CCNA programme changes and new entry-level certification

CCNA – how has it changed ?

CCNA will still consist of two courses, however the content will be divided into 2 equally weighted
5-day courses titled ICND1 and ICND2.

The revised CCNA has greater breadth – including more coverage of security and troubleshooting as well as an introduction to wireless concepts and terminology. Both courses will provide more compelling lab exercises and include more time for hands on practice with labs increasing from approx 30% to 50%.  

ICND1 will focus on providing the skills and knowledge necessary to install, operate and troubleshoot a small branch office Enterprise network, including configuring a switch and a router, connecting to a WAN and implementing network security. Students should be able to complete a configuration and implementation of a small branch office network under supervision.

ICND2 builds on the knowledge obtained in ICND1 and extends Part 1 and focus is on supporting medium-sized networks, for example technicians at network operations centres. It includes use of various protocols to manage addressing, load balancing and basic authentication, and introduces more advanced troubleshooting and topics such as transition to IPv6 and VPN solutions. Fifty percent of class time devoted to hands-on practice and labs.

When are the new courses available?

Both new courses are being released by Cisco on the 26th July. We have not scheduled any dates for the new courses just yet but watch this space. We will continue to offer both the old and new courses to allow delegates to acheive their desired certification.

Already started CCNA - What are your options?

It will be possible to mix and match both the old and the new courses, your options are shown in the table below, but please give our sales team a call if you require any further clarification on:
01 814 8200

Are there any changes to the exams?

Both the cost and the duration of the exams have changed but it is still possible to take either the individual exams or the composite exam in order to achieve CCNA. The composite exam tests the knowledge and understanding of both courses.

Recertification Policy

CCNA certifications are valid for 3 years. To recertify delegates should pass the current CCNA Composite exam or pass any 642 professional level or Cisco specialist exam (excludes Sales Specialist), or pass a current CCIE written exam.

NEW CERTIFICTAION -Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)

This new certification is aimed at IT professionals who previously would have felt that CCNA was a higher level than they needed or would have considered other certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Net+. This is also ideally suited for those delegates who preparing to enter IT or networking field.  

The new CCENT certification:

• Validates Entry Level Job Skills – such as the ability to install and verify basic network configurations—a requirement for most entry level network support positions
• Is performance-focused - Assesses practical abilities and competence with Cisco routers, switches and IOS
• Is a step towards CCNA – CCENT is a tangible first step towards CCNA certification, though not a prerequisite
• Differentiates and reduces hiring risk – CCENT will differentiate job applicants and reduce risk of hiring for entry level positions.

How do you obtain the CCENT certification?

CCENT is awarded ONLY to those who pass the ICND1 exam from 1^st August onward. Please note that it is NOT awarded to those who pass INTRO, the old ICND, ICND2 or any combined CCNA exam, nor can it be awarded in arrears for any reason.

Click here to go to the CCENT certification page   

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our sales team on +353-1-814 8200 or email info@globalknowledge.ie