CCNA Certification: Exam Cost, Salary, and Jobs in 2022

The CCNA or Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is an IT certification exam taken by technical professionals at an entry-level or associate level to demonstrate their understanding of network fundamentals, cybersecurity fundamentals, and system fundamentals concerning the Cisco technology environment. This article takes you through the CCNA certification requirements, exam costs, jobs, and salaries to expect in 2022. 

What Is a CCNA Certification?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an IT certification exam taken by technical professionals at an entry-level or associate level to demonstrate their understanding of network fundamentals, cybersecurity fundamentals, and system fundamentals concerning the Cisco technology environment. 

A Pictorial Representation of the CCNA Certification | SourceOpens a new window

The networking hardware manufacturer, Cisco, offers CCNA. It is meant to verify your understanding of core networking principles frequently sought in IT networking roles. It can help you prepare for networking jobs such as network expert, network administrator, and network engineer in the IT industry. 

One of Cisco’s most sought-after entry-level IT credentials is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The CCNA exam assesses a network professional’s knowledge and abilities to set up, configure, and manage medium-sized systems. The CCNA training course and test lays the groundwork for you to go on any path in your career. The certification can help you learn about topics like LAN/WAN, the TCP/IP paradigm, switches, and routers, network utilities (ping, tracert, arp), IP addressing and subnetting, VLANs and trunking, and more. 

There used to be ten CCNA specializations, each focusing on a different aspect of cloud computing, collaboration, security, data centers, wireless, and other topics. Cisco then unified all of its core networking certifications into one complete CCNA certification in February 2020. Cisco’s five-level career certification path begins with the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. 

The Cisco Networking Academy is made up of colleges and universities that offer Cisco training. All expert credentials have a two-year validity period. Cisco determines if recertification needs taking a higher-level test or retaking the previous exam. The CCNA is among the top 15 technical certifications sought by employers, according to a 2021 Robert Half poll of more than 3,000 senior managers. The following are some of the advantages of passing the CCNA exam:

• Gaining knowledge: Those who pass the exam demonstrate a basic understanding of how to operate a network.
• Acquiring new skills: Passing the CCNA test provides extensive practice in various jobs and abilities.
• Building credibility: Potential employers may notice that a candidate has Cisco validation and is knowledgeable about a wide range of Cisco networking equipment when they see the CCNA certification on a resume.

See More: What Is Network Hardware? Definition, Architecture, Challenges, and Best Practices

CCNA Certification Course Curriculum

There are four training options available to students — e-learning, classroom training, digital subscription, and private group training. Here are the subjects that you should review for the CCNA exam:

1. Network fundamentals, which count for 20% of the exam

First, you must describe the purpose and role of the network devices: routers, layer two and layer three switches, next-generation firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), access points, controllers, endpoints, servers, and power over Ethernet (PoE). The characteristics of network topology architectures such as two-tier, three-tier, spine-leaf, wide area network (WAN), small office/home office, on-premise, and cloud are described in the second part under network basics. 

You will then need to compare single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, copper, and connection kinds of physical interface and cabling (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point). In the fourth part, you must identify interface and cable problems (collisions, errors, mismatched duplexes, and speed). In the sixth part, you will be asked to compare Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) with User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The next part asks you to configure and check IPv4 subnetting and addressing. 

The next section will ask you to explain the requirement for private IPv4 addressing. Then, in this part, put your knowledge of IPv6 configuration and prefix verification to the test. 

The next part asks you to define the fundamentals of wireless technology, such as non-overlapping Wi-Fi channels, SSIDs, RF, and encryption. Your knowledge of the principles of virtualization, switching ideas, MAC learning and aging, frame switching, frame flooding, and MAC address table is then checked by the CCNA exam.

2. Network access, which counts for 20% of the exam

In this curriculum component, students are evaluated on their capacity to set up and check the typical VLAN range, spanning numerous switches, including connection, access ports, and default VLAN settings. Additionally, setting up and confirming layer two discovery techniques is evaluated via the Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP mechanism. Configuring and validating EtherChannel comes next in the CCNA curriculum.

The CCNA exam also tests your understanding of explaining the necessity of and identifying the fundamental operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol, including the root port, root bridge (primary/secondary), and other port names, port statuses, and PortFast advantages. You’ll be asked to compare access point (AP) modes with Cisco Wireless Architectures. You will also be required to describe how the W-iFi LAN (WLAN) components (AP, wireless LAN controller or WLC, access/trunk ports, and link aggregation) are connected to the physical IT infrastructure.

You will also be asked to describe the Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, terminal, and TACACS+/RADIUS administration access connections for APs and WLCs. Finally, you will be assessed on your ability to configure a wireless LAN access for client connectivity using graphical user interfaces, including WLAN setup, security settings, Quality of Service (QoS) profiles, and advanced WLAN settings.

