Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).

The CCNA can be used as a starting point for higher level certifications, such as the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional). It is a prerequisite for each of these certifications.

The CCNA a two exam path (INTRO and ICND) was added as an alternative to the one exam path (CCNA). The CCNA is valid for three years. "To recertify, pass the current exam or any new exam at the Professional or Cisco Qualified Specialist level bearing the prefix 642."

Job roles of those pursuing this certification generally include: systems administrator and network administrator.