CCNA is a certification regarding network security and integrity provided by Cisco. It stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is the second level certification after the entry-level certification of CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). Cisco provides for several types of CCNA Certifications, which are given below along with their examination duration.
– CCNA cloud 55 – 65 questions to be solved within 90 minutes.
– CCNA collaboration 55 – 65 questions to be answered within 75 minutes.
– CCNA Cyber Ops: 55 – 70questions to be solved within 90 minutes.
– CCNA data center 55 – 75 questions to be solved within 90 – 120 minutes depending on the subtype of examination
– CCNA industrial: 65 – 75 questions in 90 minutes.
– CCNA routing and switching: 45 – 70 questions to be solved in a duration of 90 minutes or 1 and a half-hour; etc.
The several posts that require CCNA certification as one of the qualifications are:-
– Network engineer
– Network technician
– Network security analyst
– Network operation center analyst, etc.
Cisco itself provides for several training and self-study material loaded with practice questions on a free membership protocol for all of its certifications. There is also provision for an advanced library on a subscription basis, called the premium library.
Cost of the examination: – The average cost of all CCNA examinations ranges above that of $ 300, whereas some may range below it, excluding the location-specific and payment gateway charges by Sprintzeal.
The best books advisable to buy or prefer while preparing for the CCNA examination are given below:-
- Cisco certified network associate study guide (CCNA study guide):- Authored by the writer Todd Lammle, this book encompasses the vast course of CCNA into a single paperback format. The main reason for the book is popular among the aspirants and usually recommended by CCNA certified personnel is its rigorous practice questions that prepare the aspirant to face the main examination fearlessly and full of confidence. It is published by John Wiley and sons, while it is priced at only $ 987. 25.
- CCNA self-study: routing and switching – Available only in paperback format, this book has been penned by the author Anthony Chlorella. It comprises of the topics covered in CCNA certification like configuration of a network, routing in wide area network, IP routing (OSPF and EIGRP), etc. This also provides several tips and tricks on how to easily pass the certification examination. Along with practice questions, it ensures the best possible preparation in the price range of ₹ 6 625.
- CCENT / CCNA ICND1 100 – 105:- This is a book beautifully compiled by Odom and is available only in paperback for the minimal affordable price of only ₹ 646. It consists of 1024 pages that are enriched with concepts that cater to all the three examinations that are mentioned in the book title. Published by the Pearson Education India publication in the year 2016, this book strives to provide the reader with a clear understanding and quick grasp of the required concepts. It also comes along with a CD for better understanding.
- CCNA simple and effective strategies for mastering CCNA: – Authored by Walker Schmidt, this book is available both in Kindle and paperback version. The kindle version costs ₹ 366 while the paperback version can be bought only for ₹ 1, 897 INR only. It consists of 108 pages, but the author has taken great pains to make it worthy and compile all the required information in a succinct manner.
- CCNA: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: Cisco Certified Network Associate for beginners: – This book is authored by Michaelle Conrrede and is available in both, kindle as well as paperback format. The kindle version is priced at ₹ 367 INR, while the paperback version can be bought for only ₹ 1, 408 INR. Consisting of 178 pages, this book encompasses all the concepts required to clear the CCNA examination in a quick grasping and beautiful manner.
CCNA certification examination has been deemed the best entry-level as well as advanced level certification for candidates aiming for a better future in network security related organizations and allied sectors. The above-provided books are the most preferred ones for clearing the examination, along with good self-study and time management.
