As of now, the Cisco certification programme has undergone significant changes. There is only one comprehensive CCNA exam available; several distinct CCNA examinations and certifications are no longer available. The full name of the new test, Implementing and Administering Cisco Networking Technologies, is 200-301 CCNA. Thus according Cisco, the new test “covers a broad array of foundations based on the most recent technology, software development skills, and professional vocations.”
Numerous concentration examinations were available for various study routes under the previous CCNA certification scheme. However, following the new regulations, the CCNA has completely replaced the following certifications:
- CCNA Cloud
- CCNA Collaboration
- CCNA Data Center
- CCNA Industrial
- CCNA Routing and Switching
- CCNA Security
- CCNA Service Provider
- CCNA Wireless
- CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
Therefore, the CCNA level specialisation is being eliminated, and you can now choose your speciality at the CCNP level. For more related updates, have a peek at this site.
Previous CCNA certificates
Your CCNA certification that you obtained under the previous regulations will remain valid until it expires. Your current CCNA certification has been converted to a comparable one in the new programme as of February 2020. Therefore, the new CCNA certificate will be given to you immediately if you already hold one of the current CCNA certificates (such as CCNA Industrial or CCNA Routing and Switching).
Your CCNA certification that you obtained under the previous regulations will remain valid until it expires. Your current CCNA certification has been converted to a comparable one in the new programme as of February 2020. Therefore, the new CCNA certificate will be given to you immediately if you already hold one of the current CCNA certificates (such as CCNA Industrial or CCNA Routing and Switching).
CCENT
CCENT is no longer valid and cannot be used to obtain the new CCNA certification.
The new exam 200-301 consists of one exam with roughly 120 questions. It covers various topics, including security, wireless networking, routing and switching, and even some programming principles. You can take it at any Pearson VUE certification centre, just like with other Cisco certifications.
About the new curriculum
The new CCNA curriculum includes the following modules:
- Other network fundamentals include routers, cables, TCP and UDP, IPv4 and IPv6.IP connectivity – OSPFv2 and IP routing
- IP Services: DHCP, SNMP, NTP, and QoS
- Basics of security: wireless security, port security, and VPNs
- Network Access – EtherChannel, VLANs, and trunking
- Programmability and Automation Using REST APIs, Chef, Puppet, JSON, and SDN
Removed subjects
The following subjects are no longer part of the CCNA curriculum:
- Network basics: the OSI model
- Frame, VTP, and switch stack for LAN switching
- Routing: Inter-VLAN routing, EIGRP, RIPv2, OSPFv3.
- WAN access: PPP, MLPPP, PPPoE, GRE, and BGP
Requirements for 301-201
There are no official prerequisites to taking the new exam. However, Cisco has provided the following advice:
- Possess knowledge of every exam topic
- a year or more of experience with Cisco hardware and computer networking
- solid knowledge of network basics
- Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions is the name of the suggested training course that can be done at a Cisco academy (CCNA). You will receive a training badge after completing a training course.
Exam cost
The 200-301 CCNA exam will set you back $300.
CCNP details
When you decide to pursue your CCNP certification, your speciality will start. The largest change to the CCNP exam is removing the prerequisite that you have to pass the CCNA exam to take it.
The following CCNP tracks are available as of February 2020:
- CCNP Business
- Data Center CCNP
- Security CCNP
- CCNP Collaboration CCNP Service Provider
You must pass two tests: a technology core exam (which covers fundamental and common ideas) and a concentration exam—to obtain any of the CCNP certifications mentioned above (a deeper dive into the technology). You can choose from a single core and concentration exam for each programme. To obtain the CCNP Enterprise certification, you must pass the 300-401 ENCOR core exam and one of the following focus tests. For more information, you can get deal from this link.