“The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. This new curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs)”

You can take one exam (640-802 CCNA) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions.
-OR-
You can take two exams, The ICND Part I test (640-822) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions as well as ICND Part II Test (640-816) that is 75 minutes and 45-55 questions.

I recommend taking the single test to save money and time. There is also a great preparation page located here: http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main

After you decide you want to take the test, there are a few steps people can take to ensure you follow through. The biggest hurdle for the CCNA exam is execution of taking and passing the exam, so these steps help ensure your success:

1. Commit to the exam and get the support of your family and friends.
2. Set a date for taking the test!!!
3. Create a study plan around that date with set milestones that allow you to cover all the material by your test date.
4. Use one solid study guide source (like an updated Cisco Press Book) to use and reference other sources when needed. There are so many sources out there, that you can easily get rat holed with deeper and deeper material. Using one will you help you stay on track and test your knowledge.
5. Make sure your material is for the updated CCNA test. There were previous versions.
6. Use some kind of practice test to gauge your progress.
7. Find some way to practice basic commands on gear (checking connectivity, cdp, nat, etc..things you see mentioned to ensure you can do them if you are given a hands on simulation.)
8. Make sure you are FAST at subnetting by hand. There are several quick and easy tables you can use to work on this and it just takes practice to get it down.
9. Look for a study group or buddy to go through this process with. It makes it easier.

I think those are some good guide lines to get started.

The global community of Cisco-certified professionals numbers just over 1 million professionals, with 20,000 of those being Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE-certified). Expert certification level includes 5 different CCIE certifcations, plus CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert).

Entry Level Certifications

CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking.

Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security.

CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

Associate Level Certifications

The first step in general Cisco Career Certifications begins either with CCENT as an interim step to Associate level, or directly with CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) for network operations or CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) for network design.

In June 2008, three new CCNA certifications were launched to address market demand for skills in the area of voice, wireless and security. CCNA is a prerequisite to a three of these exciting paths into networking. Think of the Associate level as the apprentice or foundation level of networking certification.

>> CCNA Security CCNA Voice CCNA Wireless

Professional Level

The profesional level in general Cisco Career Certifications such as [Cisco Certified Networking Professional CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional), CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), CCDP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional), and CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional), each fall within a different career paths (or tracks) for meeting varying employment needs. Think of this level as the advanced, or journeyman, level of certification that shows expertise with networking foundations.

Expert Level Certifications

This is the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master in IT. For over ten years, CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert), has identified networking professionals with the highest level of expertise. Less than three percent of all Cisco certified professionals earn their CCIE.

The CCIE certification has 5 areas of focus including:

* Routing and Switching
* Security
* Service Provider
* Storage Networking
* Voice

Cisco Press recently released the second edition of the CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, by Wendell Odom, CCIE, for test preparation. We interviewed Odom, who has taught Cisco courses for the past 14 years, to help you understand the certification process and the importance of CCNA to value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators (SIs), managed service providers (MSPs) and other channel partners.

Does having CCNA certification affect the job market for channel partners and resellers?

Odom: There are a lot of available jobs for networking engineers when it comes to working for channel partners. Somewhere around 95% of Cisco products are sold through resellers. For Cisco to be confident that the companies doing that have the right skill set, they require a certain number of certified individuals with certain certifications. CCNA is part of that whole channel partner culture. If I wanted to be hired by a channel partner as a technologist, I would want to go to that channel partner with at least a CCNA in hand and say, “I’ve got CCNA, I think I’ve got potential, hire me and help me work towards my next certification, and I’ll help you towards the number of people you have certified.” Based on the numbers of certified individuals, channel partners that meet all of Cisco’s certification numbers requirements can get deeper discounts on the products, so they make more when they sell the products.

You said Cisco works with many channel partners with CCNA certification. Who needs it most: VARs, SIs or MSPs?

