Course spotlight — Cisco CCNA: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions
Achieve your Cisco CCNA 200-301 in less than one week, no IT background needed.
Named after the company's first location in 'Cisco,' short for San Francisco, Cisco Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984 by two Stanford University Computer Scientists who pioneered the concept of a local area network (LAN) used to connect distant computers over a multiprotocol router system.
Cisco develop Networking certifications for all levels, from entry to expert, across specialisms such as CyberOps, Enterprise, Security, DevNet, and more. Cisco Certified Network Associate, also known as CCNA, is one of our most sought-after courses at Firebrand.
Who is CCNA for? Should you invest in this certification? Let's take a look.
What is the CCNA course?
If you're familiar with IT certifications, you've probably heard of Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching.
In 2020, Cisco retired all existing CCDA and CCNA certifications, including Routing and Switching, and replaced them with the new CCNA certification discussed here, CCNA—Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions.
This latest version of CCNA helps you develop the skills you need to manage and optimise Cisco's most advanced networks and equipment. The course covers Networking technologies, Security essentials, Automation, Programmability, and more; it also teaches you to navigate network access, IP connectivity, and IP services, enabling your business to be more flexible and scalable.
At Firebrand, we are proud to be an official Cisco Learning Specialised Partner: our courses are taught by certified Cisco instructors and use the latest official curriculum.
With Firebrand, you can achieve your CCNA in less than one week.
Who is CCNA for?
Cisco CCNA is an excellent course for those who would like to start or advance their careers in Networking.
There are no formal prerequisites to take this course. You don't need to have an IT background to take this course; you just need to understand fundamental notions about PC operating systems. Prior experience with Cisco can be beneficial, but is not required. CCNA is suitable for beginners.
There are no age restrictions other than you have to be at least 18 to take the exam. There is no upper age limit. Cisco systems are used across all industries and countries and the CCNA covers essential information to use them. It's never too late to learn!
Cisco CCNA is ideal for those working as Network Engineers, Network Administrators, Network Support Technicians, Help Desk Technicians, and similar jobs, from entry-level upwards.
At Firebrand, you can use Cisco Learning Credits (CLCs) to fund this course.
CCNA is an ideal follow-up to CompTIA Network+
How long does CCNA take?
At Firebrand, we specialise in accelerated courses. This course takes only 6 days, including the exam.
Where is the course delivered?
You can take this course in London as well as at our distraction-free training facilities in the UK (close to Cambridge), Germany, and the Netherlands. Accommodations and meals are included for all our residential courses.
If you'd prefer an online CCNA course, we also offer online live, instructor-led training. Nothing is prerecorded!
What will you learn?
As of August 2024, the latest version of the Cisco CCNA certification is v1.1, based on exam number 200-301. This course has a complex curriculum and many labs.
The new CCNA syllabus includes:
- Routing, switching and wireless fundamentals
- IPv4 and IPv6 configuration and troubleshooting
- Static routing and OSPF
- VLANs, trunks, and inter-VLAN routing
- ACLs, NAT, and QoS
- WAN and VPN essentials
- Network security and admin access control
- Cisco device management and system monitoring
- Network automation, AI and ML introduction
- Network automation, AI and ML introduction
and many more interesting topics.
Does this course include an exam?
Yes. At Firebrand, the CCNA exam cost is included in the course fees.
As part of our accelerated course, you can sit the official Cisco Certified Network Associate v2.0 exam (CCNA 200-301) at the Firebrand Training Centre and return to work certified.
If you choose to take the course online, you can take the exam online as well, through Pearson VUE's proctored testing service, OnVUE.
CCNA 200-301 has replaced the Cisco CCNA 640-607 exam.
What’s the CCNA exam like? Is it difficult?
The CCNA certification exam is moderately difficult. You need to answer 100-120 CCNA exam questions in 2 hours, which means you'll not only have to know the material but practice good time management as well.
The thorough exam format takes you through Network fundamentals, IP services, Security fundamentals, and Automation topics. The passing grade is roughly 82.5%.
We're often asked whether the CCNA certification is 'easy to crack.' It all depends on your commitment and attitude on the course. If you pay attention, go through all the labs, carefully memorise the material, and engage with your instructor to ensure you've understood the CCNA exam requirements, you have a good chance of passing.
At Firebrand, we use our time-tested method, Lecture | Lab | Review, which helps students retain information faster. Depending on the study mode you choose, you can achieve your CCNA in 5 or 6 days, including the exam. Our instructors are experts in their field with decades of real-world experience using Cisco; they are an invaluable resource as you prepare for your exam.
In fact, we're so confident you'll pass your exam the first time that we're allowing you to take the course again for free for up to one year, paying just for the exam, accommodations, and incidentals. This is the Firebrand Certification Guarantee.
Interested?
See the course spec and register.
Become CCNA-certified with Firebrand
For the past 14 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.
We specialise in accelerated courses that help you become competent, confident, and certified fast.
Could one of them be right for you, or your team?