The CCNA is the most wide spread professional certification for those involved in the administration of small to mid sized computer networks. Testing for the certification involves two exams. Receiving this qualification enhances employability and income potential.
The CCNA, by itself, will not result in a massive pay increase, nor will it lead to instant promotions. The value is that it serves as a prerequisite for so many other technical certifications, and it shows a dedication and commitment that employers value. It is a strong first step.
Once a person has opened the door with the CCNA, there are a number of options for career advancement and increased certification. From a pure network engineering standpoint, the next two steps in the certification chain are the CCNP and the CCIE. These are a direct progression in network knowledge and sophistication. If the CCNA is analogous to a basic degree, then the CCNP and CCIE are the masters and doctorate.
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) The CCNP covers the planning and implementation of wide area networks with as many as 500 devices. Passing three exhaustive tests are required to obtain this level. Frequently, a seasoned CCNP can fill the position of a CCIE, however, statistically, these people are paid less to do the job.
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) The CCIE is considered the king of network engineering accreditations. Specialists at this level are supposed to have the ability to do anything with networks of any size. The testing for this accreditation involves a detailed exam together with an especially difficult hands on practical lab assessment. Having this certification can lead to as much as an additional $30,000 each year in salary in comparison to a professional of equivalent experience without the CCIE.
For those who wish to focus more on the business aspects of network engineering, project management is a good option. Project managers are the individuals responsible for the various groups involved in a project. Their responsibilities involve coordinating communication, scheduling, manpower, budgets, and time frames. The most valuable certification avaiable for project managers is the PMP.
PMP (Project Management Professional) In computer networking, project managers are often part of service firms that are contracted by client companies to build, expand, or repair computer networks. A project manager has the responsibility of planning and executing projects. That requires heavy client interaction to achieve an exact understanding of their needs. Often times, the clients may not understand what is involved from a technical aspect to meet those needs, and it will be the responsibility of the project manager to educate them.
Once the project requirements are established, it is the job of the project manager to design a plan for implementation including details like manpower, cost, timelines and scope of work. Then, they are responsible for coordinating all the components of that plan until completion while constantly communicating with the client and managing their expectations.
Because of all the different career possibilities that start with the CCNA, it is one of the most popular certifications in this branch of computer science. As a first step, it is easily accomplished. The test isn't that hard for most, but as a career strategy it is hard to beat the CCNA.
The CCNA, by itself, will not result in a massive pay increase, nor will it lead to instant promotions. The value is that it serves as a prerequisite for so many other technical certifications, and it shows a dedication and commitment that employers value. It is a strong first step.
Once a person has opened the door with the CCNA, there are a number of options for career advancement and increased certification. From a pure network engineering standpoint, the next two steps in the certification chain are the CCNP and the CCIE. These are a direct progression in network knowledge and sophistication. If the CCNA is analogous to a basic degree, then the CCNP and CCIE are the masters and doctorate.
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) The CCNP covers the planning and implementation of wide area networks with as many as 500 devices. Passing three exhaustive tests are required to obtain this level. Frequently, a seasoned CCNP can fill the position of a CCIE, however, statistically, these people are paid less to do the job.
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) The CCIE is considered the king of network engineering accreditations. Specialists at this level are supposed to have the ability to do anything with networks of any size. The testing for this accreditation involves a detailed exam together with an especially difficult hands on practical lab assessment. Having this certification can lead to as much as an additional $30,000 each year in salary in comparison to a professional of equivalent experience without the CCIE.
For those who wish to focus more on the business aspects of network engineering, project management is a good option. Project managers are the individuals responsible for the various groups involved in a project. Their responsibilities involve coordinating communication, scheduling, manpower, budgets, and time frames. The most valuable certification avaiable for project managers is the PMP.
PMP (Project Management Professional) In computer networking, project managers are often part of service firms that are contracted by client companies to build, expand, or repair computer networks. A project manager has the responsibility of planning and executing projects. That requires heavy client interaction to achieve an exact understanding of their needs. Often times, the clients may not understand what is involved from a technical aspect to meet those needs, and it will be the responsibility of the project manager to educate them.
Once the project requirements are established, it is the job of the project manager to design a plan for implementation including details like manpower, cost, timelines and scope of work. Then, they are responsible for coordinating all the components of that plan until completion while constantly communicating with the client and managing their expectations.
Because of all the different career possibilities that start with the CCNA, it is one of the most popular certifications in this branch of computer science. As a first step, it is easily accomplished. The test isn't that hard for most, but as a career strategy it is hard to beat the CCNA.
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