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Cisco CCNA Testing Center
In order to do their best,
candidates should know what to expect at the testing center for the Cisco CCNA certification exam. Since testing center guidelines may vary from one
center to another, we recommend that the candidates call the local testing
center to check about the guidelines. Here are some points providing
information on what you can expect at the exam center and exam
descriptions.
Associate Certifications is the 2nd
of 4 levels of CISCO certs. This level divides all CISCO certifications
into separate subject matter paths.
(CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and
troubleshoot medium-size enterprise level router and switched networks.
This includes design implementation and verification of connections to
remote sites in a WAN. New CCNA training includes basic mitigation of
security threats, introduction to wireless networking and Voice.
The CCNA certification is earned upon passing the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2
640-816 exams. Examinees may take the exams separately or the single
640-802 CCNA composite exam.
These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of USD$125
each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and, effective 06-23-2008, USD$250 for
the composite CCNA exam.
CCNA Paths
At the CCNA level, CCNA certified individuals will specialize in specific
technologies. All specialized tracks require an individual to pass and
maintain a CCNA certification.
CCNA Security
CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and
vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation. Skills include
installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to
maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices
and develops competency in "Cisco IOS Network Security"
This certification is earned by passing the IINS 640-553 (Implementing
Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam. The price of the exam is
USD$250.
CCNA Voice
The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized
job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator,
voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves
implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It 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.
The CCNA Voice certification is earned by passing the 640-460 IUC
(Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications) or 642-436 CVOICE (Cisco
Voice Over IP) exams.
CCNA Wireless
The CCNA Wireless certification validates the knowledge of professionals
supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators,
Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless
certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking
Essentials.
The CCNA Wireless Certification validates
candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of
wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students
completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information
and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and
troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise
networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills
needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise
networks after completing certification.
The CCNA Wireless certification is earned by passing the 640-721 IUWNE
(Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials) exam.
Cisco Certified Entry Networking
Technician
The lowest level of Cisco's certification is CCENT (Cisco Certified
Entry Networking Technician). CCENT covers basic networking knowledge. It
is appropriate for entry-level network support positions. CCENT certified
people can install, manage, maintain & troubleshoot a small enterprise
network, including basic network security. CCENT is the first step towards
a CCNA certification.
The CCENT certification is earned upon passing the Interconnecting Cisco
Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) Exam(640-822 ICND1).
Registering
for the Examination
The CCNA exam is conducted online by
Pearson VUE and Thomson Prometric.
Pearson VUE
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Pearson VUE provides innovative
electronic testing solutions that enhance the performance, reliability
and security of high-stakes testing programs throughout the world.
Pearson VUE is the computer-based testing business of Pearson, the
international media company. The link for Cisco certification is
http://www.vue.com/cisco/
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Individuals can use exam certificates
(vouchers) to pay for IT certification exams. CCNA test vouchers can
also be purchased by testing centers, corporations, academic
institutions and other organizations. These vouchers can be
electronically purchased or can be ordered from a store near you place.
Look up the website of Pearson VUE to find out more information.
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Vouchers are non-refundable and
non-returnable and expire within 12 months. It can be used via the Web,
testing center or Pearson VUE call center.
Thomson Prometric
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Thomson Prometric provides a fully
integrated testing system for corporations. It has clients with the
government, academic and professional Associations. The link to the site
is
http://securereg3.prometric.com/
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Prepaid certificates called CCNA test
vouchers are available for test partners, corporations, schools and
government agencies. These vouchers can be purchased electronically or
through the regional voucher sales and service team. Look up the website
for more information.
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Minimum vouchers per order are three
and the vouchers are non-refundable and non-returnable. The expiry date
is provided and printed on the voucher at the time of purchase. Vouchers
must be redeemed at prometric client and testing programs only.
Jobs and Salaries
The typical work
day for this job is checking error and performance logs of the network,
building new server for applications to be deployed, troubleshooting the
network (bandwidth and remote connectivity issues). As for the salary
there are many online surveys for CCNA Cisco certification. The average
salary presently is around US $47,173. The openings in network
administration are quite a few. The most common job titles for CCNA being
Network (support) engineer, Systems administrator, Senior network
engineer, Network operations, Consulting systems engineer, Systems
engineer, Network Trainer, Network Management (supervisory), IT engineer.
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Re-certification: If you have taken a Cisco CCNA
certification exam before, find out your Cisco ID and specify it before
you start with your registration. This will ensure that you get proper
credit for the exam and will help avoid any duplicate records.
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Reach before time: We strongly suggest reaching the test
center before time. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the
appointment.
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Sign the logbook: You may be asked to sign-in the logbook
upon arrival as well as upon departure. Do check on this.
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You must carry your identification: You will be required to
show a valid identification (ID), perhaps including a recent,
recognizable photograph. If the supervisor questions your ID, you may be
required to show another ID. You should check the testing center
guidelines on identification and take all supplemental identification
documents with you.
Generally Accepted Identification:
The following MAY not be accepted as valid ID:
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Read the testing center regulation form carefully: You will
be provided with a Testing Center Regulation form by the supervisor.
Read the regulations carefully and comply with them during the test.
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Sign the confidentiality statement: The supervisor is
responsible for asking you to sign the confidentially statement at the
test center indicating that you will not reveal exam questions to other
students after the test.
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Supervisor sets up your test computer: The supervisor will
ensure that the Cisco certification test displays on screen before
handing over the machine to you.
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Ask for sheets for scratch work: Scratch papers will be
provided to you at the testing center. These are sometimes only
available on request. Ask for some blank scratch sheets to do
calculations and rough work. Jot down important points and tables (such
as powers of 2, binary representation tables etc) before exam starts.
This can be a big time saver. Do not take the scratch paper out of the
testing room on completion of exam.
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Items not allowed in the testing room: The candidate is not
allowed to bring in the testing room personal items such as:
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Your session may be audio and video taped: Do not attempt to
talk or communicate in any form to anybody in the testing room. Your
session may be taped and can lead to immediate disqualification .
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On exam completion: You will be explained by the supervisor
what to do when you complete the exam. If not, or if you are unclear
about what you should do, ask it yourself before beginning the exam.
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Do not take with you the the testing material from the testing
room: Return all of your testing materials, including the scrap
paper, on the completion of your exam to the supervisor.
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Certified copy of the exam result: Your supervisor will give
you a certified copy of the exam report on completion of the test. This
will list your score indicating strengths and weaknesses in the various
test areas. Ask the supervisor for the certified copy, if you do not get
it.
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