The CCNA is NOT an Entry Level I.T. Certification

Has anyone ever told you to get Cisco's CCNA certification if you're looking to get into I.T.? What if I told you that the CCNA is not and should not ever be considered an entry level certification. Let's dive deeper into this discussion.

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[JimWebbJax]

Entry level position does not always mean they will train you on everything. They call it 'entry level' so they can pay you 'entry level'.

[JeremysITLab]

CCNA is an entry-level networking certification, not a general IT cert like the A+. I would absolutely recommend that people who want to get into networking aim for the CCNA, since it is BY FAR the most recognized entry-level networking certification, but it should not be recommended to those looking to get into 'IT', since networking is just one possible path in the field of IT.

[patdoty]

I would also like to note it took me 7 months to acquire the CCNA and the industry is super toxic for new people man, thanks for speaking up.

[angrykoala]

You are not wrong.
A+ will get you a job a LOT faster than a CCNA.
That being said, the CCNA has the POTENTIAL to get you a much higher paying job AFTER you get the experience from the job that the A+ got you.

[chrisredfield]

*looking for Entry level position but must have 3-4 years prior * LMFAOOO ok

[kingepostle]

Whoever says CCNA is a beginner cert doesn't know a thing about IT. The Network+ is a beginner level cert. The CCENT is a beginner level cert. The CCNA is pretty advance because of the Protocols and such it teaches you...

[Three_Dog_Gaming]

To be fair, if you've got a CCNA, you're probably NOT looking for an entry level job anyway.

[shadytv]

"Wow you have a CCNA? Great! Then you must be able to troubleshoot Windows/Linux SMB/NFS, EUE such as Windows/Mac Desktops/Laptops and Mobile OS's such as iOS and Android. Debug driver issues and submit bug reports with vendors. Create and manage firewall rules, write a corporate security whitepaper, It should take you no time to figure out how to do all of the sysadmin tasks and optimize our development chain for CI/CD. The CCNA must go over Docker container Orchestration with Kubernetes and Ansible/Chef configuration of OpenShift plus AWS API's for Cloud integration for managing our cluster of thousands of servers, right? Plus you should know how our projector and microwave works and while you're at is why is the power in this part of the building spotty? I mean this is all entry level IT stuff."
-> $45k/yr - no paid vacation - always on call.


- This is seriously the line of logic from these people.The marketers on LinkedIn hiring for these jobs have no idea what Cisco even is.

[michaelsasylum]

CCNA 1999 was entry level, CCNA 2019 definitely isn't.

[cradical]

Got my A+ and N+ in early 2010's, did a few microsoft admin certifications and then jumped into cisco. Cisco CCNA was the hardest but it landed me my first job, and now i am in love the Networking side of IT.

[michaelyang]

CCNA is for people who is trying to become network engineer. Not for entry level tech job.

[xrellikgr]

Honestly in order to get a CCNA you must already know hardware and software, so having a CCNA already shows that you know IT stuff, also the CCNA test is not just a test, it requires you to do real world lab problems. So passing the CCNA shows the employer that you know how to configure a enterprise network

[RobertSeeley]

The CCNA is an entry level certification, just not a general entry level IT certification. If you are just trying to get into IT and have no experience absolutely get the A+, Network+, and/or the Security+. However, after a few years of experience, or for really anything above entry level, those CompTIA certifications lose their value almost completely. The CCNA IS an entry level NETWORKING certification. You can argue that the Network+ is but the problem with the Network+ is that it is vendor neutral. You aren't going to learn how to configure Cisco or Juniper devices in the Network+ and if you don't know how configure the devices, what good are you going to be in a networking role? The CCNA is THE DE FACTO entry level networking certification.

[micsermaster]

I'm just getting around to this video. I've been in IT since the Ice Age. Litterally at the DOS age, but never got around to testing for the CCNA until about 5 weeks ago due to procrastination. Passed the ICND1 on Monday. I'm Doing it now due to the coming certpocolypse, which will be even harder to pass. It is certainly not an entry-level cert as it was back in the day. You need to know a lot more in version 3, which is about to expire, especially with regard to troubleshooting RS issues. It is the base to lead you to CCNP specializations and with the 2/24/20 exam changes, which will require a high degree of knowledge in many other areas, such as security, IOT, Voice, and a few more, just for CCNA. It will also become one exam after the deadline.


As far as getting a job, that's a roll of the dice. Meaning luck and timing. I shop my resume every year and have over 25 years of experience in IT and for the most part, I get no replies or offers, except from BS recruiters. It's very interesting but there are literally hundreds of candidates to compete against. For entry-level, you are right in saying that those fundamental certs are a lot more handy for entry-level folks looking to get "into" IT. I highly encourage it.


Yes, the CCNA certification track is for those that are really looking to get into networking and potentially higher-paying jobs. But don't just look at getting a job anywhere, target the right company's. Some on this thread have mentioned toxic environments where they've worked. Well, then you're working at the wrong place.


Here's a tip for those that are searching: The same way they are interviewing you for the job, you should be interviewing them about the job and company. Look at the culture, whether most employees are happy and speak highly of the company and co-workers, what are their "Core Values." growth opportunities, training and education, benefits, etc. That usually spins their heads and lets them know how serious you are. When you get the response, it will help you determine if it is the right place for you.

[DevOpsLabsMe]

I agree with this 100%.. I got a CCNA in R&S and Security and couldn't land an entry level job.. Got A + and got numerous calls from recruiters.

[alexey]

Dude, several times I had to look at the timer to make sure the video hasn’t started over again.

[airfryerdeluxe]

2:35 Yup, I'm one of those. I just got hired on as a network engineer with no certs. Only prior experience is desktop support lol. 78K salary, and they'll be training me for the CCNP.

I lucked out for sure.

[cheeseburgerwalrus]

I am very limited on experience, but I'll just give my short story. I went to school for an A.S. degree in computer science with a focus on "network engineering". Our core networking classes were all Cisco based, so that's the road i went down for certs. I passed my ICND1 and found a job for a "Jr. Network Engineer" that said it required zero experience, and preferred people with CCNA's, but would consider CCENT's. I applied, but was still in school so they basically wanted to wait until I graduated.

A week before graduation, I took my ICND2 and passed, which earned me my CCNA obviously. I called the hiring company and told them about my new certification and they basically said "you're hired, we are forgoing the interview process and want you to start ASAP." I start on Monday and it is my first job in the IT world. I am nervous, but excited because I actually find working with Cisco equipment to be fun.

With that being said, I am essentially working for Cisco, they are the ones paying me. I'm a contingent worker, and if I was applying to any other company, maybe my certs wouldn't hold as much weight.

Oh, and just because I have my CCNA does not mean I am making oodles of money. This is entry level after all, the pay isn't extraordinary. I think with experience + the certs I have, that's when pay will become higher.

[iambean]

A+ will teach you the fundamentals of IT systems, Network+ will teach you the fundamentals of networking, CCNA will further enhance those networking fundamentals; do it in that order. You don't need to have the certs but focus on knowing the material. There are plently of study guides and free resources. Your resume gets you an interview; you get the job.

[londongrace]

I see quite a lot of entry level job offerings that require at least 4 years of prior experience.