Since we all know that certifications play a very vital role in shaping the overall career of any individual. Certifications basically provide a solid proof that you are enough qualified for the designation offered to you. The next big question that might strike your mind is that which certification shall you opt for and why. This depends on your personal requirement, your interest. Some people go for certification courses so as to get a job whereas there are some people who go for these certification courses based on their interest in that topic.
Cisco is a leader in the networking for the internet and known all over the globe. It provides the certifications for those who have decided to launch their careers in IT and the professionals who are eager to update their skills. Thus, Cisco certifications are of different levels and cover a wide range of fields from Cloud, Collaboration, Design to Security, Routing and Switching, etc.
The most popular Cisco certification among the candidates is Routing and Switching certification. Cisco offers its certification courses in the field of networking where you get to learn about so many new things. The best thing about Cisco certifications is that they not only open up a number of opportunities in your networking career but also you can very well market yourself as a networking professional hence there arises a great essence for Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification if you want to excel in the networking sector. You are not just offered an official certification but you also get enough knowledge regarding those topics which fulfill the criteria.
Basics to consider for CCNA Routing and Switching Certification
Before starting your CCNA Routing and Switching Certification arrangement, you should know a couple of vital things about Cisco and Routing and Switching certification. CCNA Routing and Switching is an associate level certification offered by Cisco and can be received by sitting either for 2 exams (100-105 and 200-105) or just for 1 exam (200-125).
As a Fresher, before taking CCNA R&S certification, you can opt for CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) credential, which is the first step on the way to your career in Cisco. This credential gives you the fundamental networking skills that help you to get certifications of higher levels: Associate, Professional, Expert, Architect. To get CCENT credential you need to pass only one exam Cisco CCNA 200-125 Practice Test.
Hot to get CCNA Routing & Switching certification?
Essentially CCNA Routing and Switching term speaks to CCNA R&S and is most well-known track attempted everywhere throughout the world. It validates the core networking skills required to possess working as networking engineer. The credential can be cleared through 2 modes: 2 exam mode 100– 105 ICND-1 and 200– 105 ICND-2 or if you are confident in your networking knowledge and skills you can choose composite exam mode 200-125 certification exam.
The Certification exam has no essentials and it is substantial for next 3 years from the date of exam achievement. A considerable measure of job openings will open for you in jobs, for example, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Support Engineer, Network Technician and substantially more. There is an unending rundown of features however this much data will be adequate to start your CCNA R&S preparing for certification and placements.
How to ace in your CCNA Routing and Switching exam?
Before opting for CCNA Routing and Switching certification the first and foremost thing you should do is think, why you want this certification. Your mind will be extremely clear about this thing and you should have no doubt regarding this. In this article, we will let you know how can you ace in your CCNA Routing and Switching exam –
- Practical – if you want to learn any new thing you must be able to apply it well after you understand the theory. Theoretical knowledge is necessary but you must be able to understand its application. In order to pass the CCNA Routing and Switching exam(s), you must possess both the theoretical as well as practical knowledge regarding the topic. With all the theoretical knowledge you should be able to troubleshoot the networks on the system.
- Get proper Study Materials – there are a number of study resources available in the market for any topic, but in order to succeed in that field, you need to pick the exact material that will help you out with the basics. When it comes to CCNA Routing and Switching you must pick the proper study materials if you are looking to ace in the exam. Right now, if you want to crack the CCNA Routing and Switching exam(s) the best book to study is; Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND 1 and CCNA Routing and Switching ICND 2. You should also go for 31 days before test series that is easily available through Cisco Press.
- Schedules for Practice Test – practice tests are must for any exam that you are preparing for. For CCNA Routing and Switching you must schedule your practice tests and decide the deadline for that and in that order, you can very well gauge your knowledge regarding the field. After analysing those tests, you can easily point out the areas where you still require any improvement.
- Revision – you must have heard this quote, Revision is the key, whenever you prepare any exam. You must revise well all the concepts and techniques in order to ace in any exam. In CCNA Routing and Switching you must refresh everything that you have learned before the exam. You can go for Cisco Press Books or use the exam dumps offered by reliable websites in order to maximize your revision. 1 or 2 weeks prior to the exam must be devoted to the tests so that you can understand your weak areas.
- Rest – give yourself proper rest 1 or 2 days prior to the exam. Make your mind ready for the exam and to do so the best thing you can do is refresh it. Do whatever you like and give yourself proper rest. Sleep before the exam days is very crucial and must not be avoided.
Other important things to consider
- It is comprehensive: the CCNA Routing and Switching exam(s) includes a variety of questions based on IP and TCP studies, which are probably the most comprehensive protocols for routing. At first sight, the exam may seem extremely tough as there is so much to study. You should focus on the basics of the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching exam; ICDN. Once you are clear with the basics, things will get smoother with time.
- The exam is Quick: there are around 50-60questions in the CCNA Routing and Switching exam and you get 90 minutes to solve them. To solve these questions, you must be extremely quick, irrespective of your preparation. There are questions related to the real-world problems as well. Your practice will play a vital role when you finally sit in the exam.
Opportunities with Cisco certifications
It has been mentioned above that Cisco offers a wide range of tracks to follow in one’s career. For instance, if your aim is to build a career in security, CCENT certification is a prerequisite. Thus, after taking 100-105 exam and with CCENT credential in your pocket, you can pass 210-260 exam and get CCNA Security certification.
210-260 exam deals with implementing Cisco Network Security. The exam is designed for entry-level network security professionals.
If your goal is to get Data Center certification, you need not take 100-105 exam and get CCENT certification. The only step you should take is to pass 200-150 exam.
Final Words
CCNA Routing and Switching certification will help you to market yourself as a networking expert. You get a number of opportunities in the networking sector if you hold CCNA Routing and Switching certification. If you hold this credential you are ahead of those who do not possess these certifications. There are a number of platforms available on the internet if you want to prepare for the exam, there are a number of offline mediums also available that you can opt for in order to ace your preparation.