Cisco Announces Major Updates to CCNA Certification

On March 26, 2013, Cisco announced a redesign for several of their associate-level Cisco certification programs. Cisco attributes these changes to the phenomenon called “The Internet of Everything.” These changes will better align with the requirements and knowledge needed for an ever-changing industry and job market.

Effective immediately, these updates include:

• CCNA certification will now be CCNA Routing & Switching. The only prerequisite certification is CCENT
• CCENT is also the only prerequisite certification for:
  • CCNA Voice
  • CCNA Wireless
  • CCNA Security
  • CCDA certifications
• The training curriculum for the ICND1, ICND2 and CCNAX exams have each been redesigned
• New exams have been introduced for ICND1, ICND2 and CCNA Composite
  • Updates include IPv6 and updated software on Cisco routers and switches
• Individuals only need to pass two of the following exams in order to achieve advanced technology certifications in an accelerated manner:
  • CCNA Routing and Switching
  • CCNA Security
  • CCNA Voice
  • CCNA Wireless
  • CCNA SP Operations
• The following certifications require two exams
  • CCNA Data Center
  • CCNA Video
  • CCNA Service Provider
  • CCNA SP Operations
• Effective October 1, 2013, a valid CCENT certification will be a prerequisite for the CCDA certification

Brief Course Descriptions

CCNA Routing and Switching:

Through this updated course, individuals will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to make connections to remote sites via a Wide Area Network (WAN), alleviate basic security threats, and understand the requirements for wireless network access, including IP, EIGRP, RIPv2, VLANs, Ethernet, and ACLs.

CCNA Security:

Provides professionals with the foundation and skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and relieve security threats. This course places an emphasis on installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring in order to maintain integrity and confidentiality of the network and organization.

CCNA Voice:

Individuals will be provided the knowledge and training required to effectively manage a voice network. This certification validates the individual’s skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

CCNA Wireless:

Students will be able to configure, implement, deploy, support, monitor, and troubleshoot Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using various Cisco parts and equipment. This applies to any professional working in both small to medium businesses and Enterprise networks.

Phoenix TS updated all Associate and Professional level Cisco training courses in accordance to this redesign in order to better prepare our students for the latest version of the Cisco certification exams. For any questions regarding the Cisco updates or information regarding the Cisco courses taught at Phoenix TS please give us a call and we would be happy to assist you.