Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Credential: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Credentialing Agency: Cisco Systems, Inc.
Renewal Period: 3 years
Cisco Systems, Inc., Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an entry-level certification for associate-level jobs in the IT industry. Updated in 2020, the CCNA program covers a broad range of fundamental concepts including network fundamentals, security, and automation and programmability. Although there are no formal experience or education prerequisites, a candidate is recommended to have one or more years experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions as well as an understanding of basic IP addressing and network fundamentals.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Attainability: 
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 1 year recommended
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
Renewal Period: 3 years
- Continuing Education
- Exam
- Continuing Education OR Exam
- Fee
- Other
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: (800) 553-NETS
Contact Page
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential has the following other requirements:
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A candidate must agree to follow the Cisco Candidate Conduct Policy.
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1.0 Network Fundamentals (20%)
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1.1 Explain the role and function of network components
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1.2 Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
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1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
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1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)
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1.5 Compare TCP to UDP
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1.6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
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1.7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing
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1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
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1.9 Compare IPv6 address types
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1.10 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
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1.11 Describe wireless principles
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1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (virtual machines)
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1.13 Describe switching concepts
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2.0 Network Access (20%)
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2.1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
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2.2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity
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2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)
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2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
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2.5 Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol and identify basic operations
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2.6 Compare Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes
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2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP,WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)
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2.8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH, HTTP,HTTPS, console, and TACACS+/RADIUS)
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2.9 Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client connectivity using GUI only such as WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced WLAN settings
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3.0 IP Connectivity (25%)
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3.1 Interpret the components of routing table
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3.2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
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3.3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
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3.4 Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
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3.5 Describe the purpose of first hop redundancy protocol
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4.0 IP Services (10%)
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4.1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
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4.2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
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4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
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4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
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4.5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels
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4.6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
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4.7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS such as classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, shaping
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4.8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
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4.9 Describe the capabilities and function of TFTP/FTP in the network
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5.0 Security Fundamentals (15%)
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5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
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5.2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
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5.3 Configure device access control using local passwords
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5.4 Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)
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5.5 Describe remote access and site-to-site VPNs
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5.6 Configure and verify access control lists
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5.7 Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)
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5.8 Differentiate authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts
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5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
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5.10 Configure WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI
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6.0 Automation and Programmability (10%)
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6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management
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6.2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
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6.3 Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
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6.4 Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management
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6.5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
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6.6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
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6.7 Interpret JSON encoded data
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) examination:
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the
Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
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Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
Pearson VUE
The test centers are located in the U.S.
They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential has the following recertification information:
CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, certification holders may chose between passing an exam or earning Continuing Education (CE) credits.
For the exam option, certification holders must pass ONE of the following before the certification expiration date:
- Pass any one Associate exam
- Pass any one professional concentration exam
- Pass one technology core exam
- Pass one CCIE lab exam
For the Continuing Education option, certification holders must earn 30 Continuing Education credits. For additional information on earning CEs, visit the
Cisco Continuing Education page on the Cisco website.
More information on the Cisco recertification policy can be found on the
agency's website.
- Although not required, a candidate is recommended to have:
- One or more years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions
- Knowledge of basic IP addressing
- A good understanding of network fundamentals
MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
This is an official U.S. Army website
Updated: January 07, 2021
Army Table Legend
Related As
The military occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of four ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience.
CA Eligible
This column indicates that the credential is eligible for CA.
Promotion Points
This credential has been approved for promotion points for this MOS towards promotion to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. Clicking the Promotion Points icon will open a link to the promotion points fact sheet.
Skill Level Designation
Skill Level I
This skill level consists of all Soldiers in the ranks of Private (pay grade E-1) up to Specialist (pay grade E-4). Time in Service (TIS) is generally between initial entry and four Years of Service (YOS). This skill level is Entry-level positions requiring performance of tasks under direct supervision.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level I
- Basic Leader Course (BLC)
Skill Level II
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Sergeant (paygrade E-5). TIS is generally between 4-8 YOS. Positions requiring performance of more difficult tasks under general supervision; and in some instances, involving supervision of Soldiers in SL1.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level II
- Advance Leader Course (ALC)
Skill Level III
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Staff Sergeant (paygrade E-6). TIS is generally between 8-12 YOS. Positions requiring performance of still more difficult tasks and involving first line supervision of Soldiers in SL1 & SL2.
Institutional training:
- Senior Leader Course (SLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level III
Skill Level IV
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class (paygrade E-7). TIS is generally between 12-18 YOS. Positions requiring relatively detailed knowledge of all tasks specified for a given MOS, normally involving first-line supervision of Soldiers in SLs 1, 2, and 3, and involving managerial duties.
Institutional training:
- Master Leader Course (MLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level IV
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME) I Course
Skill Level V
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant (paygrade E-8). TIS is generally between 18-22 YOS. Positions requiring direct and indirect leadership roles with expertise in company and battalion-level operations and competency across a given CMF, serving as members of a staff at every level in the Army, with a full understanding of the allocation of resources and their utilization in order to accomplish Army functions and missions.
Institutional training:
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level V
Skill Level VI
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeants Major (paygrade E-9). TIS is generally between 22-30 YOS. Positions requiring organizational leadership roles with multi-dimensional expertise in units and teams on division, corps, and Army staffs, integrated with Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) partners with a full understanding of the Force Generation process, operations at all echelons, and how the Army runs.
Star Credential
Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improve the MOS technical proficiency.
Gap Analysis
A detailed analysis comparing the credential requirements to the military occupation has been completed. Click on the gap analysis icon to view the analysis page.
Federal Occupations Table Legend
Related As
The federal occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the federal occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the federal occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this federal occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will most likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Bright Outlook
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
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