Odom: I’d say all three. If you look at Cisco partner structure, channel partners are product-focused, but almost all are service-focused too. Some companies are just professional services and team up with resellers. All of those formal relationships with Cisco require some number of certified individuals. So you and I could start a company and ignore Cisco and their contracts, which is perfectly fine. But if you want to sell Cisco, you have to sign a contract and have so many certified individuals. Across the partner ecosystem with Cisco, there are a certain number. They actually do annual audits to find out how many people in [their partner companies] are Cisco-certified, just to make sure you’re at the required number.

What do you think is the best way to prepare for the CCNA exam?

Odom: It’s up to the test taker to some degree. For some people, the complete self-study route is completely reasonable. My book would be a tool you can use in self-study. For some others, a combination with a class might help prepare better. A lot of people call their classes “CCNA boot camps,” meaning you stay in class and work hard and you’ll be able to pass the test at the end of the week. For the more advanced certifications [such as professional certifications and expert certifications], more people would need to take a class.

The first and most obvious study route is to buy a book that has all the stuff you need to pass. Mine would fall under that category. These books don’t just explain technology but also give you tools to help you get ready for the test, such as test questions on a CD or some tips explaining not just how the technology works but how to drill into it, how to approach it from five different angles. You can also buy a lab simulator — software that acts like a simulator so you can get more hands-on skills. For a couple hundred bucks, a lot of used gear companies will sell you Cisco routers and switches that you can buy and set up in your home and practice to your heart’s content.

There’s always the CCNA Video Mentor from Cisco Press. It’s essentially the desktop of my computer with me talking and I show a PowerPoint animation of what I’m going to do. Then I turn around and configure some routers and switches. It’s sort of a hybrid of class and self-study project, where it’s like being in class with Wendell talking, but it’s three to four hours of material instead of the 28 hours or so that you would get in a week-long class.

Author Introduction: My name is Peter King and I have written several exams for Cisco in the past and am interested in becoming an author for certay and its clients. I have 10 years real world experience in the IT technology field. I have get the following certification:Cisco: CCIE R&S, CCNP, CCSP, CCNA, Microsoft: MCSE+I, MCT. I just want to share my experience with you together.

According to a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco Systems, there is a
pervasive need for networking skills throughout multiple functions of current and future IT organizations.

One-third of the global companies surveyed currently have a dedicated wireless role. Over the next five years, the
presence of a dedicated wireless role is expected to be found in 66% of the IT organizations surveyed.
Dedicated security roles are expected to exist in 80% of the companies studied within five years, while today a
dedicated security role was found in only 46% of the companies surveyed.
65% of the IT managers surveyed expect to have a dedicated voice specialist role in their IT organization within five
years, while only 40% of respondents have them today.

To meet this challenge, Cisco is introducing CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Wireless; role based, technology
specific concentrations that provide current and future networking professionals a learning path for career
advancement.

When were the new CCNA concentrations introduced?

Cisco introduced the new CCNA concentrations globally on June 24, 2008. Both CCNA Voice and CCNA Security
exams and courses are available at this time. CCNA Wireless exams and courses will be made available on July 25,
2008.

CCNA Wireless
CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate’s skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless
LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are
provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for, configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic
tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills
needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.

CCNA Wireless Exams and Recommended Training

Prerequisite Required Exams Recommended Courses Notes
CCNA 640-721 IUWNE
Implementing Cisco Unified
Wireless Networking Essentials
(IUWNE v1.0)
5-day instructor-led training
(ILT) course

Do customers have to complete the CCNA certification each time they take a different CCNA concentration?

No. The CCNA certification only needs to be passed one time in order to move on to each of the new CCNA
concentrations.

Where can a customer take the recommended training for the new CCNA Concentrations?

Training for the new CCNA concentrations is available through Cisco Learning Partners and Cisco Learning Solutions
Partners.

Are the new CCNA concentration courses available through the Network Academy or Cisco Press?

