Is CCNA Still Relevant in 2019?

jamesindc

I passed my Cisco CCENT (first part of CCCNA) last month.  

As I study for the more difficult second exam of the CCNA certification (ICND2), I wonder whether CCNA is still relevant in 2019?

Most organizations don't even have routers on premise anymore.

Network infrastructure seems like a dying field as cloud and virtualization continue to grow.

I know I know...this topic has been discussed over and over again, but I still need to hear what you guys think..

Thanks.

Jon_Cisco

I think it's pretty clear certs like CCNA are only the beginning of your studies now. Yes networking will change but that does not mean things will not be networked. I took my CCNA over 5 years ago and the knowledge and understanding I gained was well worth it for me.

EANx

Networking knowledge for a sysadmin is like salt is for meat. Not strictly necessary but the meat is so much better when you add some. The same for being a sysadmin. CCNA level knowledge isn't strictly necessary but you become so much better at your job when you understand the foundational knowledge of routing, port aggregation, load balancing, etc. 

Jon_Cisco

I originally took my CCNA 5 years ago with very limited Microsoft knowledge. It was a big learning curve because every time I learned about something I had to go figure out how it was going to interact with the servers. Last year I started my Server 2016 MCSA to fill in the knowledge gap and it was well worth it. Next up is VMware.

Getting back to the original post one thing you should consider is if not CCNA then what? If there is a better answer to your goals go for it. I find the NSX interesting from VMware but I need to start with the basics so I am planning to pursue the VCP next year.

JDMurray

If you will ever apply for a job in a data center, or anyplace that needs to maintain on-prem equipment, the Cisco certs will only help you get your foot in the door.

mikey88

Are computers still connected to the network/internet? If yes, then CCNA still relevant.

AvgITGeek

I've worked for 3 companies and an MSP and every single company all had routers and switches in their environments. Not all were cisco but routing is routing and switching is switching.

chmod

Off course it is, is the foundation of networking which any IT professional must have.

TechnicalLead

I think its moving now to cyber security but ccna/networking is still needed.

kaiju

CyberSecurity is the glue that will hold everything together. There will always be a need for CCNA/P, MCSA/P, RHSA/E, VCP and other OS certs. Cybersecurity is meaningless without a proper OS/platform foundation.  

Network infrastructure definitely is not a dying field. Yes, cloud has grown a lot but there will always be a need for network devices.

yoba222

jamesindc said:

. . . Most organizations don't even have routers on premise anymore. . .

I don't agree with this. A bunch of stuff is certainly being relocated to the cloud. The problem is that cloud administrators still need routing and switching competency, because the principles are the same. CCNA brings that competency IMHO.

As far as being relevant, just get the CCNA. It's like a degree: you'll hardly think about whether or not your CCNA or your degree is relevant once you get it. You'll just be glad it's done.

boxerboy1168

how can you not have a router and switch on a network with 100 host?

TechnicalLead

Although, there's a wave of ISSO and ISSM that doesnt have any technical background but getting paid more than 100k. CCNA is good but if you want to jump to that 100k bracket then get cyber security cert.

kaiju

The best ISSO/ISSM are those who understand both the System and Network sides of the house. I have encountered too many "experts" who do not understand the "big picture" because of a lack of Systems and/or Network working knowledge. Know as much as possible so you will be prepared for anything.

Experience is what gets you the top dollar jobs not just certs.

TechnicalLead

True but that doesn't stop the non-technical of getting paid more than 100k. ISSO/ISSM does not need to be technical when the company can hire technical people specifically to do the "technical work". You'd be surprise how many non-technical ISSO/ISSM are there running around getting paid 100k. To make more money, its not just experience. You have to jump every year to a different company to get significant increase. I've seen people make 85k in a year, then move the next year and get paid 120k, then move to 150k in a span of 3 years just by jumping around.

kaiju

ISSO/ISSM can perform their jobs better if the understand the technical aspects. Cert Warriors are a burden because too much time is wasted on explaining why their plans cannot be implemented because of technical incompatibility. I do believe "working knowledge" was the phrase that I used previously. Working knowledge of Systems/Network coupled with Cybersecurity work experience and certs is what makes a good ISSO/ISSM. Salary is a moot point when you cannot perform the job effectively.

We can discuss the importance of well background for Cybersecurity experts in a dedicated thread so let's get back to the original topic!

Cloud is the hot item right now because of its cost savings but some type of network gear (switch or router with switch ports) will be needed to connect to the cloud. CCNA is still very relevant and will be for a while. If security is more desirable then CCNA Security would be a better cert to pursue since ICND1 is a prerequisite for 210-260. If the OP gets the networking bug, ICND2 can be taken prior to the INCD1 re-certification date to complete CCNA R/S.

chmod

boxerboy1168 said:

how can you not have a router and switch on a network with 100 host?

IMO that is part of the misunderstanding of what is the cloud.

coreyb80

TechnicalLead said:

True but that doesn't stop the non-technical of getting paid more than 100k. ISSO/ISSM does not need to be technical when the company can hire technical people specifically to do the "technical work". You'd be surprise how many non-technical ISSO/ISSM are there running around getting paid 100k. To make more money, its not just experience. You have to jump every year to a different company to get significant increase. I've seen people make 85k in a year, then move the next year and get paid 120k, then move to 150k in a span of 3 years just by jumping around.

This seems like the only true way to obtain a significant increase as we move forward.  The annual 3-5% raise isn't moving the needle much as moving to a different company for a much higher salary.

beads

AvgITGeek said:

I've worked for 3 companies and an MSP and every single company all had routers and switches in their environments. Not all were cisco but routing is routing and switching is switching.

How do these companies even get data in and out of the building without a router? Even if the entry points are managed by someone else there is a router with an ASN or subnet somewhere.

- b/eads

MontagueVandervort

jamesindc said:

Most organizations don't even have routers on premise anymore.

They don't?

Man, I've been working in some very odd places then. 🤣 🤣

jamesindc said:

Network infrastructure seems like a dying field as cloud and virtualization continue to grow.

What do you think is in the cloud? 🤣

jamesindc said:

I passed my Cisco CCENT (first part of CCCNA) last month.  

As I study for the more difficult second exam of the CCNA certification (ICND2), I wonder whether CCNA is still relevant in 2019?

All chuckles aside, I think this is probably the most important part of your post.

Did you take a break after studying for and passing ICND1?

You sound like you may be feeling burnt out and just grasping for a reason not to have to take ICND2.

I suggest you consider taking a small break for a while instead of entertaining thoughts like "Network Infrastructure is probably dying field anyway" and etc.