The fact is that each software comes with its own pros and cons, and understanding all of these factors will help you make an informed decision without relying solely on the opinions of others. In this blog post, we will analyze two simulators (Boson NetSim, Cisco Packet Tracer) and three emulators (EVE-NG, GNS3, and VIRL). It’s important to mention that they are well-known network tools that can help you gain the Cisco lab experience you need for your routing and switching certification exams. But before we delve into the details of these simulators and emulators, it is important to understand the difference between them.

The main difference between Simulators and Emulators

As the name indicates, a simulator simulates a network topology that is composed of at least one network device. This means it can consist of more than one network device. The one that is being simulated is actually not real and does not have the ability to pass live network traffic just like the real one. In other words, a simulated network device is a software that pretends to be a real one as much as it can. Due to the fact that it is not real, it is limited to the features and commands that have already been programmed into the simulation. The major advantage of simulators is that they are highly lightweight and can run on almost any contemporary computer system without being distressed about storage requirements, memory, or processor.

On the other hand, an emulator connects and runs a combination of network devices. It virtualizes real devices, and in the real sense of the word, virtual network devices usually provide more advanced attributes compared to the simulated ones. The characteristics of emulated virtual network devices are closer to real physical ones, which is the major difference between a simulator and an emulator.

The best Simulators and Emulators for Cisco exams

Now that we know the difference between these network tools, let’s explore the details of each software that we mentioned.

• Boson NetSim

Boson NetSim is a product of Boson, an IT training company known for its high-quality coursework and practice tests for the Cisco certification exams. This product is an application designed to simulate Cisco network routers & switches. It is important to mention that Boson NetSim is a paid network simulator. However, it has some significant advantages that offer value for the money you pay for it. Some of these benefits include the quality of labs; customized lab distribution; licensing maps for the exams; lab accessibility; device customization; less clicking (when compared to Packet Tracer), and realistic terminal features.

Although Boson NetSim has some great advantages, it definitely has some disadvantages as well. They include the lack of a simulation mode; absence of topology information and customization; unavailability of cross-platform compatibility; and inability to modify the active topology.

• Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer is designed to simulate network topologies covering Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls. It is essential to mention that this product was first developed to support Cisco NetAcad (Networking Academy). However, it has become a great simulator for those individuals who want to earn the credentials from Cisco such as CCENT and CCNA Routing & Switching. It is also important to mention that Packet Tracer is a free simulator but this doesn’t mean it lacks benefits. Some of the advantages of this tool include device variety; cost; cross-platform compatibility; realistic terminal; connection variety; simulation mode; customized exercise creation. It makes the lab realistic. Some of the shortcomings of Packet Tracer are bugs, customized exercise distribution, the lack of in-built labs.

No doubt, Packet Tracer is the gold standard for the Cisco virtual network simulators. Although it’s free, it still provides a rich sand-box setting that is perfect for experimenting with a wide range of network device types, connections, and platforms. In addition to this, it demonstrates the closest characteristics to real network devices. Its in-built terminal client is also very close to the real device.

• GNS3

GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3) is an open-source client-server interface designed for network virtualization and emulation. It is a Python-based platform that basically uses software known as Dynamips for emulating Cisco hardware and software. GNS3 supports the same platforms that Dynamips supports, including Cisco 1700; 2600; 2691; 3600; 3725; 3745; as well as 7200. This emulator has grown in recent years to support a wider scope of virtual network devices of different vendors. It has quite a number of benefits, which include cost because it is free; multiple connection types; community labs; simple and easy to read documentation; ability to modify the active topology. Its primary shortcoming is that it doesn’t come with prepackaged virtual network devices, which means you need to have the Cisco IOS software image, compatible with the GNS network emulator.

• VIRL

Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL) is the proprietary virtual network emulator of Cisco. It is designed for the individuals and the education institutions. It functions in a client-server model that is close to GNS3. Its server can either be installed as a virtual machine or on a bare metal server. The advantages of VIRL include the availability of software images, advanced automation capabilities, and network topology portability. The disadvantages are as follows: cost because it is not cheap; no serial interfaces; inability to modify the active topology; resource requirements.

• EVE-NG

Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation (EVE-NG) is a multi-vendor virtual network emulator that operates like VIRL Personal Edition. It was created for the individuals and the small business owners. There are two editions available, which are Community and Professional. It is essential to mention that the Professional Edition comes at a price. The benefits of the EVE-NG network emulator include the availability of free version; ability to modify the active topology; clientless; multi-connection types. The disadvantages are the unavailability of software images and documentation issues.