At this time courses –Instructor-led training courses are only available through Cisco Learning Partners, however Cisco
Press will also have corresponding products for each of the CCNA Concentrations available in the very near future. In
addition to their best selling exam certification guides, Cisco Press will offer digital quick reference guides and other
online materials to aide in preparation for the CCNA Concentrations.

What type of jobs are available for individuals who pass one of the new CCNA concentrations?

The following job roles are identified for individuals who pass their respective CCNA concentration:

Job Roles Available for individuals who obtain a CCNA Wireless Certification
Network Administrators
Wireless Technicians, Support Technicians
Security engineers focused on wireless networks
Security engineers focused on wireless networks
WLAN project managers
Wireless Support Specialists

How do these new concentrations affect Cisco’s Professional and Expert level certifications?

Passing the new CCNA Concentrations will serve as the prerequisites to an individual’s corresponding Cisco
professional level certification (CCSP, CCVP etc). However, the CCNA certification will continue to be the prerequisite
to CCNP.

Where can interested students find more information about the new CCNA Concentrations?

In addition to the current Cisco Career Certification web site, Cisco is featuring the new CCNA concentrations on the
Cisco Learning Network www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace

PDF version: CCNA Wireless – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Cisco® CCNA® Wireless certification recognizes the critical importance of the professionals who support wireless LANs, including networking administrators, wireless support specialists, and WLAN project managers.

CCNA Wireless exam #640-721 IUWNE, the required exam for CCNA Wireless certification is now available through authorized VUE testing centers. To find a VUE testing center in your region, go to http://www.vue.com/cisco.
Implementing Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) v1.0, the recommended training course for CCNA Wireless, is now available in an instructor-led format through authorized Cisco Learning Solution Partners, Cisco Learning Partners, and their Sponsored Organizations. To find an authorized Cisco Learning Partner in your region, access the Cisco Global Learning Partner Locator at http://www.cisco.com/go/clplocator.
CCNA Wireless Benefits

Takes full advantage of the CCNA certification as the foundation for a career in Cisco networking technologies.
Provides training on the latest Cisco wireless technologies.
Prepares you for new career opportunities in wireless networking
The Cisco CCNA Wireless certification validates your ability to configure, implement, and support wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco authorized training courses are prepared for basic configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks for a Cisco WLAN in small and medium-sized business (SMB) and enterprise installations. In addition, students completing their CCNA Wireless concentration meet the prerequisite for Cisco professional level wireless specializations.

Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) is the recommended training for CCNA Wireless certification. You must pass the required IUWNE v1.0 (640-721) exam and hold an active CCNA certification in order to achieve your CCNA Wireless certification.

CCNA Wireless Exam and Recommended Training
Prerequisite: CCNA
Required Exams: 640-721 IUWNE
Recommended Courses: Implementing Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) v1.0
Notes: 5-day instructor-led training (ILT) course

Value of CCNA Concentrations
CCNA concentrations enable individuals to distinguish themselves in the highly competitive world of IT networking. These better-prepared employees can help employers reduce business risk, improve productivity, and maximize technology investments. Find out more today at http://www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace.

According to a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Cisco, there is a pervasive need for networking skills throughout
multiple functions of IT organizations, and the need is growing very fast:

* 36% of the global companies surveyed currently have a dedicated wireless role. Over the next five years, a dedicated wireless role is expected to be found in 66 percent of the IT organizations surveyed.
* Dedicated security roles are expected to exist in 80 percent of the companies studied within five years, while today a dedicated security role
was found in only 46 percent of the companies surveyed.
* 69 percent of the IT managers surveyed expect to have a dedicated voice specialist role in their IT organization within five years, while only 40
percent of respondents have them today.

To meet this challenge, Cisco is introducing Cisco CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Wireless concentrations. These are role-based, technology specific concentrations that provide current and future networking professionals with a learning path for career advancement.
What is the formal name of each CCNA concentration and what does each consist of?

The new associate-level concentrations are titled CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Wireless. In order to complete one of these concentrations, you must have a valid CCNA certification.

