Need help understanding the certifications.

I'm looking to get CCNA certified but don't quite understand how the certifications work. Are the CCNA, ICND1, and ICND2 three different tests? I can't seem to figure it out and have a few more questions as soon as someone could answer this one.

Thanks!

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Comments

drew2000

No. There are two tests that equal the CCNA:

1. ICND1 = CCENT Cert
2. ICND2 = CCNA Cert (requires CCENT)

ALso, there is a one-test option which covers the same material as ICND 1 & 2, the cost is the same.

Drew

xtthew

Thanks, that actually answered my other question. The company I work for wants me to look into getting CCNA certified. It is a small company that does a lot of work for about 75% of the town's small and medium sized businesses, as well as a small University, that don't employ their own technicians. I just recently got Network+ certified and am now going to start networking with businesses soon. What would you recommend be my next step after CCNA. I'm not familiar with the Cisco certifications yet, I've been chasing the CompTIA tests since I started my IT career.

drew2000

I would say:

-Use ICND1 as a stepping stone to build confidence for the harder ICND2 exam.

-When you earn your CCNA, start looking at the "specialist exams":
CCNA: Wireless
CCNA: Security

I think both of those would be good for your situation. Maybe wireless more so.

I would only do those if you have already earned some MS certs also, maybe an MCSA.

The MCSA/e and the CCNA are a powerful one-two punch.

Andrew

xtthew

Thanks Drew, you've been helpful!

drew2000

You're welcome - I think you'll find this forum very helpful.

Drew

mella060

Basically you can do a one test option or a two test option to get your CCNA.

The one test option is designed for re certification purposes and people with a lot of cisco/networking experience.

If you don't fit that criteria then definitely go with the ICND1 and 2 option. You will have less topics to focus on for each exam and ICND2 will build nicely upon ICND1. I spent around 3 months on each exam and that worked well for me.

savvynetcert

In many bigger companies the server, desktop and networking functions are separated out, so you don't necessarily need a Microsoft cert or any other platform based cert to get the job and do well. So it's really OK to go the specialist Cisco route.