized networks, for example technicians at network operations centres.  It includes use of various protocols to manage addressing, load balancing and basic authentication, and introduces more advanced troubleshooting and topics such as transition to IPv6 and VPN solutions.  Fifty percent of class time devoted to hands-on practice and labs.

When are the new courses available?
Both new courses are published by Cisco worldwide on Wednesday 1^st August; Global Knowledge have scheduled dates for both courses across Europe from Monday 6^th August. The old INTRO and ICND courses will remain available until 6 November and will be offered alongside the new events, however delegates are encouraged to take the new courses instead.

Which courses are required to achieve CCNA?
For those who have already started their CCNA training, it is possible to mix and match between the old and new courses :

Which exams are necessary?
CCNA candidates have a number of exam options in order to qualify; they may take individual exams for each course, whether it is the older INTRO & ICND, or the new ICND1 & ICND2.  Alternatively they may take the composite CCNA exam which tests knowledge & understanding from BOTH courses:

What is the new Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification?
Associated with the new courses, Cisco have announced details of an interim certification for those taking the new ICND1 course and related exam, the Cisco Certified Entry-level Network Technician (CCENT).   

This is aimed at IT professionals who are either in the process of achieving CCNA or haven’t yet considered CCNA, those that may have other IT certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Net+ , or those that are preparing for an entry into IT or networking field.  

The new CCENT certification:

• Validates Entry Level Job Skills – such as the ability to install and verify basic network configurations—a requirement for most entry level network support positions
• Is performance-focused - Assesses practical abilities and competence with Cisco routers, switches and IOS
• Is a step towards CCNA – CCENT is a tangible first step towards CCNA certification, though not a prerequisite
• Differentiates and reduces hiring risk – CCENT will differentiate job applicants and reduce risk of hiring for entry level positions.
• How do you obtain the CCENT certification?

CCENT is awarded ONLY to those who pass the ICND1 exam from 1^st August onward.  Please note that it is NOT awarded to those who pass INTRO, the old ICND, ICND2 or any combined CCNA exam, nor can it be awarded in arrears for any reason. 

Free WebSeminar detailing the new programme! 10th July, at 3 PM CET - Join Us!

Hosted by:
Cynthia Barnette, Program Manager, Certification Development & Delivery, Cisco Systems
Mungo Duncan, EMEA Product Director for Cisco, Global Knowledge

Find out more about the CCNA changes from the Cisco experts themselves at our web seminar hosted with leading Cisco technical experts who developed the new programme. This is your opportunity to discuss any questions or find out how to get certified as a Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician, (CCENT).

Cynthia Barnette, from Cisco, is the Programme Manager for the redevelopment of the CCNA. Prior to that she managed the development of the last major CCNP rewrite.  She will be joined by a technical expert involved in the design and creation of the new courses.

The seminar will be recorded for those that cannot participate at this specific event.

Register for the Cisco Seminar

Pressrelease
Read the CCNA pressrelease here.