Many people ask how difficult the Cisco CCNA certification is and they need to know how it compares to various industry certifications, particularly those offered by CompTIA. Various learners have earned and passed many Cisco certifications (including a CCNA), as well as credentials offered by CompTIA by taking the training on those certifications. We will discuss how difficult Cisco CCNA is.

Is Cisco CCNA difficult?

The Cisco CCNA is a highly sought-after entry level IT certification exam as it requires all the technical network knowledge and skills to configure specific devices released by Cisco. Due to these configuration requirements, testers want to enjoy real network devices more than other tests.

Let's start by finding out what makes the CCNA such a difficult exam, especially for beginners.

Cisco CCNA & Beginner:

We have found, in fact, that the Cisco CCNA is an excellent entry-level exam that every desiring networking professional should look into. The CCNA's decades of track record are well identified by experts and employers within organizations and showcase an excellent level of networking information and real-world practical ability for an individual. However, this does not mean that this exam is ideal for absolute freshers.

Is CCNA difficult for beginners?

The CCNA is a difficult exam for beginners as it accurately tests the ability to configure Cisco equipment and solve real problems that often occur in networks. For this reason, beginners often need months of hands-on experience with real-time working on devices or simulators to set the goals for this exam.

This straightforward configuration requirement from the Cisco CCNA really sets it apart from the many entry-level IT certification tests on the market. CCNA exam network modules can be understood through the textbook or video course, knowing the utilization of commands related to configuration that tests require actual practice to be perfect in it. It is almost impossible to properly understand this part of the exam without doing these things in a laboratory environment.

Cisco CCNA Certification: Pros to understand -

If you're ever in a scenario where you're lucky enough to actually work in this domain, in a position to interact with real networks, you're literally one step ahead of others without that experience.

For people with a background at the work, this exam is an excellent test of your understanding and ability. A common mistake made by people who are already a part of this field is that they often underestimate how much learning they need to gain for the CCNA exam.

As IT and cyber professionals, we often overlook the fact that on a day-to-day basis, we do not use all types of commands which are asked on the exam day. If you can understand it, your job probably involves doing small things quite often, but then a few different networking tasks that you probably only do once every six months. And here's a tip for today's professionals: make sure you're still aware of networking principles you don't use very often.

A good entry point for IT and cybersecurity professionals looking to complete a CCNA training course is to approach, start learning as a recap or brief overview first, depending on your experience, and then moving on to the topics you are most interested in, which are not appropriate. From there, generally make sure you attempt lots of practice exam questions until you get at least 85% marks.

New version of CCNA -

Of course, you will know in a year or so from now, but we can draw conclusions today. Overall, the new CCNAs look more complex than the old CCNAs.

Change requires a broader knowledge base. Previously, to access CCNA Routing & Switching, you could go through CCNA Routing & Switching starting on CCENT. We will discuss other CCNA pathways in the future. This is no longer possible and this has made it more difficult to obtain a new CCNA.

With the new CCNA, priority areas are not lost and are replaced by special certificates (more on that later). However, you will pass the tests covering more of the basics of networking. This requires a broader view and understanding of the material. This doesn't mean that the old CCNA certification doesn't cover the basics, just that the new CCNA digs a little deeper. As a result, the exam is more difficult than the prior one.

The difficulty lies in the actual factor, that the new CCNA covers the basics of a modern network from start to finish. This in itself is a good field to cover. Programmability and automation in specific can be intimidating to novice networkers. While DevOps and automation looks like a norm, integrating programming into network certificates is a latest concept. This can present challenges for certificate recipients who are familiar with the core network but not familiar with automation.

How will the changes benefit the individuals?

This change comes a long time after Cisco made significant changes to its certification program. Meanwhile, the needs for IT professionals have changed. An employee's experience doesn't have to be focused in one area. Generally, people looking to hire someone with a CCNA want to make sure that the individual has a fundamental understanding of Cisco applications and is the best fit for their organization. This offers a clear development path when moving up the career ladder.

When you're ready to take the next step, choose the Cisco Experience to build your career around the needs of your organization. It also offers more flexibility than ever before. If your career leads you down a varied path, you can easily focus on that area. The changes provide a clear development path that can improve the success rate of those who choose the CCNA path. All of this will ultimately prepare you for something like a CCNP in whatever field you choose to focus on.

It takes a lot of change to get someone into IT, so it's only natural that employers start recruiting people with these important new skills.

About 200-301 CCNA:

As mentioned earlier, the new CCNA currently requires only one exam, the CCNA 200-301. Although there is no formal requirement, Cisco suggests candidates to have at least experience with:

• Over 1 year of experience deploying and managing Cisco solutions.
• Basic knowledge of IP addresses.
• Basic understanding of networks.

So while you can skip the test right away, it's not a good idea to start the test without at least some preparation. If you've invested in training, you can get the most out of it.

The 200-301 tests are 120 minutes long and consist of so many topics. You must understand the basics of IT, which is essential for the latest job requirements of the IT profession. You have to gain knowledge about automation, security, and programmability.

You should be prepared to cover the following topics:

• Network Basics
• Network Access
• Basic principles of security
• IP connection
• IP Service
• Automation and programmability

This exam is basically a fusion of all the associate level certifications. Designed to test your knowledge of the latest core networking technologies it is one of the most in-demand certifications among professionals. After passing the exam, the new CCNA is valid for three years before recertification.

Brief overview of credentials:

Once you've mastered the basics and earned your CCNA certification, you can focus on your field by exploring professional certifications. This certificate replaces the old CCNA path. By earning a Cisco Associate certification, you can advance your networking knowledge in all areas that are suitable for you.

The advantage here is that for every professional certificate you receive, you can display a badge for that certificate. Professional certification also serves as a stepping stone to the CCNP if you choose to move in that direction. Cisco Specialist certifications are valid for two years before recertification is required.

Wrapping up:

Overall, the new CCNA is a bit more complex than the old CCNA. It requires new IT professionals to demonstrate a wider range of skills. The best part is that you can prepare yourself for the expectations of the real world and make yourself future-ready. By earning this certification, you demonstrate that you have the skills needed to operate today's networks. And Cisco is a highly sought-after and respected credential, so earning your current CCNA certification can give you an edge when trying to get the job you want.

The demand for associate-IT professionals is changing. This step requires a basic understanding of all areas. The changes to the CCNA are designed to prepare you for what is expected at this level while making it easier to improve the skills associated with success.

Vinsys’ expert team is there to guide and support you for easily passing the exam, across the globe. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll for CISCO CCNA Course in Saudi Arabia or any nearing region today!