Cisco changes CCNA, adds CCENT June 25
CCNA content is becoming more detailed and “heavier” with the latest revision to the curriculum. No doubt Cisco is aiming to maintain a high level of integrity for its certifications, and make certification progression steps a little more manageable. I also hold the opinion that the new two version approach to the ICND will help focus associates on the content that “really matters” so to speak. As the networking world continues to evolve we are beginning to see what was considered “Professional” level content trickle down, and be considered common knowledge at the “Associate” level.
Changes to the ICND exams required to achieve the CCNA include wireless protocols, wireless security, knowledge of Voice and Video effects on networks, and an understanding of the function and purpose of various security devices. Essentially all the changes that occurred in the CCNP curriculum early in 2007 are now filtering their way in to the CCNA level.
The CCNA curriculum posted on Cisco’s certification page lists the revised qualifications to achieve the CCNA certification.
As always, those who go from their CCNA through the CCIE take it one step at a time. To assist in that there is a new entry level certification now, the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). I think this is an excellent approach to help people get their foot in the door, especially as networks become more and more intelligent, and by “intelligent” I mean more complicated.
CCENT Certification
The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
Here is the CCENT Certifcation page.
Brandon Burns Jun 28
Is the new CCENT certification on the same level as the Network+?
I just completed my Network+ certification and was considering going after a CCNA but now with the new CCENT I am not for sure which one to go after since I have my Network+.
Thanks.
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Hi Brandon!
First off, congratulations on your achievement on the Net+! The CCENT is half of a CCNA, that is if you take the 2 exam approach to the CCNA. It is much more difficult than the Net+. The Net+ essentially focuses on protocols, data rates, cabling etc, where as the CCENT actually goes more in depth to actual networking, configuring devices, operation of routing and switching, wireless, security, IPv6, how applications (Voice and Video over IP) effect network performance, NAT/PAT, and so forth. Its much more involved and comprehensive than a Net +.
As for what path you should take? I would think you should go for the 2 exam approach to the CCNA. After all once you pass the ICND 1 you will be a CCENT, pass the ICDN 2 and you will be awarded a CCNA. I suggest the 2 exam approach because it is a more thorough path, and the end result is to have quality assistant engineers in the field. It also helps when you strive to understand concepts in higher level certs when you have a exceptional understanding of the fundamentals. Of course it also helps when you have more certifications under your name too! ;0)
A “cliff notes” version of the *new* content is as follows:
-Secure Device Manager
-Virtual Private Networks
-IPv6
-2960 Switches
-Cisco Network Assistant
-Advanced EIGRP and OSPF
-Introduction to Wireless networks
-More security
-Lot’s of troubleshooting
Best of luck,
Admin
Cindy Oct 11
I have my Network+ also and am currently studying for the CCENT. Do you know if there are any test questions available yet such as the ones that Actualtests.com provides ?
I know they don’t have any available as of yet being that the test is so new. Please email me if you know of anything.
Thanks !
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I discourage using actualtests.com or testking.com as a means to pass exams. This day and age of networking you need to know and understand what you are doing, not just know answers.
If you do choose to use either of the aforementioned I would only recommend using it as a question bank only, not a means of passing an exam to become a “paper cert”.
-Admin
Elvin Nov 6
I just took the 640-801 exam today, the last day to test.. Do you know why all the training material you learn, or they teach you, about all the protocols, ports, standards, and technologies, are barely on the test? also i was wondering if the 640-802 exam will be in the same format, because i missed a complete simulator question, because i didn’t know that when i hit next, (1. i would go to the next question 2. i couldn’t go back) i couldn’t find the editing console on the page that i was on, so i hit next, and it messed up my score pretty bad.. will the new test allow you to go back at all? or are all cisco tests the same?
Hi Elvin!
Before I answer your questions beware that too much detailed discussion about Cisco exams is a violation of their policy, so Ill keep it superficial.
It is best practice before taking any Cisco exam to go complete the survey and tutorial that appear before you start the exam.
You cannot go back and re-answer questions. If you dont know the answer youre out of luck and simply need to try to answer it as best as possible.
Cisco exam question banks constantly change and evolve. Different types of questions are added, current ones edited, and no one knows how they are scored. Lab exams are pretty straight forward so that shouldn’t give people too many problems. Cisco has one of the most reputable certification reputations in the industry and this is how they maintain that.
All Cisco exams have the same format as in they have about 4-7 different ways questions are presented, correlating to 4-7 different ways you will have to answer them (matching, select one multiple choice, which of the following, true/false, etc.).
Good luck in your future pursuits.
Thane Eichenauer Feb 8
Your article has a typo. “Cirriculum” should be spelled “curriculum” (as curriculum is not a proper name it should not be capitalized).
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Thanks for catching that Thane! Oh the mistakes a busy blogger makes
venkateswarlu Mar 11
Please send me more details about CCENT , which chapters Important in this CCENT, give me suggestion and how to prepare CCENT test give me time table.
You can start by reading the book. I do not support bootcamps or learning just enough to pass the exam. People who do this devalue the field and make everyone else look bad.
-Admin