It’s a well-known fact that technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. If you’re a tech enthusiast with the right skills, there are endless windows of opportunity open to you. The first step to having a career doing meaningful work in a high-demand and expanding field is getting the right education.
If you want to become a network administrator or engineer, the first thing you have to do is earn a CCNA. It will teach you entry-level computer networking skills and prepare you to implement and manage Cisco and other network systems. This short guide will give you some insight into what it takes to get your CCNA and where your certification can take you.
It’s wise to put time into studying for your exam.
You can’t pass your CCNA overnight. It takes preparation to be ready for the work ahead of you. Experts suggest that you spend at least 10 to 15 hours per week for 10 weeks studying. You might not have that amount of time each week to dedicate to studying, but it amounts to about 100 to 150 total hours of studying.
There are several skills you’ll have to exhibit to pass your CCNA exam. You’ll need to show an ability to design networks, provide basic network security fundamentals, know how to hook up and manage Cisco systems, and CCNA routing practices.
It’s a good idea to schedule your studies to hold yourself accountable for reaching certain minimum requirements. You could even use a project management software tool like Bublup to help you stay on track. Using the right productivity tool can even help you develop good habits that will serve you in your career.
A CCNA certification will prepare you for a wide range of roles.
One of the great things about earning your CCNA certification is it will prepare you for a fulfilling role in different IT careers. You’ll be qualified to work on Cisco solutions and various other network systems.
You could get an entry-level position as a network administrator with your certification. In that role, you’d be responsible for implementing firewalls to limit unauthorized access to different parts of the network. You’d also handle the onboarding of new employees into the system and providing tech support to your coworkers.
Another common role for people with a CCNA-level certification is network security associate. In that role, you’ll be working to secure networks against malware and other cyber attacks. There are no prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, but every company sets its own hiring requirements.
You can go beyond a CCNA certification.
As we mentioned in the introduction, there are no limits to how high you can rise in the technology field. It all depends on your willingness to continue earning certifications to increase your prospects and marketability. CCDE and CCIE are the highest Cisco certifications you can earn, and they’re expert-level certifications. They’ll significantly increase your opportunities and earning potential.
There are no limits to where a degree or certification in the tech field can take you. Network engineering is a steadily growing industry and a service that all businesses rely on. That means you’ll have plenty of job security in an ever-expanding field, and getting your CCNA certification is merely the first step.
If you want to pass your exam the first time around, you’ll need to put time and effort into studying and practicing your craft. Your certification will prepare you to take on various roles and tasks as a network administrator. Once you earn your CCNA, you can continue your growth and go for CCNP and CCIE certifications. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start studying for your Cisco exam.