To gain the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, the candidate should have the skills and knowledge required to operate medium-size networks. Candidates should feel comfortable working with both route and switch networks. This includes the ability to implement and verify connections to remote sites in a WAN. Additionally, aspects related to installing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks are concepts that a CCNA must understand.
Security issues also play a role in the job functions of a CCNA, and those seeking the certification must be able to mitigate basic security threats. Familiarity with IP, EIGRP, Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, VLAN, RIPv2, ACLs, and Ethernet are required of a CCNA as well.
To obtain a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, candidates must pass the 640-802 Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. Alternately, a candidate can pass both the 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 exam and the 640-816 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 exam.
Although training is recommended, it is not required. Certification lasts for three years. To renew a certification, candidates may pass the current form of the test they took to gain certification, or they may pass an advanced level certification exam. Acceptable advanced certification exams that will renew the CCNA certification include CCDA DESGN, CCNA wireless, security, voice, or SP Ops concentration exams, professional level exams, and specialists exams.



