Let’s go more into depth what the new updates really mean. We will start by analyzing the CCNA. As I described in the previous post, gone are the days of having 11 different tracks, instead there is 1 exam. Why?
Take a second to think about what you expect from a Junior Network Engineer, that is after all what a CCNA is expected to be. I, probably Russ White, and many other with me, would argue that what is important at any level, but certainly as a junior, is to understand the fundamentals well. That is to know binary, subnetting, supernetting, basic TCP/IP, basic routing and switching, a little about wireless, a little about security. You don’t need to specialize at a junior level. Many athletes do several sports until they have to pick one and studies have shown that this is often has a positive effect compared to focusing on a single one too soon.
The change in the CCNA is therefore to better align with the expected job role of a CCNA. What domains are being tested? The domains being tested are:
- Network Fundamentals
- Network Access
- IP Connectivity
- IP Services
- Security Fundamentals
- Automation and Programmability
The blueprint can be found here https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccna-cert/ccna-exam/exam-topics
What happens to the CCENT? It’s gone. If you’ve taken the CCENT, complete your CCNA before the changes to live February 24 2020.
What else is changing?
You can now recertify through the CE program, which could only be done at the CCIE level before. It will require 30 credits to recertify. You can also, as is the situation today, recertify by taking exams at a higher level.
What happens if I have CCNA Security or any of the non RS tracks? Your existing certification will live on for the rest of its lifetime, meaning that if it expires on August 31 2020, after that date the certification is expired. However, as the update goes live on February 24 2020, you will be CCNA certified and you will get a badge showing that you have taken a design exam, security exam, cloud exam etc. At least that’s how I’m interpreting things. The point is that you will still have something to show for the studies/certifications you had before.
See you next time!
Cisco web site states holders of multiple track CCNA will be migrated to the new CCNA and training badges in the relevant technology.
Training badges will be awarded to those who have only attended Cisco training courses. With no requirements to take proctored exams.
Where multiple track CCNA holders may never attended Cisco training. But did pay and pass many proctored exams.
To me going forward this will create confusion.
As there will be holders of training badges who have only be on training courses. But there will also be holders of training badges who have never been on training but passed proctored exams.
I personally think Cisco needs to address this to prevent the confusion. By having a different named badge other than training.
Training badges should be for people who only attended training courses.
Cisco should keep the certification badges for those that passed the proctored exams.
This would make a clear to all.
Hi Dean,
I wasn’t aware that you would get badges for just attending training. I will have to look into this and get back to you.
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Thanks for sharing such a great blog Keep posting.