The New CCNAs
The network landscape as we know it today is evolving dramatically, and demand for individuals with knowledge to plan, build, and run sophisticated converged networks has outpaced the IT talent supply worldwide. Companies need a workforce of highly skilled professionals competent in the technologies upon which the network infrastructure is built.
On June 24, 2008, Cisco introduced the CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Wireless concentrations–the smart way for individuals to establish a deeper level of expertise in these three important areas of network technology administration.
Built upon Cisco’s most popular career certification—CCNA—these new concentrations are relevant, role-based, and designed with the growing knowledge requirements of IT professionals and organizations in mind. These highly specialized associate-level concentrations represent areas of rapid development in technology convergence that reflect today’s sophisticated network environment. They will also soon be required prerequisites for professional-level credentials in security (CCSP), voice (CCVP), and wireless.
IT professionals wishing to broaden or specialize their skills to further differentiate themselves in the marketplace will find these concentrations a valuable addition to their knowledge arsenal.
According to the recent Forrester Consulting study conducted on behalf of Cisco, there is a pervasive need for stronger networking skills across multiple functional areas within IT organizations now and in the future:
- Dedicated security roles are expected to exist in 80% of the companies studied within five years, while today only 46% of the surveyed companies have such a role.
- Of the IT managers surveyed, 69% expect to have a dedicated voice specialist role within their IT organization within five years; only 40% of respondents have them today.
- One-third of the global companies surveyed currently have a dedicated wireless role, a figure expected to double to 66% over the next five years.
Companies need a workforce of highly skilled professionals competent in the technologies that drive network infrastructure and with the knowledge and tools to be productive. To meet this challenge, Cisco is introducing a revolutionary enhancement to its award winning career certification program that will provide current and future networking professionals with a lifecycle of learning blueprint for career advancement.
Introducing CCNA Security, CCNA Wireless and CCNA Voice concentrations from Cisco, the smart way for individuals to gain expertise in Cisco network technologies. CCNA concentrations are relevant, role based certifications designed with today’s IT professional in mind. Designed to build upon Cisco’s most popular career certification CCNA, these highly specialized; associate level concentrations offer individuals a career stepping stone in the converged technologies that make up today’s sophisticated network. In addition, IT professionals wishing to broaden or add specialized skills to their technology expertise while differentiating themselves in the marketplace will find these specializations a valuable addition.
Specialized Training, Unlimited Opportunity
While Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) remains the certification of choice for individuals who want to demonstrate their solid foundation in core routing and switching skills, the new CCNA Wireless, CCNA Voice and CCNA Security certifications build on core CCNA skills and provide a clear path for individuals to prepare for a specialized job role in wireless, security or voice technologies. In addition, these new CCNA
concentrations represent the first step for individuals interested in a career in Voice, Security, and Wireless technologies and serve as prerequisites for Cisco professional level certifications including CCVP and CCSP.
CCNA Voice validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP
PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail
solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified
Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence,
and TelePresence applications.
CCNA Security validates a candidate’s skills including troubleshooting
and monitoring of Cisco network devices to maintain integrity,
confidentiality and availability of data.
CCNA Wireless validates candidate’s skills in the configuration,
implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those
networks using Cisco equipment.
These new CCNA concentrations provide a stepping stone for individuals who want to enhance their skill set and prepare for new roles managing converged networks
The Value of CCNA Concentrations
CCNA concentrations enable individuals to distinguish themselves in the highly competitive world of IT networking. These better-prepared employees can help employers reduce business risk, improve productivity, and maximize technology investments. Find out more today at need www.cisco.com/learnnetspace.com