Conclusion

This was the list of the best network simulators and emulators that you can use for you Cisco exam preparation. The choice depends on your preferences, so it all up to you. Choose wisely and let the tool help you with your preparation process.

So what is the difference between these two versions of cisco certification exams?

First of all, it’s a period of time and number of queries. While 200-101 ICND2 exam lasts for only 75 minutes and includes 50 or even 60 queries, 200-105 ICND2 exam allows candidates to choose correct keys during 90 minutes, with the test consisting of no more than 55 queries. Another advantage of an updated cisco certification is the possibility not only for English speakers but also for Japanese IT professionals to pass the exam.
And finally, let’s look at the topics for a new version of the exam named Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (200-105 ICND2). Here they are:

• LAN Switching Technologies
• Routing Technologies
• WAN Technologies
• Infrastructure Services
• Infrastructure Maintenance

These topics are basic guidelines for the content which is suggested to occur on the exam. However, other similar topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

Here you can find the overview and study materials to prepare for a new exam.

The following courses are also the recommended training to pass the exam and get the IT certification.

• Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 v3.0 (ICND2)
• CCNA Routing and Switching Training Videos

To register for an exam, please visit Pearson VUE.

The CCNA exam and training course have recently been updated from version 2.0 to version 3.0. So now you can choose between 200-120 CCNA v2.0 exam and 200-125 CCNA v3.0 exam. Both of them are available at Pearson VUE (with 200-120 CCNA v2.0 having expired on August 20, 2016) and can be passed either in English or in Japanese.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching composite exam (200-125) lasts just 90 minutes and consists of about 50 or 60 queries to verify your proficiency and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium size enterprise branch network. The queries are related to:

• network fundamentals,
• LAN switching technologies,
• IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies,
• WAN technologies,
• infrastructure services,
• infrastructure security,
• infrastructure management.

Before the exam mentioned, it is highly recommended to pass the course named Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX). The reason is that Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam topics include all the areas covered under ICND1 and ICND2 Exams.

If you are eager to become a certified network specialist or simply check how deep your knowledge is, don’t delay the registration to the Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam! Show your professional competence and make your way up!

For more detailed information, please visit the link below:

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/ccna-composite2.html

This is indeed an exciting news and the demand for these credentials is huge. There’s little wonder as more and more companies switch to the cloud. And with the long-overdue debate about the public, private and hybrid cloud and all that confusion that surrounds this area of technology, these companies are looking to hire cloud professionals with proven skill set and track record. This is why the new Cisco credentials are a great way to get the validation of your expertise in the cloud, as well as to deepen your skills and understanding of Cisco cloud technology. Now, let’s take a closer look at both credentials to see what we know so far.

CCNA Cloud

CCNA Cloud certification is a job role focused certification that helps Cloud engineers, Cloud Administrators, and Network Engineers to develop, advance, and validate their cloud skill set, and enables them to help their IT organization meet changing business demands from technology transitions. This associate-level certification will help candidates obtain the skills to perform entry-level provisioning and support of Cisco cloud solutions. Learn from the only company that has an end-to-end Cloud and Intercloud story.

To become a CCNA Cloud, candidates need to pass two exams, of which only one is available (as of June 2015):

• 210-451 CLDFND              Understanding Cisco Cloud Fundamentals (CLDFND)
• 210-455 CLDADM            Introducing Cisco Cloud Administration (CLDADM), more info to come in July 2015.

CCNP Cloud

CCNP Cloud certification is expected to be launched this month, and the prerequisite for it is having achieved the CCNA Cloud. This professional level credential is targeted at Cloud engineers, Cloud Administrators, Cloud Designers, and Architects working in Data Centers. This program delivers the knowledge and skills necessary to design, provision, automate and manage Cloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service deployments. Learn from the only company that has an end-to-end Cloud and Intercloud story.

CCNP Cloud Exams (more information will be released in August)

• 300-504 CLDINF               Implementing and Troubleshooting the Cisco Cloud Infrastructure (CLDINF)
• 300-505 CLDDES               Designing the Cisco Cloud (CLDDES)
• 300-506 CLDAUT              Automating the Cisco Enterprise Cloud (CLDAUT)
• 300-507 CLDDACI            Building the Cisco Cloud with Application Centric Infrastructure (CLDDACI)

ExamCollection will keep updating you as soon as new information starts coming in. We are excited about these certifications (both of which are set to become Cisco’s next best-sellers), and we’re looking forward to your success stories once the certifications become widely available.

