Best CCNA Certification Courses Online Of 2024

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It’s an entry-level IT certification offered by Cisco, a major network switcher and routing company and manufacturer of networking hardware and software.

Along with knowledge of Cisco products, CCNA certification signifies a person has a basic understanding of networking and IT fundamentals. The certification is preferred or required for thousands of job listings across the U.S. It can help IT professionals land an entry-level job or advance to a higher-paying position like senior network engineer or network administrator. CCNA certification can be good for someone starting in IT or a professional with experience who lacks official certification. Companies can even train whole teams to take and pass the CCNA exam.

The only requirement to become a CCNA is passing a multiple choice test, but that doesn’t mean obtaining this credential is easy. Taking a CCNA training course may increase your odds of passing on the first try. Cisco itself offers training materials that can help you prepare for the exam, as do other providers such as companies and community colleges. Courses range from free online tutorials to weeks-long instructor-led classes.

Cisco offers two other certifications in addition to CCNA. The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) is another entry-level position. Holders of this credential can demonstrate onsite support and maintenance of Cisco products. After the CCNA, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is the next level of certification. Cisco offers CCNP specializations such as security and data center core technologies.

A CCNA is a reputable certification, but it’s not right for everyone. Earning a CCNA can be a great first step in a successful career in IT. It’s a foundational certification that can expand your professional opportunities and bolster your resume. Jobs in IT are plentiful and pay well, and there’s often room for advancement.

If you choose to not take the CCNA test, you’ll save time and money. But you also may miss out on a chance to brush up on your fundamentals and earn a credential that could potentially help you in the future.

If you do take a CCNA exam, you can opt to self-study. This may be a good approach if you’re self-directed, highly disciplined and prefer working alone. Instructor-led courses, online or in-person, are another option if you prefer the accountability and structure of classroom instruction.

Remember that CCNA is specific to Cisco products. Other certification options exist, like CompTIA Network+, which provides a more foundational level of knowledge. If you don’t work with Cisco products and don’t plan to, you might want to consider other options.

You may consider not taking a CCNA certification course if you don’t necessarily need it to pass the test. If you’re an established professional who wants to get a CCNA, you might fare alright on the test without taking a prep course. It may be a gamble, but the $300 test cost alone is less expensive than adding the price of a CCNA certification course.