Cisco certifications are well respected throughout the industry, and your potential employer will appreciate the skill and knowledge necessary to achieve the certification. The skills necessary to pass CCNA are transferable to other technologies. However, many other postings specify their preference net+ certification for a foundational networking certificate, and list CCNA as one of several options (often alongside the vendor-neutral CompTIA A+). CCNA requires you to have a good knowledge of fundamental networking topics such as the role of different network components, access, connectivity and security.
It is easy to make the case for either certification being more practical. There are real-world use cases where one might apply better than the other. Cisco’s CCNA certification focuses on familiarizing yourself with Cisco products and procedures. They are, therefore, not vendor-neutral and not suited to all applications.
What are the requirements for obtaining CCNA and Network+ certifications?
When comparing Network+ and CCNA, it’s important to consider the scope and depth of the certifications. Network+ provides a broader overview of networking concepts, while CCNA delves deeper into Cisco technologies. Network+ is vendor-neutral, which covers networking concepts applicable to various vendors’ equipment. In contrast, CCNA is vendor-specific and focuses solely on Cisco technologies.
Here are 4 reasons CompTIA Network+ is the first step for IT pros looking to advance their infrastructure careers. At StationX, we provide a range of Essential IT courses that cover fundamental knowledge in various IT domains, including hardware, software, databases, and security concepts. We also cover more advanced topics and preparation courses to help you prepare for the CCNA and Network+ exams.
What is the CCNA certification?
For example, you might be asked to drag and drop security hardware components into their correct positions within a network map. To earn your CompTIA Security+ accreditation, you’ll need to pass a 90-minute exam. According to CompTIA, you can expect the test to consist of “no more than 90 questions”. CCNA and CompTIA Security+ are both widely-recognized and sought-after certifications, suitable for entry and junior-level students. The Network+ performance-based questions may appear to be more difficult, but they are easier than the CCNA PBQs since the Network+ PBQs are broader in nature. The CompTIA Network+ exam is vendor-neutral and is not confining to particular commands.
Both certifications cover essential networking concepts and technologies, but there are some differences in terms of depth and scope. CCNA, on the other hand, opens doors to more advanced networking roles, such as network engineer, network administrator, or network security specialist. It is highly regarded in the industry and holds significant value among employers. With CCNA certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in Cisco technologies and increase their chances of landing rewarding networking positions.