The same happens with CCNP Voice and CCNP Video – they become CCNP Collaboration. That’s right! CCNA Voice and CCNA Video certifications will be retired in August this year, and the new CCNA Collaboration is already available, with the first candidates already having taken the exam.  More information about CCNP Collaboration is coming soon (April 2015, according to Cisco). Overall, the new Cisco collaboration certification strategy targets engineers who implement, configure, deploy and troubleshoot collaboration and communication infrastructures.

So far, the Cisco Collaboration exams are:

CCNA Collaboration Exams:
210-060 CICD – Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices

Cisco 210-060 CICD exam contains 55-56 queries testing candidates’ knowledge of Cisco Unified Communications (UC) solutions. This includes solid understanding of administrator and end-user interfaces, telephony and mobility features, as well as Cisco Unified Communications solutions maintenance.

Cisco Exam 210-060 Topics:

• The Characteristics of a Cisco Unified Communications Solutions – 15%
• Provision End Users and Associated Devices – 24%
• Configure Voice Messaging and Presence – 27%
•  Maintain Cisco Unified Communications System – 10%
• Provide End User Support – 24%

210-065 CIVND – Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices

210-065 CIVND  exam queries cover knowledge and skills to implement various Cisco Video endpoints in converged Cisco video infrastructures. It also tests your ability to implement and troubleshoot Cisco Unified Communication and Collaboration, TelePresence, and Digital Media Player in different Cisco business video solution architectures.

• Video Concepts – 21%
• Endpoint Configuration – 32%
• Troubleshooting and Support – 31%
• Conferencing Concepts – 16%

Both 210-060 and 210-062 exams take 75 minutes each and contain up to 65 queries. Although these exams have been around for a while, apparently they have been enhanced to contain some concepts previously covered by CCNA Voice and CCNA Video certifications.

CCNP Collaboration Exams (Further details will be announced in April 2015):

• 300-070 CIPTV1         Implementing Cisco IP Telephony and Video, Part 1
• 300-075 CIPTV2         Implementing Cisco IP Telephony and Video, Part 2
• 300-080 CTCOLLAB         Troubleshooting Cisco IP Telephony and Video
• 300-085 CAPPS         Implementing Cisco Collaboration Applications

Stay tuned for more updates about Cisco’s new Collaboration strategy and other Cisco news!

CCNA Routing and Switching

There are plenty of reasons why CCNA Routing and Switching is one of Cisco’s most popular certifications. First of all, this certification opens the doors to a greater career potential.  The certification confirms candidates’ skills and ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, as well as their in-depth understanding of routing and switching, and other aspects of network infrastructure, IP technology, wireless access, security and connectivity using WAN. The certification is popular among the employers, bringing you a definite salary increase if you have it on your resume.

To earn the certification, candidates have two examination options: to earn combined passing scores on 100-101 ICND1 and 200-101 ICND2 exams (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Parts 1 and 2), or to pass the combined exam: 200-120 CCNA exam. The beauty of going with the first option is the fact that passing the ICND1 exam puts the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification in your pocket. So, basically instead of one certification, you get two, and many people are right to jump on this opportunity.

What to expect from the exams? We’ve discussed ICND1 in the Cisco Entry Level Certifications blog post. However, if you plan to take the 200-120 exam, it is worth giving you an extra warning that the exam is far from being an easy ride, and many claim that passing both ICNDs would be an easier way to go. Yet, if you have your reasons (for example, employers who know what the exam is like can give some extra incentives to their employees who pass it; plus getting Cisco Associate-level certification after sitting one exam instead of two), then our advice is to set aside more than enough time to study. Consider the pros and cons and way to go.

CCNA Data Center

While Cisco keeps all its certifications rather job-role-focused, CCNA Data Center is most certainly a winner here, allowing candidates to maximize the investment in their education and professional skills. CCNA Data Center helps candidates and their employers increase the value of their data center network, step up the data center design, save costs on equipment installation and further maintenance.

Yet, this certification stands out for reasons more than its focus, and causes some complains from candidates for being too pricey.

To become CCNA Data Center certified, candidates need to pass 2 exams: 640-911 DCICN and 640-916 DCICT, the price of which, as of now, exceeds USD 500. Many candidates claim this amount to be too high, and it’s hard to disagree!

