You may have heard of CCNA or Cisco Certified Network Associate if you are considering a career in the field of networking. Cisco CCNA demonstrates your mastery of basic-level networking topics such as IP connection, IP services, basic security, and automation and programmability.
But can you study CCNA without any prior experience in networking? Yes, but in order to succeed, you will need to put in some hard time and effort. In this blog post, we will explain what CCNA 200-301 training covers, the prerequisites and benefits of CCNA certification, and how to prepare for the CCNA exam.
Let’s first understand what CCNA is and why it’s important for your career in the field of networking.
What is CCNA?
CCNA is a certification issued by Cisco, a renowned networking company that provides products and services to various industries and sectors. Having a Cisco certification on your resume proves to employers that you know what you’re doing when it comes to setting up, running, and fixing any problems that may arise in a Cisco-based network.
CCNA training offers in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of networking. It is meant to prepare you for the CCNA 200-301 exam so that you may become a certified network associate.
Regarding the prerequisite of CCNA, it is worth noting that CCNA training does not have any formal prerequisites. It is advisable to possess a fundamental understanding of computer hardware and software, along with some level of familiarity with networking concepts.
Why study CCNA?
First, let’s talk about why anyone without prior experience can study CCNA. Aspiring network professionals may gain a lot from Cisco CCNA, including:
- Models, protocols, devices, topologies, security, and troubleshooting are all covered, along with other networking topics.
- It helps you prepare for the challenges and scenarios you’ll face as a network engineer or administrator in the real world.
- It shows that you’re serious about enhancing your skills.
- It increases your credibility and marketability in the IT industry.
- This broadens the range of jobs you may pursue, from network design and security to automation and the cloud.
How can I study CCNA without experience?
You need to take and pass the CCNA 200-301 exam to become a certified CCNA. The CCNA exam lasts 120 minutes and comprises multiple-choice questions covering the course material. The exam fee is $300 USD + taxes. The exam is challenging but possible to crack. If you follow these guidelines, you may study for the CCNA certification without any previous networking knowledge.
Review the exam topics
The first stage is to analyze your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the exam’s content. You can find the exam objectives on the Cisco website or in the official exam guide. Exam details, such as what will be covered, may be found on Cisco’s website.
- Security Fundamentals
- Network Fundamentals
- Automation and Programmability
- IP Connectivity
- IP Services
- Network Access
Learn as much as you can about these topics and evaluate how well you understand them. You can track your progress and identify your areas of weakness by taking mock exams online.
Study and Practice
Putting what you learn into practice is crucial if you are learning CCNA for the first time without any prior experience. Putting your skills into practice will increase your practical understanding and generate new opportunities.
To get ready for the Cisco CCNA exam, you may choose from a variety of resources, such as:
- Enroll in a CCNA training course: If you want to pass the CCNA exam, you need to participate in a training program that thoroughly covers the material in the test. Boot camps, classroom training, and online courses are just some of the alternatives available to you. Find the best training institute that suits your preferneces.
- Private group training: You can arrange a customized training session for your team or organization that meets your specific needs and goals. You can contact Cisco learning partners to request a private group training option.
- Self-study: You can use books, guides, blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, forums, or any other resources that you find helpful to study CCNA on your own. You can also join online communities like Cisco Learning Network or Reddit, where you can ask questions, share tips, and receive support from other CCNA candidates or professionals.
Choose the study method that works best with your time constraints, budget, and personal preferences. Combining learning strategies is a great way to reinforce your learning and avoid boredom.
Conclusion
Studying Cisco CCNA without any prior experience is possible, but doing so demands a significant amount of dedication. You will need to get familiar with the fundamentals of networking and how to configure and troubleshoot Cisco devices. You will also need to choose a trustworthy resource from which to study, build a lab environment, study consistently and review regularly, take practice tests, and join a study group or community. If you keep these recommendations in mind when you study for the CCNA, you will be able to effectively and confidently prepare for the CCNA exam effectively and confidently.
