The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
Exam syllabus
Planning & Designing
Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology
Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements
Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements
Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology
Develop an access list to meet user specifications
Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements
Implementation & Operation
Configure routing protocols given user requirements
Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts
Configure a router for additional administrative functionality
Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication
Implement a LAN
Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements
Manage system image and device configuration files
Perform an initial configuration on a router
Perform an initial configuration on a switch
Implement access lists
Implement simple WAN protocols
Troubleshooting
Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting
Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
Troubleshoot routing protocols
Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
Troubleshoot an access list
Perform simple WAN troubleshooting
Technology
Describe network communications using layered models
Describe the Spanning Tree process
Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments
Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols
Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols
Describe the components of network devices
Evaluate rules for packet control
Evaluate key characteristics of WANs
Exam
The test presents between 50 & 60 questions within a 90 minute period; The test includes multiple choice questions (including many multiple-answer questions, e.g. 'which three of these five options'), matching questions, and simulated 'lab' questions that provide a virtual network consisting of several routers and switches to test troubleshooting skills. The test is scored from 300 to 1000 marks, with 300 being the minimum marks that everyone is granted. A grade of 84.9% (849 out of 1000) is required to pass. Pass or fail grade is indicated immediately on completion of test.
There is also a two-test option using the INTRO and ICND tests. This allows the candidate to focus on certain subjects. INTRO covers modules 1 & 2 of the CCNA curiculum and ICND covers 3 & 4.
The certification is valid for three years; at that time a CCNA holder must either re-take the certification exam or take an exam for one of the Professional or Specialist level certifications, such as CCNP.
Tools For Study
Previously, certification exams consisted of only objective type questions such as true/false or multiple choice questions. However, recently more and more certification vendors, including Cisco, are using simulated labs for examining a candidate's expertise in a given situation. For this reason, it is essential that those aspiring for Cisco certifications have sufficient hands-on experience. For this purpose, router simulators are available from a few vendors that simulate an actual router network, but with limited amount of functionality built in. Typically, the commands supported by a router simulator are a sub-set of the full command-set of an actual router. However, simulators are relatively cheap (compared to purchase of physical routers) and cover the command-set required for respective exam objectives. A few reputed router simulator providers are given below.Cisco Press - CCNA self-study materials
