So it’s been nearly three years and now the time has come to renew your CCNA certification. By now you (hopefully) have a few years of Cisco networking experience under your belt. This is a great time to make yourself more marketable. Here’s a cool new option that people are just starting to learn about – Cisco gives you some attractive options to beef up your credential while you renew. Now when you want to renew your CCNA certification, you have the option to take one of the specialized CCNA concentration exams (CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless). By taking this option you can renew your CCNA certification PLUS get credit for the additional CCNA specialized certification. It’s like getting two certifications for the price of one. Let’s take a look at these CCNA concentrations and what they can do for you.
CCNA Concentrations:
The great thing about CCNA concentrations is that in addition to renewing your CCNA for another 3 years, they allow you to upgrade your basic CCNA to reflect a specialization in Security, Voice or Wireless, all by passing just one exam! Think about your on-the-job experience. By now, you may have developed a focus or interest in one of these roles. Specialization helps you stand out and makes you more valuable to employers. Doesn’t it make sense to have a credential to reflect your specialty? Below is some basic information about each of these concentrations.
CCNA Security:
This credential validates your skills in installing, troubleshooting, and monitoring Cisco security technologies. It also signals to employers that you have a demonstrated ability to develop security policies and mitigate network risk. With more and more employers cutting costs by bringing their security in-house, security certifications are more relevant than ever before. This credential is a natural stepping stone toward the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) certification and prepares you for job roles such as Network Security Specialist, Security Administrator and Network Security Support Engineer. In order to obtain the CCNA Security you will need to pass the CCNA Security (640-553) exam.
CCNA Voice:
The CCNA Voice certification is a great way to showcase your skills in voice applications and infrastructure concepts. CCNA voice also demonstrates proficiency in installation, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco VoIP technologies. This certification prepares you for job roles such as Voice Engineer, Voice Manager, and Voice Administrator and is a pre-requisite for the CCVP (Cisco Certified Voice Professional) certification.
CCNA Wireless:
This Cisco Certification demonstrates your ability to install, configure and support Cisco wireless LAN networks in both SMBs and large enterprises. Job roles for this certification include Wireless Technician, Support Technician, Network Administrator and Wireless Network Security Engineer. In order to obtain the CCNA Wireless certification, you will need to pass the CCNA Wireless (640-721) exam.
Start upgrading your CCNA today:
Keeping your CCNA current is very important for your career. It shows your attention to detail and due diligence as much as it shows your abilities. Now you have an extra incentive to keep current with Cisco’s specialized CCNA certifications. PrepLogic can help you get ready to renew your CCNA. Check out our site for free practice exam previews for all of your specialized CCNA exams. Download them today, try them out and give us a call when you’re ready to start training. Good luck on your exams!
