Big CCNA changes are coming!

Big CCNA changes are coming!

As you have heard, there are big changes coming for Cisco Certifications. On February 24, 2020, Cisco will release a new, consolidated CCNA exam. Achieving CCNA certification is the first step in preparing for a career in IT technologies. To earn CCNA certification, you pass one exam that covers a broad range of fundamentals for IT careers, based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills, and job roles.

The current CCNA covers a lot of different topics and when people got the CCNA exam the employer wanted them to do a certain amount of functions. The candidates had a lot of knowledge about a lot of stuff but not detailed fundamental information. They were good on the higher-level topics and the employer needed people to understand sub-netting and more detailed information. There was a gap between basic knowledge and being able to function. A gab in basic knowledge is due to so many different domains, but now they have a concise model that will bridge the gap. Automation is the future and the new CCNA will support that.

What are the major CCNA changes?

• Removing prerequisites at the associate and professional levels – Now anyone can sign up for a CCNA class!
• Continuing education for all – You can earn some extra credits for recertification. We have a simple solution with our Free Digital Native Meetups!  At each Digital Native Meetup, you earn Continuing Education (CE) certificates worth 2 credits.
• Recognition for completing training courses – You can now get recognition even after clearing one out of two modules. You get credit for the modules or part of a class. So sign up for classes with us to get recognition!
• Consolidating and updating of CCNA training and certifications – Combining various domains to form a module that provides fundamental knowledge. Topics and Domains are going to change. Continuing reading to learn more about this one.
• New Single exam for CCNA 200-301 – No longer will there be several exams. You can conveniently take your exam at our testing center.

Should you test now or wait for the new CCNA?

Why wait for the new exam?

The new exam does NOT include many topics that were required under the old exam

What if I already have a Cisco certification?

• If you complete any current CCNA/CCDA certification before February 24, you’ll receive the new CCNA certification and training badge in the corresponding technology area
• If you already have the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification and would like to earn the CCNA, you have until February 23 to complete your CCNA certification in the current program. As of February 24, you will need to take the new exam to complete CCNA certification.

What value will employers see in this change?

Paired with the new Cisco certification model, technicians can specialize and pass CCNA specialization exams based on specific products, employers get the exact skills they need.

So the bottom line is…

• If you are already studying for the old exam and automation is new to you then take the old exam. If you need to recertify then take the old exam before it changes over! 
• If you have not started studying and you understand automation then take the new CCNA.
• Look at list above about what is on the old versus the new CCNA and see what you feel more comfortable with. But don’t forget February 24th will be here before you know it.

Changes take place on February 24^th which is a Monday so unless you take the test over the weekend be sure to take the exam before February 21st. Don’t forget our testing center is open on the weekend but be sure to plan ahead because as the new date gets closer the testing center will get very busy. 

Learn more about the current CCNA class

Read New Cisco Certified Updates 2019 Blog Post

Learn more about our Testing Center

Join Our FREE Digital Natives Meetup Group

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