Difference between CCENT & CCNA Training

For Cisco professionals, the past year was dedicated to revisions and a revamped course structure. With such modifications came a lot of confusion and chaos. Koenig Solutions offers both these courses and for all those still trying to demystify the Cisco certification path, here's what you need to know.

CCNA has been transformed from an all inclusive associate level certification to a specialization based exam. That is, now you will have CCNA - Routing & Switching, CCNA - Voice, CCNA - Wireless and CCNA - Security. Now your next question must be: Then what is CCENT? CCENT is the stepping stone to CCNA certification. Let's elaborate it further.

CCENT provides the foundation and an entry level beginning into the networking field. It prepares you for the next level Cisco certification - CCNA (Routing & Switching) which is considered a valuable core competency in the industry. While CCENT also establishes your knowledge of network devices and their configuration, it is recommended that you achieve CCNA Training credential to progress higher in your IT networking career.

Why CCENT?  

You must be thinking, then why CCENT? Well, that is because with this certification you're halfway there. The exam to clear CCENT is ICND-1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1) and for CCNA (R&S), you need to pass the ICND-2 exam. Simply put, CCENT is the first step on your path to become CCNA R&S certified. Essentially, you also have the option of taking both these exams combined so that you directly achieve the associate level since both are parts of the same learning pyramid.

What if I want to bypass CCENT?

If you have experience and knowledge of working with Cisco devices, you can bypass CCENT because chances are, you yourself have crossed the beginners stage. However, if you are new to this field and want to start afresh, taking the ICND-1 exam makes more sense. After all, it a preparatory exam to obtain your CCNA status. Good Luck!