It’s worth remembering that for many CCNA Data Center is not their first certification. Many realize that they want to move on with their career in Data Center when they have at least CCENT under their belt, as well as a few years of industry experience (not to mention that the exams are way too complicated for absolute beginners). So, the cost adds up to CCNA’s. Also add the price of preparation materials, some equipment, necessary to those who can’t play all these Nexus  and other ‘toys’ at work to get practical experience, books, etc (and the need to recertify their CCENT/CCNA for some), and CCNA Data Center turns out to be very expensive!

Some see the solution in making the 640-911 DCICN exam optional for those who already have a valid CCNA. Cisco, however, state the requirements for a certification are coming from a very detailed and extensive research involving customers, partners and experts in the industry, who have put in at least several month of work, so, according to the company, this is the best (and extensively researched) way of making it work. It better be!

So, the certification is challenging and pricey. And, with SimplyHired reporting average CCNA Certified Data Center operations support salaries start from $67,000 (as of October 2013), the choice is yours.

CCNA Service Provider

Cisco’s Certified Network Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP) certification focuses on the latest trends of the Provider industry core networking technologies. The Certification targets service provider network engineers, technicians and network designers. It validates the ability to configure and implement baseline Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation networks.

The certification allows for significant skills upgrade for those willing to move up from the ‘beginner’ level to a solid ‘experienced’. The certification validates that you are capable of providing fully integrated, personalized voice, video & data solutions and can make high quality services available at all times.

The certification requires candidates to pass 2 exams: 640-875 SPNGN1 and 640-878 SPNGN2. Yet, the tricky part is that Cisco do not have any ‘official’ books or study guides to prepare for these exams. Your options would be to either sign up for their course (which most people only do if they are lucky enough to have an employer who’d pay for it), or just use the exam topics and course syllabus, and keep looking for information from different sources. And here your main challenge would be to make the right choice of what exactly you need to study and what would be extra (and on this stage, no one would blame you for doing through brain dumps or investing in one of those Pass4sure sets, which are actually good!).

The good news is, however, that a lot of exam topics are actually covered in the basic CCNA exams. So, having another CCNA or CCENT might be helpful again.

If you are preparing for your Associate-level certification, do note an interesting disclaimer on the Cisco website: Updated ICND1, ICND2, and CCNA Composite exams can be applied towards the achievement of several Cisco associate-level certifications. Please visit the Associate-level Exam Logic Tool for more details. Who knows, maybe your CCNA/CCENT can help you out once again? Be sure to check the requirements and possible exam combinations before you sign up for your next exam.

Today, we’ll look into those obviously more ‘complicated’ CCNAs that require previous Cisco certifications. You’ll need a valid Cisco CCENT, CCNA or any Cisco CCIE as a prerequisite to proceed. As of October 2013, this list includes the following Cisco Associate level certifications (yet, as always, we encourage you to double check with the official website for details). So, today we’ll look into:

• CCDA
• CCNA Security
• CCNA Service Provider Operations
• CCNA Voice
• CCNA Wireless

CCDA: Network Design Engineer

Until recently, you wouldn’t need a CCENT to achieve the Network Design Engineer certification. Yet, having added the CCENT as a prerequisite for this program, Cisco seem to aim for candidates’ improved understanding of routed and switched networks, and previous background in this field should be helpful on the exam (640-864 DESGN).

This certification validates your understanding of network design for the Cisco converged networks, primarily based on Borderless Network Architecture. Cisco certified Network Design Engineers can design infrastructures consisting of routed and switched networks, including LAN, WAN, wireless, and broadband access for a wide range of organizations: from businesses to international NGOs and government offices.

CCNA Security
As the title suggests, CCNA Security certification program is closely focused on the security aspect of Cisco networking technology and equipment. This includes development of a full security infrastructure, analysis and recognition of threats and vulnerabilities of a network as well as mitigating these threats. CCNA Security curriculum (and exam) is highly focused on core security technologies, installation, troubleshooting and continuous monitoring of all network devices, with the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices being the top priority at all times.

As Cisco introduce IPV6 to most of their certifications and relevant exams, CCNA Security candidates supposedly have the understanding of the new protocol thanks to their CCENT or CCNA R&S certification. However, CCNA Security exam (640-554 IINS) puts a way bigger emphasis on the new protocol. So, even if you have passed the latest CCNA R&S certification, don’t expect this part to be a breeze: it won’t. Keep in mind that the 640-554 exam goes way deeper into the IPV6’s ins and outs. Don’t just scan that part of the study guide: give it the time it deserves.