3. IP connection, which counts for 25% of the exam

Your ability to decipher the routing table’s elements, such as the routing protocol code, prefix, network mask, next-hop, administrative distance, metric, and gateway of last resort, will be evaluated. The CCNA exam curriculum will test your knowledge of the default forwarding decisions made by routers, including the longest match, administrative distance, and routing protocol metric. 

Next, you will be asked about configuring and checking IPv4 and IPv6 static routing, including the default, network, host, and floating static options. Your ability to configure and check single area OSPFv2 is then assessed, including router ID, point-to-point, broadcast (DR/BDR selection), and neighbor adjacencies. You will also be required to explain the function of the first-hop redundancy protocol under an IP connection.

4. IP services, which count for 10% of the exam

You’ll be tested on how well you can configure and check within source Network Address Translation (NAT), utilizing static and pools. Network Time Protocol’s (NTP’s) client and server modes’ configuration and operation verification come next. Additionally, you will be required to describe the functions of the Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) in the computer network. 

The CCNA curriculum will examine your knowledge of how SNMP works in network operations. You will also be asked to describe how Syslog features, such as levels and capabilities, are used. 

Your skills in configuring and verifying DHCP clients and relays will be tested. You will be asked to explain forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB), which includes categorization, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, and shaping. Your ability to set up network hardware for remote access using Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) will be evaluated, and lastly, you will be asked to define the network’s Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) capabilities and functions.

5. Security fundamentals, which count for 15% of the exam

In this section of the CCNA curriculum, you’ll be required to define important security concepts (i.e., cyber threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques). Also, you will be prompted to list the security software components. You’ll be tested on setting up local passwords for device access control, which means that you should be able to describe the components of security password rules, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives. 

You’ll also be assessed on your understanding of site-to-site virtual private networks (VPNs) and remote access. Access control list configuration and verification are vital parts of this module. 

Configuring layer two security features comes next. Here, you will be required to distinguish between accounting, authorization, and authentication topics. Finally, you will be required to discuss wireless security protocols and WLAN configuration using  Wi-Fi Protected Access 2—Pre-Shared-Key (WPA2 PSK).

See More: Wide Area Network (WAN) vs. Local Area Network (LAN): Key Differences and Similarities

6. Automation and programmability, which counts for 10% of the exam

Today, one cannot ignore the influence of automation on network management. You will also be asked to contrast controller-based network automation with conventional networks. Next, you will have to explain the difference between controller-based and software-defined designs, which comprise distinct application programming interfaces (APIs). 

Finally, you’ll be asked to compare conventional device management with device management supported by the Cisco DNA Center. As part of the CCNA curriculum, you need to be able to list the characteristics of REST-based APIs for tasks like “create, read, update and delete” (CRUD), HTTP verbs, and data encoding. Lastly, you will be expected to interpret JSON-encoded data and recognize the capabilities of the configuration management tools Puppet, Chef, and Ansible.

See More: What Is Network Management? Definition, Key Components, and Best Practices

CCNA Certification Cost

The CCNA certification cost, aside from learning expenses, is $300 exclusive of taxes. Once candidates have prepared for the exam through independent learning, third-party courses, or participating in the Cisco Learning Network, they are ready to take the exam. It is available as an online test or as an offline assessment via Cisco’s partner, Pearson. After taking the exam, you can log in to Cisco’s Certification Tracking System to update your certification status. Candidates will receive a digital kit upon completion. 

You may also purchase the test with Cisco Learning Credits. These are prepaid credits that an employer may obtain so that its workforce can use the credits as needed on various Cisco learning portals. In addition to the CCNA directly offered by Cisco, you can also work with Cisco Learning Partners like MyComputerCareer to gain from CCNA certification exam instruction and testing. In this scenario, the cost of taking and passing a CCNA test is determined by which Cisco Learning Partner provides learning support services. 

If examination candidates feel CCNA certifications might benefit their companies, they can discuss a shared cost model. Some employers will also allow CCNA training expenditures to be considered as deductibles during compensation.

See More: What Is a Mesh Network? Meaning, Types Working, and Applications in 2022

CCNA Salary

The average yearly compensation for a technical professional with a CCNA certification in the U.S. is $89,020 as of June 8, 2022. If you need a quick salary calculation, it comes to around $42.80 per hour. This works out to $1,712 weekly or $7,418 per month, as per ZipRecruiter data (last updated June 15th).

A majority of Fortune 500 organizations utilize Cisco networking equipment, which makes CCNA a vital certification to have. Further, a Cisco Certified Network Associate’s average bonus is $8,291 a year, or 7% of their income, with 100% of workers reporting that they receive a bonus each year. 

