Knowledge about CCNA....

Certifications of Cisco:-

1. Expert Level: - CCIE (Cisco Certified Inter network Expert)

Routing and Switching.

Voice

Security

Communication and Services

Data Center

2. Professional Level: - CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)

Routing and Switching, Troubleshooting

CCIP (Cisco Certified Inter network Professional)

Communication and Services

3. Associate Level: - CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

Routing and Switching

Security

Voice

Exam Pattern

CCNA Exam Pattern:-      

Exam No – 640-801

Total Marks – 1000

Duration – 90 minutes

Passing score – 849

Questions – 45-55

Multiple Choices

Simulations

Drag and Drop

Benefits of this exam:-

Peer Validation (U understand where you stand in industry)

·        Personal (For knowledge Gain)

·        Potential Employer (During the interview the company will filter by the certification)

Carrier Advancement

·        CCNA, CCNP, CCIE you can progress you carrier in your company.

Some basic questions:-

What is CCNA?

Why to do CCNA?

What is the need of Certification?

What is the requirement for CCNA?

What levels are there to do CCNA?

Who provides Certification?

Where to study about CCNA?

Where to apply for Certification?

How to Study?

Topics to study in CCNA?

Pattern of CCNA Exam?

How many companies operate in networking?

Why do we need certification?

What can CCNA do for me?

How hard this exam is?

These are some question which are normally asked by every fresher or person who is not aware about Networking or Companies operating in Networking and who is not aware about the levels in networking.

The abbreviation of CCNA is (Cisco Certified Network Associate). It is a certification from Cisco Company. CCNA certification is a first-level Cisco Career certification which is also called Level 1. CCNA certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA is a beginning-level program that aims to certify a solid foundation in Cisco networking. Cisco’s certification programs are about certifying the competence of Internet working professionals in routing, switching and connectivity. CCNA requires passing only one written exam (#640-802). Once this certification has been obtained, it can be a stopping point, as you've become qualified in Routing and Switching (valid for three years), or can be a starting point for a Professional-level certification. You can achieve CCNA certification by passing scores on both the ICND1 #640-822 and ICND2 #640-816 exams. Passing the ICND1 grants one the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) Certification.

The CCNA is a certification, that's it. It has no value outside the person holding it. Lots of people can study and pass the CCNA without touching equipment, and once they touch real equipment it’s a different world. That's why when people ask what they should use to study, I always recommend real equipment. It is also why so many employers ask for experience and certifications. So to answer your question(s), no you do not need to get the CCNP before you can work on a switch. You should find more opportunities to work with switches and routers, volunteer if you have to. You need to gain experience, and then find a position that will give you more responsibility. Then move on to the CCNP.

 Those are my opinions by the way.

Pattern of Exam:-

ICND1:-

The 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) is the exam associated with the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician certification and a tangible first step in achieving the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.1 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small branch office network. The exam includes topics on networking fundamentals; connecting to a WAN; basic security and wireless concepts; routing and switching fundamentals; the TCP/IP and OSI models; IP addressing; WAN technologies; operating and configuring IOS devices; configuring RIPv2, static and default routing; implementing NAT and DHCP; and configuring simple networks.

ICND2:-

The 640-816 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) is the exam associated with the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.1 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network. The exam covers topics on VLSM and IPv6 addressing; extending switched networks with VLANs; configuring, verifying and troubleshooting VLANs; the VTP, RSTP, OSPF and EIGRP protocols; determining IP routes; managing IP traffic with access lists; NAT and DHCP; establishing point-to- point connections; and establishing Frame Relay connections.

But it is important to know why you are getting certified. For instance, do you know that for CCNA, you must have a good background in networking? In fact it is meant for anyone involved in implementing or supporting networks. A CCNA professional should be able to manage simple networked and inter networked environments incorporating routers and switches. Do you have an interest in networks or Inter networking  Do you want to work in the networking field? How does CCNA fit into your career development plan? Passing scores are set by using statistical analysis and are subject to change. At the completion of the exam, candidates receive a score report along with a score breakout by exam section and the passing score for the given exam. Cisco does not publish exam passing scores because exam questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice.

The 640-802 CCNA is the composite exam associated with the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network. The topics include connecting to a WAN; implementing network security; network types, network media; routing and switching fundamentals, the TCP/IP and OSI models; IP addressing, WAN technologies, operating and configuring IOS devices, extending switched networks with VLANs, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic with access lists, establishing point-to-point connections and establishing Frame Relay connections. The exams themselves include a mixture of question types. Multiple choice, drag and drop, test lets, and simulations are the most common tool to practice for CCNA Exam.

Many big brands in india specially find candidates with experience of 2-4 years with CCNA Certification from Cisco because they know that if the person have cleared the CCNA certification exam then he is having a hands-on experience on Cisco products, companies require less efforts to train them and get there work done from them. Is Cisco certification mandatory to work in networking environment? Answer to this question is no, certification doesn't matter if you have good knowledge about the Cisco products and you if can work on products in networking environment.

Here’s a short list of the new technologies covered:

Secure Device Manager
Virtual Private Networks
IPv6
2960 Switches
Lots of troubleshooting
Cisco Network Assistant
Advanced EIGRP and OSPF
Introduction to Wireless networks
More security

To get more information please go through

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/current_exams/640-802.html

Certification Requirements:-

To become CCNA Certified you are required to successfully pass one exam. Certification remains valid for three years when re-certification is required. Cisco also offers more advanced certifications for networking professionals. The exam duration is 90 minutes and there are 45 to 55 questions. This exam is developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflects how Cisco products are used in organizations throughout the world. The exam is administered by Pearson Vue, an independent testing organization with locations worldwide. Computer Institute is an authorized testing center.

Why should you become a CCNA?

As a networking professional, you will cultivate industry-supported skills and credentials that you will be able to transfer to future employment opportunities. With your CCNA certification, you will be able to demonstrate and promote the fact that you have the necessary skills to do your job effectively and you are certified by the leader in Network Technologies. 

What are the Prerequisites & for CCNA

Prior to CCNA course, the applicants have to know Networking Technologies and Computer Hardware (A+ Certification). Basic knowledge of networking and TCP/IP is required. An applicant without the above knowledge will find it very difficult to proceed. To study about CCNA there are many institutes available you can apply over there or if you need basic idea about networking then you can check this link

www.relationshipdistance.blogspot.com

There are many posts available about networking and some detailed posts are also available.