CCENT vs CCNA: Which Cisco Certification Should You Choose?

The CCENT vs CCNA debate has been discussed for years, with both certifications offering foundational knowledge in networking. However, as the industry evolves and the CCENT certification is no longer available, the question remains: Should I pursue CCNA directly or consider the now-retired CCENT first? In this guide, we will break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each certification to help you make the most informed decision about your networking career.

About the CCNA

About the CCNA

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the most respected and sought-after certifications in the IT industry, particularly for those pursuing a career in networking. Issued by Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity technologies, the CCNA certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks.

CCNA exam content

The CCNA exam covers a broad range of networking topics. The 6 domains tested include:

• Network Fundamentals: Understanding IP addressing, subnetting, and networking protocols.
• Network Access: Configuring and troubleshooting Ethernet LANs, switches, and wireless networks.
• IP Connectivity: Routing and configuring IP networks, including static and dynamic routing.
• Security Fundamentals: Basic network security principles, including firewalls and VPNs.
• IP Services: DHCP, DNS, and other essential network services.
• Automation and Programmability: Introduction to network automation using tools like Python and Ansible.

These topics ensure that certified professionals are well-prepared to handle the demands of modern networking environments.

CCNA exam format

The CCNA exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Here’s a breakdown of the exam format:

• Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA
• Exam Duration: 120 minutes
• Question Types:
  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Simulations
  • Drag-and-drop exercises
• Passing Score: 825 out of 1000.
• Delivery: At Pearson VUE test centers or online.
• Prerequisites: None (but prior experience is strongly recommended)

To prepare effectively for the CCNA exam, practicing with real exam-style questions is essential. You can test your knowledge and identify weak areas using our free CCNA practice test designed to reflect the actual exam format!

CCNA career relevance

The CCNA certification opens up a wide range of career opportunities in networking, including:

• Network Administrator
• Network Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• Technical Support Engineer
• Field Service Technician

It is highly valued in the IT industry and is often required for mid-level networking roles. CCNA provides a solid foundation for career growth, with higher earning potential and opportunities for advancement to CCNP and CCIE certifications.

About the CCENT

About the CCENT

The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification was an entry-level credential offered by Cisco Systems, designed to provide fundamental networking knowledge.

CCENT exam content

The CCENT exam tested knowledge across several key domains. Here are the detailed exam content areas:

• Network Fundamentals: Understanding basic networking concepts, devices, and IP addressing.
• LAN Switching Technologies: Configuring and verifying basic LAN switching.
• Routing Fundamentals: Understanding and configuring basic routing, including IP routing and routing protocols.
• Infrastructure Services: Understanding DNS, DHCP, and other networking services.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Troubleshooting and maintaining network components.

CCENT exam format

The CCENT exam was structured to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, featuring the following:

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Question Types:
  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Simulation-based scenarios
  • Drag-and-drop exercises
• Passing Score: 804 out of 1000.

CCENT career relevance

The CCENT certification served as a stepping stone for those looking to enter the networking field, especially for entry-level roles such as:

• Network technician
• IT support specialist
• Field support technician

CCENT vs CCNA differences

If you’re deciding between CCENT vs CCNA, it’s essential to understand the key differences that will impact your networking career. While both are Cisco certifications, they target different skill levels and career paths. Here’s a quick comparison to help you make the right choice based on your goals.

Should I choose CCENT or CCNA?

If you’re just starting your career in networking, you might be wondering whether it’s worth it to pursue CCENT or CCNA. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each option:

When to choose CCNA

• You want to go for a more comprehensive certification that covers advanced topics.
• You’re aiming for network administration or engineering roles, which require more knowledge and expertise.
• You don’t want to waste time on a retired certification that may not add much value in the long term.

When to choose CCENT

• If you’re brand new to the field and prefer starting with more basic content.
• If you’re looking for affordable training options before committing to the full CCNA.
• If you’re currently preparing for a career in a non-networking-related tech role (CCENT used to offer a lower barrier to entry before CCNA).

However, with CCENT’s retirement, the path to becoming a networking professional should ideally be through CCNA, which is widely recognized and offers better career growth.

FAQs

1. Should I get CCENT before CCNA?

No, CCENT is no longer recommended as the first step. CCNA now covers all the necessary foundational knowledge and more. If you are starting your journey into networking, go for CCNA directly.

2. Which is harder, CCENT or CCNA?

CCNA is definitely more challenging than CCENT. While CCENT focused on basic networking skills, CCNA delves deeper into networking concepts like security, automation, routing, and switching, requiring more in-depth knowledge and experience.

Final thoughts

Choosing between CCENT vs CCNA might seem difficult, but given the retirement of CCENT and the evolving demands of the networking field, CCNA is the obvious choice. It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the skills and technologies needed in today’s job market. By pursuing CCNA, you’ll be on the path to a more rewarding and sustainable career in networking. If you are still unsure, many learning paths now offer CCNA training for beginners, so you can start from scratch and build your knowledge efficiently.