Cisco CCNA Certification: Don't Overreact To Exam Version Changes
The Cisco CCNA certification is one of the most coveted certifications in the IT industry. It is a sought-after certification for networking professionals who want to acquire knowledge and skills in CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, CCNA Collaboration, CCNA Data Center, CCNA Wireless, CCNA Cloud, and CCNA Industrial. The CCNA certification is designed to ensure that the professionals who hold the certification have the knowledge and skills necessary to configure, troubleshoot, and operate complex networks.
To become a Cisco CCNA certified, candidates have to pass an exam that is designed to assess their ability to understand networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management. Passing the CCNA exam requires candidates to study and prepare adequately to be able to pass the exam successfully.
Recently, there has been a change in the CCNA certification exam versions. The previous version of the CCNA exam (CCNA Routing and Switching) was retired, and now a new version, the CCNA 200-301, has been introduced. The new exam covers a broader range of topics than the previous version and has a different format for the questions.
For IT professionals who are working towards obtaining the CCNA certification, a change in the exam version can be a cause for concern. The anxiety is understandable since the new exam version has different objectives compared to the previous version. However, it is crucial not to overreact to the changes in the exam version. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't overreact.
1. Getting certified is still valuable.
As an IT professional, getting certified in any field can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. This remains true even with changes in exam versions. Cisco is a well-known and respected company in the IT industry, and having a Cisco certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills in networking technologies. By obtaining a certificate, you demonstrate your commitment to learning and staying current on networking technologies.
2. The new exam version is more comprehensive.
The new CCNA 200-301 exam is more comprehensive than the previous version. The new exam version covers a broader range of topics that are relevant to the current networking landscape. The new exam version covers topics such as network security, automation, and virtualization, which are critical areas that IT professionals need to understand. The new exam version also tests the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, which makes it more challenging than the previous version.
3. Resources are available to help with the exam.
Cisco provides resources to help candidates prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam. These resources include official Cisco training courses, study guides, and practice exams. Candidates can also find third-party resources such as study groups, online forums, and video courses that can assist with exam preparation. With adequate preparation, candidates can pass the exam successfully, regardless of changes to the exam version.
4. Many skills remain relevant.
While the new exam version covers different topics, many of the skills covered in the old exam version are still relevant. IT professionals who have already been studying for the previous exam will have learned fundamentals, such as IP addressing, routing and switching, and network management, that are still relevant in the new exam version. Even though there are new topics in the new exam version, candidates who have a solid foundation of networking fundamentals will be better prepared to tackle the new exam version.
5. The CCNA certification can lead to other certifications.
The CCNA certification is not only valuable in its own right but can also lead to other certifications. The CCNA certification is a prerequisite for other Cisco certifications, such as the CCNP and CCIE. By obtaining the CCNA certification, IT professionals can build a strong foundation for acquiring other certifications in networking technologies.
In conclusion, it is essential not to overreact to changes in the exam version. The new CCNA 200-301 exam may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and resources, candidates can pass the exam successfully. The CCNA certification remains valuable and highly sought-after in the IT industry, and obtaining the certification can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. As a networking professional, it is critical to stay current with the latest networking technologies and acquire relevant certifications to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.