Northern Virginia Technology

Improve or jumpstart a network administration career by obtaining the Cisco CCNA certification. Networking specialists who hold this certification are frequently sought out by employers. In fact, simply holding this certification can increase a network administrator’s pay by several thousand dollars.

The average wage for a network administrator in the United States was $66,310 in 2008, but pay can increase with additional certifications and training. Small businesses, large businesses and government organizations employ network administrators to design, install, implement and maintain their computer networks. Since these networks are essential to business productivity, network administrators have a serious responsibility within the company.

Although many current network administrators may not currently hold the CCNA certification, most new network administration job candidates will need this certification in order to qualify for a network administrator position. This certification proves to potential employers that the candidate has a deep understanding of network topography, protocols, security and other essential networking concepts.

The CCNA certification examination lasts 90 minutes and is comprised of 45 to 55 questions. These questions test the taker’s knowledge of network installation, configuration, operation, security and troubleshooting. Included on the test are questions about WANs, LANs, VLANs, TCIP/IP, EIGRP, Ethernet, IP addressing, routers, switches, terminology, and wireless concepts. Once obtained, the certification lasts three years. A similar test must be passed before the expiration date can be extended.

Since the certification can be expensive to obtain, training and studying before the exam is essential. Even current network administrators may need to brush up on certain topics in order to pass the examination. Although training is usually available from colleges and other Cisco Learning Partners, online training for the Cisco CCNA certification is the most convenient method of training available.

CCNA online training enables people who would otherwise be unable to participate in training prepare for the CCNA examination. People who live far away from training centers or who have busy schedules benefit from the flexibility of training online. Network administrators and other IT professionals are usually required to be on call in case of job-related emergencies, making an online CCNA training program especially valuable for busy professionals who are already in or are transferring to the network administration field.

Another benefit that students derive from online CCNA training programs is the ability to learn at their own pace. Trainees can linger on complex topics and study a subject in depth without falling behind in a fast-paced brick-and-mortar training class. Since each lesson taught in a CCNA training program needs to be thoroughly understood before the student progresses in the material, online CCNA training programs offer new or unfamiliar students with a distinct advantage.

Similarly, experienced and knowledgeable students can move through an online CCNA training program faster than they could progress in a different training environment, since they will not have to wait for scheduled class times or for slower students to catch up.

Online training for the CCNA certification can save time and even money over traditional training programs. Experienced computer network administrations and new job applicants alike can benefit from the numerous advantages of online training.