To prepare for the exam, the Cisco people recommend taking their Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) course. Even if you don’t plan to follow this advice, you may want to look it up for preparation details and guidance.

CCNA Service Provider Operations

This Cisco certification may be found similar to CCNA Service Provider, the one that does not have any prerequisites (and obviously is more popular). The two certifications do share a lot of topics, however, CCNA Service Provider Operations is more upscale in its perspective, focusing on combining process with technology, as opposed to being fully Cisco equipment-centered.

Another thing that sets CCNA Service Provider Operations apart from similar certifications is ITIL being one of its cornerstones. This allows candidates to significantly broaden their horizons, as well as to have a wider choice of study materials, with the ITIL study guides being a must for successful exam preparation.

CCNA Service Provider Operations is a great option for those willing to expand their knowledge and validate their skills of a Tier I support engineer, including troubleshooting and fixing issues within carrier class IP NGN core network infrastructure. The certification curriculum includes but isn’t limited to incidents/failures, configuration issues, implementing changes, and a variety of performance management procedures along with NMS tools & protocols.

CCNA Voice
If your ideal job includes administering a voice network up to the high Cisco standards (and paychecks of the same level), then Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice) is perfect for you – especially if you have the prerequisites it calls for. CCNA Voice validates your associate-level skill set for specialized positions in voice technologies, such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The certification also confirms candidates’ skills related to VoIP technologies: IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, voicemail solutions, etc.

The CCNA Voice certification is very popular among employers as it proves candidates to be proficient in working with the Cisco Unified Communications Manager. This application is widely used by large organizations such as governments, colleges, transnational corporations and big businesses. Moreover, CCNA Voice Certification assesses your expertise in the Cisco CallManager Express (CME) and Cisco Unity Express (CUE) solutions, mostly used by organizations with less than 2,000 employees, including a variety of businesses, small school districts and other organizations.

To pass the exam (640-461 ICOMM), you will need to spend sufficient amount of time on the CCNA Voice Lab setup and its various configurations as they turn out to be the main obstacle on the way to success for many candidates.

CCNA Wireless

Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless) will prove your proficiency in configuring, implementing, supporting and troubleshooting wireless LANs using Cisco equipment – from a small business to full-scale enterprise network. To pass, you need to meet the requirements, as well as study all aspects of configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Explore the study guide for details and do keep in mind that many people who had passed the exam referred to it as being ‘harder than it looks’.

Summing up, Cisco attached prerequisites to these certifications as they are tricky and require additional knowledge, supposedly provided by CCENT or CCNA R&S or CCIE certifications you may already have under your belt. Earlier, we discussed that the new CCENT makes a good foundation for further certification steps, and this is exactly what these steps are. These Associate’s certifications are a little upscale and, truth be told, most of the times they are better paid (we’ll have a separate blog post on IT Certifications and salaries levels soon).

Summing up, these are truly rewarding steps to expand your career horizons on the Cisco Associate level. Yet, even if you aren’t so much up for the challenge, there’s something on the CCNA level still available for you: prerequisite-free certifications. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this overview.

Let’s take a closer look at them to reply the query: CCNA or Network+? Is it worth having both? If yes, then why and in which order? But first, what’s the difference between the two?

Scope

• CompTIA Network+ Certification: demonstrates one’s knowledge of networking features and functions, including network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security.

• Cisco’s CCNA Routing and Switching Certification: validates the candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

Not to jump to any conclusions just yet, but the descriptions suggest Network+ being a fundamental certification, with CCNA R&S validating more advanced knowledge and proven hands-on experience.

Vendor Relationship

The biggest difference between these certifications is the fact that Network+ has been developed as a vendor neutral certification. It provides candidates with knowledge and understanding of networking in general, and you can apply this knowledge to most networks.

CCNA, on the other hand, was specifically designed for Cisco’s networking technology and products. Although the program does cover other networking topics too, the difference and the focus are obvious.

Exam Difficulty

Many network specialists tend to choose Network+ certification because it’s said to be easier to pass. In truth, it does provide more basic knowledge and understanding of concepts compared to CCNA. Similarly, those who have passed Network+ with flying colors may be seriously disappointed if they expect the same level of difficulty from CCNA.

Let’s face it: CCNA isn’t a joke. It is hard. This is why it is so valued by employers. Even though it is an ‘entry level’ test, you should have 1-3 years of networking experience to attempt it. CCNA requires lots of studying, as well as practical experience (and you should really get your hands on some Cisco routers and switchers, even if those low end ones – to have some experience with their technology. It’s not something to get away with looking up a few articles online). In contrast, many users share their experience of passing Network+ after ‘reading a book or two’.