Concentrations are comprised of the following:
CCNA Wireless

The CCNA Wireless certification validates the candidate’s skills in the configuration, implementation, and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in small to medium-sized business (SMB) and enterprise networks. Once candidates complete the certification, employers will be able to validate that their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks.

CCNA Wireless Exams and Recommended Training
Prerequisite Required Exams Recommended Courses
CCNA 640-721 IUWNE Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE v1.0)

CCNA Security

The CCNA Security certification meets the needs of IT professionals who are responsible for network security. It confirms an individual’s skills for job roles such as network security specialists, security administrators, and network security support engineers. This certification validates skills including installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices, and develops competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.

CCNA Security Exams and Recommended Training
Prerequisite Required Exams Recommended Courses
CCNA 640-553 IINS Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS)

CCNA Voice

The CCNA Voice certification validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates
also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.
CCNA Voice Exams and Recommended Training

Prerequisite Required Exams Recommended Courses
CCNA 640-460 IIUC Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications (IIUC)
How do the CCNA concentrations relate to the CCNA certification?

In order to meet the prerequisites for one of the new CCNA concentrations, you must first pass the CCNA certification through one of two exam paths.
Prerequisites for CCNA Concentrations:

CCNA Exams and Recommended Training
Required Exam(s) Recommended Training
640-802 CCNA Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.0
or
640-822 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0
640-816 ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v1.0

Once you have completed your CCNA certification, you can choose one of the three new CCNA concentrations.

While CCNA remains the certification of choice for individuals who want to demonstrate a solid foundation in core routing and switching skills, the new CCNA Wireless, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Security certifications build on core CCNA skills and provide a clear path to prepare for a specialized job role in wireless, security, or voice technologies.
Do students have to complete the CCNA certification each time they want to take a different CCNA concentration?

No. The CCNA certification only needs to be passed one time in order to move on to each of the new CCNA concentrations.
How long are the new CCNA concentrations valid for?

CCNA Wireless, Voice, and Security certifications are valid for three years.
Will achieving any of the CCNA concentrations recertify my current CCNA certification? Will it recertify my CCENT certification?

Individuals passing any current CCNA concentration exam (wireless, security, voice) will automatically recertify their expiring CCNA concentration, CCNA or CCENT certification. Passing any 642 professional level exam or written CCDE or CCIE exam will also recertify a CCNA Concentration.
Will all three concentrations be available June 24, 2008?

Cisco will introduce the new CCNA concentrations globally on June 24, 2008. Both CCNA Voice and CCNA Security exams and courses will be available at this time. CCNA Wireless exams and courses will be available on July 25, 2008.
What types of jobs are available for people who pass one of the new CCNA concentrations?

The following job roles are available for people who obtain a CCNA Wireless certification:

* Network administrators
* Wireless technicians, support technicians
* Security engineers focused on wireless networks
* WLAN project managers
* Wireless support specialists

The following job roles are available for people who obtain a CCNA Security certification:

* Network security administrators
* Security specialists
* Security technicians
* Support technicians

The following job roles are available for people who obtain a CCNA Voice certification:

* Voice administrators
* Voice technicians
* Voice engineers

How do these new concentrations affect Cisco’s professional and expert level certifications?

Passing the new CCNA concentrations will serve as the prerequisites to the corresponding Cisco professional-level certification (Cisco CCSP, CCVP,and so on). However, the CCNA certification will continue to be the prerequisite to Cisco CCNP.
Are there other additional changes to the professional-level certifications that affect the new CCNA concentrations?

Yes, CCSP will be restructured in the fall as a result of the introduction of CCNA Security. The SND (Securing Network Devices) class and exam have been integrated into the IINS class and exam for CCNA Security. As a result, the SND exam will be retired on November 17, 2008 and will no longer be a requirement for CCSP. To accommodate candidates who may already be in progress preparing for a CCSP certification, CCNA + SND exams will be accepted in lieu of the CCNA Security exam until June 24, 2009.

