The CCNA modified my everyday living. This isn’t exaggeration or hyperbole. It began once again in 2001, appropriate right here in Ottawa, copyright. I used to be instructing highschool Computer system science (Noticeable Elementary!) and net layout (Macromedia!) when Cisco Networking Academy approached our school board to find out if we is likely to be concerned about getting to be a member in their fledgling plan.
I understood absolutely nothing about networking then, even so the people today at Cisco Networking Academy defined that they may ship me to classes to become taught and get paid something generally known as the CCNA. Minimal did I do know that this perseverance would start out an unbelievable journey with Cisco.
Cisco 2500 series router
Cisco 2500 Assortment Router*
I was despatched again to high school to find out how routers and switches operate, the way in which to terminate Ethernet cables, how to subnet, and what ISDN and Entire body Relay were utilized for. To prepare for CCNA certification, I master Cisco Press publications, reviewed the Networking Academy’s CCNA articles product, took apply exams, and created labs on 2501 routers and 1924 switches the varsity experienced purchased. (No, Packet Tracer wasn’t round once again then!)
I eventually took the CCNA assessment in 2002. I used to be anxious, nevertheless I felt capable to aim my luck. Like loads of you beginning your CCNA journey, this was my first time using a certification assessment.
The examination had a great number of inquiries to reply in such a quick length of time—numerous-selection, lab simulations, drag-and-drops—it experienced all of it. And there was no yet again button! Just after I lastly clicked “Finish Examination” and seen the “Congratulations” concept, I utilized to be amazed, thrilled, and so very pleased.
Passing the CCNA and the Networking Academy teacher coaching meant I would increase to get a Cisco Accredited Academy Trainer (CCAI), entitled to get started on out instructing my highschool college students about Cisco networking. This was implies larger than instructing them Seen Elementary!
That just one resolve again in 2001 opened so many doorways for me. Numerous many years later on, I grew to become a Cisco Certified Packages Instructor (CCSI) certified to supply CCNA and CCNP coaching that has a Cisco Researching Affiliate.
About the former handful of years, I’ve offered at many Cisco conferences and accomplished Distinguished Speaker standing all through numerous Cisco Reside events in https://dailyhealthinsight.com/ Melbourne, Amsterdam, and Las Vegas.
I’m now a Cisco Press writer, I’ve assisted create Cisco training course material content like Employing Cisco Business Outstanding Routing and Companies (ENARSI) and Employing Cisco SD-WAN Alternatives (ENSDWI), and I perform for Cisco as an teacher and lead content material material advocate in Studying & Certifications.
I by no means may have predicted the influence that decision in 2001 would've on my long run, on the other hand I do recognize that I’m not on your own. Numerous Other individuals have expert the power of a Cisco certification, Using the CCNA standing the Verify of time since its start bigger than twenty years in past times.
This delivers us to The latest iteration of this foundational networking certification: the 200-301 CCNA v1.1 assessment swap. It’s heading to arrive on August 20, 2024, marking the primary change to the assessment in four several years.