Yet, don’t be fooled into thinking that Network+ is a no-brainer, because it isn’t. CompTIA recommend having an A+ certification and nine months networking experience before trying to pass Network+ certification. But it’s always good to know that at least somebody didn’t have much trouble with it, right?

Keeping Your Experience in Mind

If you don’t have much networking experience and want an entry level yet professionally recognized certification, Network+ is a smart way to go. It is a very well-organized and structured program that aims to fill the knowledge gaps most people have in the beginning of their networking career.

Network+ teaches you what networking technology is. It may be a good foundation for Cisco’s CCNA (or Microsoft, or other vendor specific certifications for that matter), which teaches you to configure and troubleshoot this technology. So, if you are a beginner, don’t look in the CCNA direction for now. Your time will come.

For those who have a few years’ networking experience and understanding, CCNA may be a very logical and career boosting way to go. It is a very in depth study of networking as a whole, including routing, protocols, network design and more. Even companies that don’t use Cisco equipment value the CCNA for the depth and complexity of the certification. It is nearly impossible to achieve a CCNA without hands on lab experience, and this practical experience, combined with advanced knowledge, is extremely valuable.

Industry Penetration

As the Network+ is vendor-neutral, it is recognized by almost all companies. Many of them, including Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox require it.
Highly valuable as they are, Cisco’s certifications occasionally cause some frustration. ‘What if I invest in my certification, and my next employer does not use Cisco technology?’ some candidates think. While this is a valid point for any vendor-based approach, Cisco have made a name for themselves – not only in terms of their technology, but with regards to the quality and level of their certifications, too. Last but not least, with well over 50% of market penetration of Cisco technologies, chances are that your next employer will use it.

Conclusion

Whichever certification you opt for, you need to start with evaluating your career goals, as well as the current level of experience and knowledge. Even those who have years of experience under their belt should remember to clear their schedule for lots of studying time, since the exams are tough. Yet, hard as it all may be, your effort will definitely pay off, whether you choose the foundational Network+, or CCNA certification as a more advanced option.

We kick off this blog with something that (… surprise!) many of you already know. Yet, it never hurts to take a closer look, right? Or, in case you’ve been living in a cave with no Internet access studying for 640-802, 640-816 and 640-822 exams for your CCNA recently (has anyone ever done it in a cave?), this will come as a news. STOP. Now. You can’t take them anymore.

As the network technology and possibilities it brings grow, so does the demand for professional skills that employers are looking for these days. You know it. We know it. Cisco knows it. To keep up with this demand, the company has upgraded their popular CCNA program earlier this year. It is now called CCNA Routing and Switching and, according to Cisco, incorporates and reflects all latest networking trends.

CCNA R&S Certification proves your ability expertise in medium-size routed and switched networks. It covers candidates’ expanded skill set, including but not limited to the understanding of network infrastructure (mainly routing and switching), as well as wireless access, security and connectivity using WAN. It also puts a higher emphasis on the IP technology.

The new CCNA R&S Certification targets entry level network professionals with 1-3 years of experience and has no prerequisites.

As Cisco updated this certification program, required CCNA exams have been updated, too (which is not a surprise actually as Cisco tend to update their exam tracks every few years or so). On 30 September 2013, the following exams have expired: 640-802, 640-816, 640-822. You can no longer take them to achieve the CCNA certification.

Effective October, the new CCNA Routing and Switching Program requires candidates to earn a passing score on Cisco 200-120 CCNA exam (Cisco Certified Network Associate Exam) or combined passing scores on 100-101 ICND1 and 200-101 ICND2 exams (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Parts 1 and 2). By the way, passing the ICND1 exam also grants the CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification.

Exam descriptions and candidates’ experience shows that exams tend to focus on the following topics, however, other related topics may also appear. So, this is for general guidance only, with more details available from Cisco and other sources:

• Operation of IP Data Networks
• LAN Switching Technologies
• IP addressing (IPv4 / IPv6)
• IP Routing Technologies
• IP Services
• Network Device Security
• Troubleshooting
• WAN Technologies

Of course we aren’t done with Cisco news yet. Cisco certification tracks and programs have undergone lots of changes this year (those of you keeping an eye on the CCENT now will be saddened to find out that this certification has actually become a lot harder than it used to be back in the day). Yet, we’ll have a separate post about each and every stage of Cisco IT Certification stage soon.