In this chapter, we will take a look at the CCNA exam itself, why it’s valuable, and how you should go about studying for it. If you are interested enough in the CCNA to buy a book about it, chances are you already have a basic idea about what the CCNA is. You also certainly have your own reasons for wanting to study for the CCNA. However, I hope this chapter helps clarify some doubts you may have and encourages you to continue down the path to achieving the CCNA certification.
1.1 What is the CCNA?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an entry-level networking certification by Cisco Systems, and it is also the name of the exam you have to pass to become CCNA certified. The CCNA exam tests a candidate on various aspects of networking, such as IP addressing, wired and wireless network connections, routing and switching packets across a network, network services, security fundamentals, network automation, and many more. The various topics of the CCNA exam are organized into six logical domains.
1.1.1 The six domains of the CCNA exam
- 1.0 Network Fundamentals—20%
- 2.0 Network Access—20%
- 3.0 IP Connectivity—25%
- 4.0 IP Services—10%
- 5.0 Security Fundamentals—15%
- 6.0 Automation and Programmability—10%