I got my CCNA in February and have recently begun studying for the BSCI (step 1 of 4 towards CCNP). I consider myself an experienced, capable network engineer but find the exams a chore. The release of these new CCNA certifications has not changed my mind towards getting the CCNP certification. I feel it's a hell of a lot more valuable than having even all the CCNA specialisations. On top of that, studying for any Cisco exam is a time consuming process.
I do think the security specialisation covers topics sorely missing (edit: from vanilla CCNA). Maybe that's because that is where my experience is lacking (as opposed to VoIP or WLAN).
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Hi James,
I completely agree with you and am also working towards CCNP. However, what you will see is that the requirements for CCSP and CCVP are changing to include the appropriate CCNA specialisation. As for CCNA Security, if you look at the security component of ISCW you'll see that there's a not inconsiderable overlap! Whilst working towards CCNP, CCNA Security might be worth considering simply because it's another certification ... and you've got to study the subjects covered anyway!
I completely agree with you and am also working towards CCNP. However, what you will see is that the requirements for CCSP and CCVP are changing to include the appropriate CCNA specialisation. As for CCNA Security, if you look at the security component of ISCW you'll see that there's a not inconsiderable overlap! Whilst working towards CCNP, CCNA Security might be worth considering simply because it's another certification ... and you've got to study the subjects covered anyway!
After getting my CCNA, I went for the first CCNP (BCMSN). Working with small / medium sized business, I found much of the stuff too esoteric; not much need for clustering 6500 switches in a place with 35 workstations. So maybe this CCNA specialization is a good thing.
FWIW, I think they DO need certs on getting SMB routers (like the 1800's) and switches to do tricks. That was never in any class / course I took.
FWIW, I think they DO need certs on getting SMB routers (like the 1800's) and switches to do tricks. That was never in any class / course I took.
I think its a logical evolution. The need to support these technologies is very great. Typically its going to be CCNP level or higher and there are just more CCNA out there in the positions to support these technologies.
Will taking one of the CCNA specialist exams re-certify the base/required CCNA? Will an exam in a peer specialist exam such as Voice re-certify the Security cert?
Yes, passing one of the specialty exams will recertify the base CCNA. I asked this question of Cisco this week and they confirmed it. Of course, you need to have a valid CCNA first...
I think CCNA is the base exam and beyond that you can have additional papers. Some of them are optional and doesn't need to pass a CCNA exam also. But for CCNP it shold be must. Although CCNA and CCNP are enough hard exams which are testing true knowledge of a student and these exams may think as necessary to gain base knowledge.
after 3 years geeting a CCNA certification what wiil be validation with CCNA certification?
that is excess with all cisco lover because the fee has been rapidly increased from US$ 150.00 to US $ 250.00
thats too much
thats too much
Hi,
I'm a CCNP currently studying for my CCIE R&S, does anybody else think that by Cisco introducing a further step before the CCSP, CCVP and the CCDA already existing for the CCDP that employers may look upon the CCNP now as 'not as hard' as there is only one prequalification required (CCNA) compared to the other professional certifications and therefore devaluing the CCNP certification?
Howard
I'm a CCNP currently studying for my CCIE R&S, does anybody else think that by Cisco introducing a further step before the CCSP, CCVP and the CCDA already existing for the CCDP that employers may look upon the CCNP now as 'not as hard' as there is only one prequalification required (CCNA) compared to the other professional certifications and therefore devaluing the CCNP certification?
Howard
Hi Howard,
I don't really see how the new CCNAs would be seen as devaluing the CCNP. Sure they're targetted at a strange point in the Certification "pyramid" but the reality will always be that the certifications are more affected by 1) Perceived value and 2) Demand.
For 1), most vendors offer a certification programme but Cisco are a long way ahead in brand recognition
2) ironically is the "problem point", the greater the population carrying certification XYZ, the more it becomes an "expected" rather than an "exception". This is clearly seen with the use of degrees for example, a Bachelors degree used to be something exceptional ... now it's an entry requirement. CCNA is pretty much the same for an IT position. The greatest threat to the value of the CCNP is the availability of engineers holding CCIE!!
When comparing the tracks though, it really does all come back to the good old rules of supply and demand. CCNP is "worth less" than CCSP or CCVP because there are fewer CCSP/VPs in the market. CCVP skills however aren't really relevant if your need is simply for an experienced IP engineer to support various routing protocols in your switched IP network.
I don't really see how the new CCNAs would be seen as devaluing the CCNP. Sure they're targetted at a strange point in the Certification "pyramid" but the reality will always be that the certifications are more affected by 1) Perceived value and 2) Demand.
For 1), most vendors offer a certification programme but Cisco are a long way ahead in brand recognition
2) ironically is the "problem point", the greater the population carrying certification XYZ, the more it becomes an "expected" rather than an "exception". This is clearly seen with the use of degrees for example, a Bachelors degree used to be something exceptional ... now it's an entry requirement. CCNA is pretty much the same for an IT position. The greatest threat to the value of the CCNP is the availability of engineers holding CCIE!!
When comparing the tracks though, it really does all come back to the good old rules of supply and demand. CCNP is "worth less" than CCSP or CCVP because there are fewer CCSP/VPs in the market. CCVP skills however aren't really relevant if your need is simply for an experienced IP engineer to support various routing protocols in your switched IP network.
Let's not forget that Cisco is being consistent with this new offering. They introduced the CCENT some time back so that the CCNA would be no longer be considered an entry-level cert. I got my CCNA in September and am glad they enhanced the program. I think it's the right move.
As you all are interested in getting a CCNA specialization, I wanted to let you know that my good friend Chris Bryant has just released a new 13 hour video training course covering the CCNA Security specialization (test IINS 640-553). You can watch a demo of the course and learn more at:
http://www.trainsignal.com/Cisco-CCNA-Security-P61.aspx
Thanks,
David Davis, CCIE
TechRepublic Cisco Networking Blogger
http://www.trainsignal.com/Cisco-CCNA-Security-P61.aspx
Thanks,
David Davis, CCIE
TechRepublic Cisco Networking Blogger
I think adding specializations can be a good thing, and its good to have more associate level certifications. I want to go in to the security arena so I was already planning on adding the security specialization to my CCNA, especially considering its a pre-requisite for the CCSP now.
I have been in the telco business for 12 + years but I do not have any Cisco Certs. I read that I should start with the CCNT first then my CCNA. I have a good understanding of networks etc.. can you advise me to use this route or just skip the ccnt.
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