Candidates for CCSP will now take a total of four exams-three required and one elective- instead of the five exams required today (four required and one elective exam). CCSP certifications will continue to give candidates a choice about the exams they must pass for certification.

To accommodate candidates who may already be in progress preparing for a CCVP certification, CCNA will be accepted as the prerequisite in place of CCNA Voice for up to one year, June 24, 2009.

Candidates already pursuing CCVP and CCSP will be able to use exams they have already passed for up to three years.
Where can I find more information about the new CCNA concentrations?

Cisco will prominently feature the new CCNA concentrations on the Cisco Learning Network: www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace.

Obtaining the CCNA Concentrations

Individuals Holding Active CCNA Certifications:

To achieve your CCNA concentration, you must only pass the associated certification exam. We recommend that you prepare for the exam by attending IINS, IIUC or IUWNE.

Individuals NOT Holding Active CCNA Certifications:

Prior to pursuing a CCNA Concentration, you must first hold an active CCNA Certification. This certification can be obtained by passing the 640-802 CCNA Composite Exam or passing the 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2 exams. Our CCNA Boot Camp, ICND1 and ICND2 courses provide excellent preparation for these exams.

After achieving your CCNA Certification, you will need to pass the certification exam associated to the concentration of your choice. We recommend that you prepare for the exam by attending IINS, IIUC or IUWNE.

CCNA Wireless Benefits

• Takes full advantage of the CCNA certification as the foundation for careers in Cisco networking technologies
• Provides training on the latest Cisco wireless technologies
• Prepares you for new career opportunities in wireless networking

Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials (IUWNE) is recommended training for CCNA Wireless certification. You must pass the required IUWNE v1.0 (640-721) exam and hold an active CCNA certification in order to achieve your CCNA Wireless certification.

Certification Requirements

The following courses help you prepare for this certification.

ICND1 – Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1

ICND2 – Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2

CCNA Boot Camp v2.0

IUWNE - Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials v1.0

And if you’re not CCNA certifed yet, these new certifications will give you even more reasons to do so!

In the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be adding exclusive articles and tutorials on these exciting new opportunities, and beginning in September, I’ll have new Study Packages available for these new and important Cisco certifications.

For now, let’s take a quick look at the three new certifications.

The new certifications are:

CCNA Voice
CCNA Security
CCNA Wireless
It’s important to understand that these are not replacing the current 640-802 CCNA exam – they’re additional certifications that you can only acquire after earning your NA. You can also earn these if you take the two-exam path – the path you take doesn’t matter; what matters is that you’re CCNA certified.

So why are these certifications so important? A study performed for Cisco by Forrester Consulting showed that 40% of companies surveyed have a voice specialist, and in the next five years, that percentage will rise to 69%.

There are equal opportunities coming in the Security and Wireless fields; you can read about the study results in those area on my CCNA Security and CCNA Wireless pages.

The bottom line is this: Voice is becoming more and more prevelent in today’s networks, and network admins who have knowledge and certification in Voice will have a major advantage over those who do not. That’s what the new CCNA Voice certification is all about!

An early look at the CCNA Voice exam blueprint shows that you’ll have to be knowledgable in these areas….

the Cisco Unified Communications Architecture

PSTN services and capabilities

VoIP signalling protocols

Voice plans, dial plans, gateways, and other voice network components

the Cisco Configuration Assistant

… and quite a few other topics that we’ll examine here in the days and weeks ahead.

These new CCNA certifications are a huge step forward for Cisco certifications, and I’m glad to see these additions. Imagine how your resume will look with the CCNA accompanied by Voice, Wireless, and Security certifications!

I’m a tough interview, and I’d certainly hire someone with those qualifications…. and if they already worked for me, they’d get the next available promotion.

I’ve been a part of the certification community for well over 12 years, and these new CCNA certifications are the best change I’ve seen in a long time… and I have no doubt they’ll prove to be the most valuable as well.