Importantly, different positions with the certification will have different salaries. For example, the average in the US for a CCNA-certified IT support specialist is $53,051, for a network specialist is $64,430, for network administrators is $69,243, for network engineers is $85,822, and for senior network engineers is $116,165.

It is also worth noting that there are ten U.S. cities where the average CCNA pay is higher than the national average. Barnstable Town, MA, is at the top of the list, followed by Sunnyvale, CA, and Santa Cruz, CA, in that order. In other words, several variables contribute to the CCNA salary.

See More: What Is Network Behavior Anomaly Detection? Definition, Importance, and Best Practices for 2022

CCNA Jobs in 2022

In 2022, the CCNA certification by Cisco will be applicable in the following job roles:

1. Network administrator

Installing and configuring computer systems and networks is the responsibility of network administrators. They are in charge of maintaining computer networks and providing solutions to all network-related issues. Other duties are assembling new systems, budgeting for equipment and assembly costs, and engaging with clients to create solutions and establish system needs. 

They also keep track of current devices and network software and upgrade it as needed. In the U.S., the average compensation for a network administrator is $70,853 per year, as per ZipRecruiter. 

2. Information technology (IT) managers

They assist in determining a company’s IT requirements and are responsible for creating computer systems to meet those requirements. An IT manager coordinates, plans, and directs infrastructure-related tasks in a firm. The scope of this function can be limited to computer networks in certain circumstances, whereas it might include the management of other electronic support systems and telecommunications systems in others.

They should be familiar with security, computer systems, databases and data storage systems, network and system management, and phone systems. The average income for a senior IT manager in the U.S. is $129,682.

3. Technical assistance engineers

With today’s technological advancements, all organization’s consumers and clients demand continual support and advice. This is one of the CCNA jobs that requires you to assist with troubleshooting and assisting. Remote or telephonic assistance is necessary to fix, set up, and support difficulties with a client’s computer systems or networks. Technical assistance engineers provide essential tech support by ensuring that clients’ systems run smoothly. 

The position necessitates assuming responsibility for resolving customer complaints and following established processes for escalating unresolved customer issues to relevant internal teams. In this job, you get to work on a variety of IT projects and with a variety of software, hardware, and systems. In the U.S., the average compensation for a technical assistance engineer is $68,368 per year. 

See More: What Is GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)? Meaning, Working, Advantages, and Applications 

4. Network security specialist

This is a critical position since network security specialists are in high demand to protect the firm from unauthorized users and security risks. They’re in charge of closely monitoring computer networks for unauthorized users or security issues. In addition to network access control, assessing security threats and finding appropriate solutions are among the job tasks. They must identify the network component that has been hacked and implement security steps to protect it.

Network security professionals conduct regular security audits, generate reports based on the audits, aid disaster recovery, and install security software. The average yearly compensation for a network security specialist is $89,533 per year.

5. System engineers

Every firm must manage various systems, infrastructure, and devices in today’s environment. A system engineer is responsible for all of this, as well as system backup and security. Installing, setting, maintaining, and testing operating systems, system management tools, and application software are some of the other responsibilities. 

System engineers are in charge of maintaining the highest levels of infrastructure and system availability possible. All installed systems and IT infrastructure are managed and monitored by system engineers. Furthermore, the position entails monitoring and testing application performance to detect potential bottlenecks, providing solutions, and working with developers to implement them. Apart from CCNA certification, cloud technology expertise and experience are relevant skills. In the U.S., the average compensation for a systems engineer is $121,892

6. VoIP engineer

A voice over internet protocol (VoIP) engineer is in charge of establishing and managing VoIP systems for a company. They set up in-house phone systems, secure devices and accessories, and install software to meet the organization’s demands. Additionally, VoIP engineers link the company’s phone systems to the network, debug any problems, suggest data services, monitor user rights, and train users. The average VoIP engineer’s income is $91,954 per year. 

The above examples are jobs you can get after a CCNA course. Enterprise networks can be enormous and rely on both LANs and WANs, necessitating multi-level and highly specialized skill sets. Working with the cloud, CyberOps, data centers, and other technologies is possible with CCNA and the skills it enables.

See More: How To Make Networks Ready for Cloud-First Era With SD-WAN

Takeaway

As companies strengthen their IT infrastructure, certifications like CCNA will be essential to upskilling. To support this, Cisco is constantly innovating, recently launching the new Cisco U. digital learning center, where candidates can get an artificial intelligence recommended learning path for CCNA and other certifications. Current and aspiring technical professionals can utilize such opportunities to bolster their careers. 

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