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The CCNA certification equips you with networking skills to design, plan, install, configure and operate small to medium size computer networks. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
The CCNA certification has grown significantly in popularity over the last few years. It is a worthwhile addition to the resume of any networking professional.
CCNA Exam Tracks
There are two tracks that can be followed in achieving the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification.
Track 1: Single Exam Path
Passing the 640-801 CCNA exam.
Track 2: Dual Exam Path
Passing the 640-821 INTRO exam and 640-811 ICND exam.
Topics On The Test
List of recommended topics is given below. Please note that related topics not listed below may also be asked on the exam.
Planning & Designing
Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology
Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements
Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements
Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology
Develop an access list to meet user specifications
Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements
Implementation & Operation
Configure routing protocols given user requirements
Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts
Configure a router for additional administrative functionality
Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication
Implement a LAN
Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements
Manage system image and device configuration files
Perform an initial configuration on a router
Perform an initial configuration on a switch
Implement access lists
Implement simple WAN protocols
Troubleshooting
Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting
Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
Troubleshoot routing protocols
Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
Troubleshoot an access list
Perform simple WAN troubleshooting
Technology
Describe network communications using layered models
Describe the Spanning Tree process
Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments
Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols
Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols
Describe the components of network devices
Evaluate rules for packet control
Evaluate key characteristics of WANs
Review Of CCNA 640-801 Exam Specifics
Pre Requisites: The CCNA exam has no pre requisites.
Time Allotted: 90 minutes
Total marks: The exam is marked from 300 to 1000. Minimum marks is 300.
Passing Grade: Cisco revises the ccna passing score periodically. Last known pass mark is 849/1000.
Score Report: Delivered immediate on test completion.
Certification validation period: 3 years
Number of Questions: Not fixed. In general the questions range from 55 to 65 in number.
Exam Pattern: The pattern may vary from exam to exam, depending on how many questions are there to be answered. The question types found on the CCNA exam are:
Multiple Choice with Single answer: Student is required to select a single answer from a range of options (generally 4-5) by clicking on a radio button.
Multiple Choice with Multiple answer: Student is required to select a range of options. The number of options to select is specified. The selection is made by clicking on a checkbox. A “v” appears against selected checkboxes.
Drag And Drop: These questions are graphical in nature. Student is required to drag options to different drop areas.
Fill in the Blank: Student is required to type in the missing text to complete the sentence.
Router Simulation: Router simulation questions test knowledge of Cisco IOS in simulated environment. All of Cisco IOS commands are not supported by the simulator, however the task can be performed with the available commands in the simulator. Do note that the exam engine may be slow when switching between the simulator-based questions and the standard multiple-choice questions.