So if you’re not CCNA certified at present, you need to get started! There’s never been a better time to become a CCNA, and with these additional opportunities, there’s never been a more important time to do so!

By Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933

Of the three new CCNA certifications – Security, Voice, and Wireless – the CCNA Security cert may well be the most valuable of all.

Security admins are in huge demand now, and according to a recent study performed by Forrester Consulting for Cisco, that demand is literally going to almost double over the next five years.

Presently, 46% of companies included in the survey have at least one dedicated security network admin, and over the next five years that percentage will reach 80%.

To take the 640-553 Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam and become CCNA Security certified, you must first be a CCNA – so if you’re not working on the valuable certification already, you need to get started so you can take advantage of the opportunities presented by these new certifications.

In the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be adding exclusive articles and tutorials for each of the three new CCNA certifications. That includes video presentations exclusive to The Bryant Advantage website.

The Security videos and tutorials will be posted on this page, with the CCNA Wireless and CCNA Voice tutorials posted on their respective dedicated pages. Bookmark all three and make sure to read the blog or subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to know about these free tutorials!

The new CCNA certifications do NOT replace the current CCNA exams – they’re additional certifications that you can only acquire after earning your NA.

The numbers don’t lie – network admins who have practical Security knowledge and certification will have a huge advantage in the years ahead over those who do not. This is a huge opportunity and you need to be ready to take advantage.

I’ve sneaked a peek at the CCNA Security exam blueprint, and I can tell you that it’s very heavy on the Security Device Manager (SDM), a Cisco router GUI that allows you to configure many router features via this GUI rather than at the CLI.

Having used SDM quite a bit, and having written about it for the CCNP ISCW Study Package, I can tell you that SDM can truly help keep your network more secure. I’m glad to see it on the CCNA Security exam.

And believe me, my CCNA Security Study Package will be packed with SDM screen shots!

CCNA Security exam topics also include….

Defending against Worms, Viruses, Trojan Horses, and other network attacks

Performing a security audit with SDM

Using SDM to lock the router down (I’ll show you when you should do this – and when you shouldn’t!)

Using encrypted password, privilege levels, the Supervisor role, and other CLI-based defenses

Configuring RADIUS, TACACS+, AAA, named ACLs

… and quite a few other topics that we’ll examine here in the days and weeks ahead.

I’m really glad to see Cisco respond to the needs of today’s networks by offering CCNA Security certification – and this is a huge opportunity for all network admins.

I’m a tough interview, and I’d certainly hire someone with those qualifications…. and if they already worked for me, they’d get the next available promotion.

I’ve been a part of the certification community for well over 12 years, and these new CCNA certifications are the best change I’ve seen in a long time… and I have no doubt they’ll prove to be the most valuable as well. In my humble opinion, the CCNA Security certification will prove to be the most valuable of the three.

So if you’re not CCNA certified at present, you need to get started! There’s never been a better time to become a CCNA, and with these additional opportunities, there’s never been a more important time to do so!

Five Minutes From Now, You Can Be Studying For CCNA Exam Success Just As Thousands Of Other CCNA Candidates Around The World Have – With Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933 With You Every Step Of The Way – With The Ultimate CCNA Exam Study Package!

Here’s a new CCNA Security tutorial for you, as we begin our look at how to use Security Device Manager (SDM) to put a router into one-step lockdown. We’ll also discuss whether that lockdown is always a good idea!

CCNA Security Exam: Using SDM For One-Step Lockdown

CCNA Security Practice Exam: 10 Questions On NTP And Passwords

Be sure to bookmark this page – in the days and weeks ahead, I’ll have more CCNA Security tutorials for you on this page, including video and written looks at Security Device Manager.

These tutorials will help you get ready for the release of my CCNA Security Study Package in September as well! Click that link to find out how you can start studying in less than five minutes from now for CCNA Security exam success!

You’ll also find free tutorials on on the CCNA Voice exam and CCNA Wireless exam pages, too – so bookmark those pages and come back often!